Wisdom

Father,

I pray for those who are raising these children, that you will give them wisdom. These are difficult times, difficult to raise children to be dedicated Christians. With all the things that can go wrong, all the temptations into which children can fall, all the ways that a life can get off track, it can be simply overwhelming for those who love these children and who are attempting to raise them in your ways. They will and do have difficult decisions to make, how much freedom to allow, how much protection to give, what to do about friends, boyfriends, girlfriends who may not be the best influence. There will be times when they simply don't feel up to the task - not enough wisdom. Walk beside them in these times. Put your arms around them. Draw them close. May they always reach out to you in prayer - prayers for wisdom and guidance - prayers for protection from the evil one. I pray that you grant those prayers for wisdom, guidance and protection, that you fill them full of your wisdom, that you give them insight and discernment so that they can know what is going on in the lives of these kids, that they can know which friends are good influences and which are not.

Since each child is different and each responds differently, give those who are raising them wisdom as to what approaches, what techniques, what forms of discipline and encouragement is most effective for each child. I pray that their relationship with each child will strengthen and, in time as the child matures into adulthood, that they are all blessed for that relationship to transition into one of life-long friendship.

Raising these children is the most noble of responsibilities. Reward them greatly for their work.

Amen