Holy Father,
It’s summer and my schedule has suddenly changed. Children need full-time care again. I’m excited, but know from experience that this creates its own source of challenges. I’m glad You are my Source to run to when I don’t know what else to do.
First, I ask that this be a summer that I don’t lean on what I see and understand with my own reasoning. Instead, may both my children and I find ways to acknowledge You daily. Straighten out my paths as I entrust these months to You (Proverbs 3:5-6). Sometimes, when we are all together, boredom can set in and make the darks seem awfully dark. I pray that this time our pathway as family would get brighter and brighter as we walk in the Light You provide (Proverbs 4:18). Thank You that when we have just a little of Your light, You promise that we are on the way for more (Psalm 39:6).
Focus our eyes to look into final reality, where You reign supreme over the details. Give me the energy to do one thing at a time, carefully watching exactly what I am teaching my children. Establish my footsteps into Your pathway, so I can lead my children into the future You have planned (Proverbs 4:25).
Reveal to me how I can still spend time in Your word this summer. With limited alone time, I ask that You to stir up the Word already within me. Grant me recall with the Word that’s already in my heart. Guide me while I do chores; watch over me while I sleep, and speak to me first thing in the morning (Proverbs 6:22). Thank You that Your Word is light to our family (Proverbs 6:23). When I do have spare time, remind me to seek Your Presence rather than the latest on social media. Knowledge of You is where I will get her understanding for my day (Proverbs 9:10).
As I relate to my family, I ask that You bind up nit-picky words from our mouths. Although I seldom feel wise, I know that You have made me so in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30). Faithing this, I know my tongue can bring healing (Prov. 12:18). Reveal to me how I can help my children fulfill their desires (Proverbs 13:12) without spoiling them rotten (Prov. 13:24). It’s a delicate balance.
Even though you have made me wise in Christ Jesus, I still want to ask for wisdom today (James 1:5). Grant me wisdom, so that I can speak words that encourage, not words that tear down (Proverbs 14:1). Teach me how to use my words to soothe and be like a strong life-giving tree (Proverbs 15:4). Weighs my motives and direct me how to see myself as You do (Proverbs 16:2). I commit my parenting plans to You, Lord. Fulfill Your promise and organize them for our best (Proverbs 16:3).
May the training that my children receive be straight from Your heart. Despite my exhaustion and questions, be the Foundation that allows them to grow into Spirit-led adults (Prov. 22:6). Grant me strength, and remind me daily to ask for it. I’ll need it especially in the unexpected times of trouble (Proverbs 24:10). Thank You that even when my flesh and my strength fails, You are still the strength of my heart (Psalm 73:26). Show us a clear vision for where You are taking our family (Proverbs 29:18).
As I work out what Proverbs 31 means for me, remind me often that success in parenting is not through my works but through faith in Your works (Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:10). My I some day hear my children say, “my mom is a woman worthy of praise!” (Prov. 31:30). In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
.