Prayer: Day 26

“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:20 (NLT)

I knew I’d have to deal with honor and respect the first time my son looked me fiercely in the eye and shouted, “No!” It’s an inevitable part of motherhood. But as often as we desire our children’s honor and respect of us, how often do we intentionally examine the model we provide for them? Honoring our own parents isn’t always easy. Maybe our childhood was dysfunctional at best. Or maybe it was wonderful, only we have a tendency toward taking the wonderful for granted. Let’s pray for us and our children today.

Praying for Ourselves and our Children to Honor our Parents:

Father, thank You for the gift of family. As I grew in my Mother’s womb, You wrote my days in Your book of life (Ps. 139:16). You created my life and the very intricacies about me including the family line from which I come. Whether my life was spent with the family who bore me or who adopted me, You placed me there. Sometimes I forget that truth and forget everything You do is good and has meaning.

Lord, at times I struggle. Whether due to distance, busyness, or pain from circumstances, I forget that You have commanded me to honor my mother and my father (Ex. 20:12) and that my doing so pleases You (Col. 3:20). Challenge me where I tend to forget to show my love in action. When dishonoring words cross my mind, place a holy filter upon my lips, giving me words to lift up, encourage, and honor the parents You have given me. Where resentment or grief lay hidden in the recesses of my heart, replace them with forgiveness and peace. Let me be the example for my children and may they hold tight to that example, bringing it forward from generation to generation. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

-Lori

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