My children will consider the ways of the ant and be wise. The ant does not wait for someone to tell them how to survive, they just do it. Give my children the determination to accomplish the ingrained mission programmed into their very being … and the will to keep working daily toward that goal!…

Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up. My children will know my criticism is for their benefit and not feel the sting but only the comfort of my hand leading them in the way of God. Ephesians 4:29

Make Your way level and straight before my children. They are young and need Your guidance. Send me out before them as a mighty worker removing stones and breaking down obstructions with every prayer I utter and every act of obedience and service to You. Psalms 5:7-8

Let my children experience the exquisite peace and contentment that You have given to me. Then they will crave more and seek opportunities for righteous living … for Your confidential communion and secret counsel are only with those who are upright and in right standing with You. Proverbs 3:32

Let my children recognize that the little rainbows in their lives (the small needs met at just the right time) are the signs that You care for them. I will watch for these moments in their lives also and together will worship You in gratitude and love. Genesis 9:13-15

My children will be patient and kind. They will not be irritable, rude, selfish, easily angered and will keep no record of when they have been wronged. Let me be a living example of your definition of love so they will grow in knowledge and wisdom and reveal this kind of love to future generations….

Fill my children with joy by revealing their shortcomings. Do not let them erect defenses against their own inadequacies and try to hide their faults from themselves and others. Let them embrace justified criticism for what it is … encouragement toward spiritual growth. Proverbs 15:5

Fix my thoughts on what is true and humble and right. Let me think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. I will worry about nothing and pray about everything. My children will put into practice all they hear from me and see me doing. Philemon 4:8-9

Help my children understand that they will need people to help fulfill Your purpose for their life and get them where they need to go next. Let them see me humble myself to others as well as honor those God has placed in my life. Romans 16:3

Let me know my children’s weakness, but show them their strengths; feel their fears but fortify their faith; see their anxieties but free their spirit; recognize their disabilities but emphasize their possibilities. Proverbs 27:17 & William Alan Ward