Author: deetscott

We’re all ready for a new start- aren’t you? If there was ever any doubt, 2016 taught us this world is NOT our home, and there comes a time each of us has to walk through the “valley of the shadow of death.” I want to do everything I can to make sure my kids are walking with their Shepherd when that happens.

And so I chose Ephesians 1 and 2 as the theme for 2017.

Father, I am immeasurably thankful that you have blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places- even as you chose us!  You have adopted my kids. You have redeemed them, you have made known to us the mystery of your will. We have an eternal inheritance, and we are sealed through your spirit.

Father, I will never, never cease to give thanks for each of my children.  I know each one is a blessing which I could not possibly deserve.

I come asking boldly- not of a sense of entitlement but as one who has already been given so much it is ridiculous, so I am asking for more.

For Graeson

For Isabelle

For Grant

For Danielle

For the many other children I love

Please Father, give them the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of you.  Enlighten the eyes of their hearts, that they may know the hope to which you called them- what are the riches of your glorious inheritance, and what is the immeasurable greatness of your power toward we who believe- that power that raised Jesus from the dead and sat him at your right hand above all others.  Help them grasp the love you have for us that led Christ to death while we were still sinners, that caused you to seat us with him at your right hand so that you will show us the immeasurable riches of your grace in kindness toward us in Christ.

I pray, Father, that my children will receive this from you so that they live as your workmanship, created in Christ and doing the good works you have prepared for them, walking in your will.

Lord, hear our prayer.

I’m starting over, my friends.  Two years ago I began this adventure in prayer for my children and it has been-as I’m sure you would predict- a humbling, powerful journey.

I started because I realized that I was failing in praying for my kids.  I prayed about daily concerns, and issues as they came to my attention.  But I was failing to pray for essential godly characteristics.  And I was forgetting to pray for hidden issues, or problems they hadn’t yet faced, or the struggles I just didn’t see. So I chose certain passages and committed to pray one prayer from one part of the passage for a whole week, asking for discernment from the Lord, for wisdom in application now and in the future. I have been astounded by what the Lord has done in revealing to me what I need to see and what I need to talk about with the kids.

Every once in awhile I am convicted anew by the magnitude of the battle our kids are have to fight. And I am terrified because I know–they need Jesus, they need their heavenly Father so desperately.  But God has promised to answer, and so all we have to do is ask (I wrote about this in “I’m asking”)

So let’s start over together.  Each Monday I will publish a prayer.  You can see the schedule for the year here. Will you join me? Comment your prayers for your kids, whether yours are the same as mine or not.  If you like my prayers, here are some ways you can make them your own:

1. Pray the same prayer the same week for your kids.

2. Print out the text of the prayer and hang it on your mirror or put it on your table or hang it on your wall somewhere for the kids to see.

2. Copy the text (which I have included below the photo) onto your own photo using an app such as Rhonna Designs (it’s what I use) or any number of other photo editing apps.  Print and post as above, or add it your Instagram or Facebook feed.

And then- let’s share how God has spoken through our prayers.  Let’s pray for each other and each others’ kids. Let’s laugh and cry together  as we support each other through 2017.

We can’t correct all wrongs, it’s true. But when we repent of our own selfishness and serve our own community with God’s love and power, He can magnify and multiply in astonishing ways. Kids, you will be filled with joy when you allow Him to work through you in this way. #prayersformychildren #journeywithNehemiah

…fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” Kids, never let the enemy discourage you or distract you. God will frustrate any plans to defeat you, so just keep your eyes focused on what He has given you to do, and why it is so important. #prayersformychildren #journeywithNehemiah

“0 Lord, please hear my prayer!” Today we begin the journey with Nehemiah. My prayer for you, kids, is that the brokenness of our world does not break you. That you do not despair, and you do not submit. Yes, there are times of mourning and weeping. But our mourning and weeping is part of seeking God and His will, His plan to use us to restore, rebuild, and ultimately, prevail. #prayersformychildren #journeywithNehemiah

“And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed into that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” #prayersformychildren #LORDhearourprayer

It’s a prayer going both directions- inwardly, that we would examine ourselves and allow God’s healing touch, and outwardly, that we would see with His eyes. #prayersformychildren #givemeYoureyes

With gentleness and understanding, Jesus reassures us- “You know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” #prayersformychildren #letsbelieveHim

Today, kids, I pray that your eyes would be clear- seeing as God sees- because if they are, everything about you will be full of light. We live in a world of skewed perspectives and misplaced priorities, but all of the nonsense immediately disappears when we allow the light of God’s truth to illuminate our souls. #prayersformychildren #givemeYoureyes