These are my prayers for my children. As you read them, they are not eloquent. In fact, from prayer to prayer, they are relatively inconsistent. Depending on the day I was praying or the circumstances going on in our family's life, the prayers take on a different vibe. There are days that I've felt like a complete failure as a parent and father. There are days that I think I'm killing it, only to have a different experience twenty-four hours later. There are nights when I go to bed frustrated with behaviors and my reactions. And, I will tell you...the only comfort I ever get in those moments is the presence of the Father. As I ask, seek, and knock, I'm able to rest in His promises and authority.

Prayer is the pathway to that rest, to that comfort, to that joy I long to have as a broken but hopeful parent. Even as I write this, a tear drops from my face because of the mixture of joy and frustration I have as a parent, as a dad. Yet, I know the tear that just dropped, isn't one of grief but of passion. It's a passion that comes from a steadfastness to fight for my children. Recognizing that there is a battlefield they step into every day, I must go before them. So the best thing I know to do is pray...asking the Father for wisdom, protection and power. I'm seeking His presence, because it's the only thing that brings peace to the long days of a parent's life. And I knock! I really knock...trusting that the promises of Jesus come to fruition in my children's lives. So, I pray!

Prayer is a conversation with God - a God that loves to hear His children pray to Him. He loves listening to us, especially as we intercede for our children. As the Father, the Lord knows our deepest longings we have as a parent. He knows how our heart aches for our children, and He also knows the joy of children walking in faith.

The hope is this resource will encourage you. Of course, you get a window into some of the ways I've prayed for my kids, but you also can further learn how to pray specifically over your own children, regardless of how old they may be.

I believe the Holy Spirit and Scripture are the primary guiding resources for our prayers. So, let me encourage you as you walk through this resource to begin by asking the Spirit to help you intercede on behalf of your children (Romans 8:26). And then, I've provided some verses that have been a light to me as I've prayed over my children. But let me encourage you to use some of the passages that have been meaningful to you as well.

As you read my prayers, ask the Spirit to put your own words into prayers for your children. They don't have to be long or articulate. They don't have to be complete sentences or have perfect grammar (you'll notice I need to touch-up on my grammar too). The prayers just need to be yours.

I pray that you'll find joy, conviction and guidance in this resource. I believe as you exercise these muscles, God will move in your life and the life of your family. In fact, I know He will! Jesus always responds to us when we seek Him (Hebrews 11:6; Jeremiah 29:13).

Eric Herrstrom