7 Powerful Scriptures You Need To Pray Over Your Kids

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“Mom, don’t forget to pray over me!” my child murmured sleepily. “I would never forget.” I smiled, and I laid my hand on his head. Following the traditions of thousands of parents throughout the ages, I called on the name of the most high God.

“Father In Heaven, I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel’s Guardian will never doze or sleep. God’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you—Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.  God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life.  He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.” (Psalm 121:1-8)

Praying Scripture over your children is one of the most powerful gifts you can give your kids. It teaches them about the character of God, it reminds them of their identity in Christ and comforts them with the knowledge of his protection and love.

“The combination of words and touch leaves children with the deep sense of being loved, accepted, cared for, and valued.”- Vernie Schor Love

Discover my top tips and seven powerful scriptures you can pray over your children today.  

1. Prayers For My Children: The Importance  

Establishing a habit of praying over your child is so powerful. It teaches them about the character of God, reminds them of who they are, and where they are going.  Praying scripture is a physical act of obedience, a daily surrender of your need to control, and a placing of your most precious treasure into God’s protection and love.

Erik Erikson, the famous child psychoanalyst, believed that “we are influenced by the history of our family and community as well as by present dynamics…The stories of who we have been as a family, a community or a nation affect our expectations, perceptions, and responses. When these stories are recounted and celebrated, their influence increases.”- Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey

By immersing our family in scripture through prayer, experience, study, and celebration, we increase its influence in the lives of our children. By establishing a daily practice of prayer: it models for our children a life lived with God. We communicate to our children that we were not meant to live separated from God.

Children also need adults who are willing to intentionally cover them in prayer. They will face many challenges, and they need adults who will serve as prayer intercessors. Praying Scripture over your child is convenient (you don’t have to come up with any words). And it is a great way to engage in the work of the Holy Spirit in your child’s life.

2. Prayers For My Children: 7 Powerful Scriptures

Here are some tips that you might find helpful. I have found that the easiest way is to pray over my children at bedtime.

Take the time to prepare notecards with key verses ahead of prayer time.  You want to choose verses on topics most relevant to your child’s situation. For instance, if your child is struggling with worry, focus on praying scriptures on peace over your child.

The goal is not to complete a prayer but to steep yourself in scripture. Children love repetition. So focus on one prayer for several days, weeks, or months until you feel the Holy Spirit drawing you to another passage.

I have included seven passages of scripture on a variety of topics to get you started.

Blessing

Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”