Parenting has been one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of my life. I’ve never laughed, cried, and worried about anything more.

Through each stage of development, I questioned whether we were saying and doing the right things. Pretty quickly acknowledging my parenting inadequacy, I leaned into the peace and purpose I found in prayer early on.

Recently becoming a grandparent, I re-discovered a prayer I penned when my children were young and updated it for my sweet granddaughter.

I would be honored to pray it over your children. Whether 3 months, 3 years or 30, it will suit any age. And if you don’t have children, I have used this prayer for grown-ups too!

Go ahead; soak in the peace and power of someone praying over your family today.

A man must talk to God about his children before he talks to his children about God. Ed Cole

Children are a most precious gift.

A beautiful miracle,

Carefully formed by the Father’s hand.

Woven into perfection,

And bundled in love.

I offer this prayer for all her days,

each one ordained in love.

Give her eyes to see:

The good in every intention,

The pain behind every hurtful word,

The backstory behind every distressing deed,

And the perpetual plight of the marginalized.

Bestow her Father’s eyes.

Bless her with ears that are long-suffering,

So she may listen

When a human heart is discouraged,

Attending with both heart and mind.

And consider wisely before responding.

Give her a tongue of gold, not silver.

Slow in its reproach,

Gentle with its response,

And quick to sing Your praises.

But when storms come, and they will-

Whether fierce gale or monsoon,

May she persevere when the dark night descends,

Clinging to the only hand that saves,

Eyes focused on the One who will hold her

Until the storm subsides,

And she is safely to the other side.

May these seasons not embitter but embolden,

Maturing her towards goodness, grit and growth.

Grant hands that serve,

And a heart full of tenderness and compassion

To guide her service.

And as she serves,

May she discern weariness of soul

In herself and others,

Embracing and encouraging

Moments, days and seasons of rest,

Fiercely pushing back the foreboding cultural culprits:

Comparison, criticism, and condemnation,

Whose only consolation is perpetual striving.

May her feet be steadfast,

To run and not grow weary,

Joyfully walking with her Shepherd,

And faint not.

May she acknowledge Him in all her ways,

Trusting He makes every path straight.

May she securely grasp His strong yet gentle hand

As they journey together towards her destiny.

Train up a child in the way he should go – but be sure you go that way yourself. Charles Spurgeon

Grant her a sound mind:

Wise and discerning,

Understanding and opportunistic.

Embracing space for growth,

Staying curious and open,

For perpetual flourishing.

Pair this with a steadfast mind,

Firmly focused on what matters most –

You.

May she search not for the easy road, the comfortable life or the silver lining,

But peering deeply into the penetrating eyes of her Shepherd,

May she discover the rich and satisfying life He died to give her.

May she be strong, faithful, imperfectly beautiful—a woman You would write about.

When our children see us clinging to the promises of God, they will grow up trusting in His goodness. Michael Youssef