As parents, we have the biggest influence on the lives of our children. And while that’s a heavy weight to carry, we aren’t doing it alone. Through the power and presence of God, we can trust that He’s moving in their lives in ways we might never fully understand.
One of the best ways we can care for our kids is by praying over them regularly, especially in the everyday moments of life. If you’re not sure what to pray or where to start, you can find 15 sample prayers below. Let these prompts start your conversation with God. And if you want to keep the conversation going, tell Him more specifically about your child, what they love, what they hate, and how you see God at work in their lives.
Health and Protection Prayers for Your Kid
1. A Prayer for Protection for Your Kids
Father, there are so many things in this world that try to compete for the attention of my children. Whether it’s temptations to make wrong choices, the poor influence of an algorithm, or something completely different, I know that the enemy comes to seek, kill, and destroy. And I thank You, Father, that You promise to bring safety, protection, and life to the full. Please protect my children from the things of this world that try to steal their joy or separate them from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer for Your Kids’ Health
God, I know that You are our ultimate Healer, and I ask that You would give my kids health and healing in any area of their life where they might currently be lacking. Whether they’re currently ill or not, I know that You care about their health. Please help their immune systems to grow strong as they grow up. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Prayer for Your Child With a Disability
Heavenly Father, thank You for making my child in Your image, and thank You for the perspectives I gain being their parent. As we grow together, please give me wisdom and discernment to know when, where, and how to advocate for their best interests. As my child goes into the world, I pray they would be met with kindness and grace by the people You’ve surrounded them with. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prayers for Faith and Trust in God for Your Kids
4. A Prayer to Trust God With Your Kids
Father, I admit that trusting You with someone as precious to me as my child is difficult. But I believe that You have entrusted them to me, and so I choose to trust You. Please grow my faith in You, knowing that You are working all things together for their good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer for Salvation for Your Kids
Kind and loving Father, please draw the heart of my child toward You. Grow their curiosity and hunger for a personal relationship with You. Please give me the wisdom to know how to point them toward You every day in every season. As they discover more of who You are, please guide them to choose a life following You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. A Prayer for Spiritual Growth for Your Kids
Heavenly Father, I want my child to know You more and more personally as they grow up. When their spiritual growth is challenging or uncomfortable, I ask that You would meet them there. Through the mountaintop moments and valley seasons, please grow their faith in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. A Prayer for Answering Your Kids’ Big Questions
God, sometimes my kids ask me big questions, about life, friendship, and You. I don’t always have the answers or know how to respond. In those moments, please give me Your wisdom. Help me to practice curiosity in my own life so they continue asking their big questions. Thank You for the ways their questions lead to a deeper understanding of the world around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
8. A Prayer for Navigating Changes With Your Kids
Father, change is hard. And navigating changes, big or small, with my kids can be challenging. I want to lead them in a direction that honors You. When we experience change in our lives, please help my kids to be brave and to trust in Your plan more than their understanding. And give me strength to walk through it with them, modeling what it looks like to have an unwavering faith in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Heart and Identity Prayers for Your Kid
9. A Prayer for Your Kids’ Confidence
Heavenly Father, trying new things and being yourself can be really exciting and scary. I know that You have uniquely gifted my children with everything they need for today, so I pray that they would choose to be brave and bold. Grow their confidence, especially as they try to do what’s right, love people well, and honor You every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
10. A Prayer for Your Kids’ Identity
Gracious God, I believe my children are fearfully and wonderfully made by You and in Your image. As they discover who they are in You, I pray they would fully embrace their identity in You. In a world that tries to tell them who they are, let Your voice be heard above the noise. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Relationships and Family Prayers for Kids
11. A Prayer for Friendships for Your Kids
God, I thank You that my kids are never alone because You are with them. As they go about their days and activities, I pray that You would surround my kids with healthy, kind, and supportive friendships. Let their friends have a positive influence in their lives, and let them feel encouraged and known by the individuals around them. And as my kids seek out these friendships, I pray that You would guide them to be the type of friend they’re looking for. In Jesus’ name, amen.
12. A Prayer for a New Sibling
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for the new life that will be joining our family. And I recognize that it will be a big transition for all of us, especially our kids. Please help our older kids to connect quickly with the new baby, and let this bring our family even closer together. In this changing season, help my kids feel extra seen, known, and cared for by everyone in our family. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Daily Life and Rhythm Prayers for Kids
13. A Morning Prayer for Your Kids
Thank You for a brand new day, Father. We’re choosing to start from a place of joy and gratitude as we think about our calendar, plans, and hopes for today. Please remind us that You are near in every moment of the day, and help us to honor You with our thoughts, words, and actions. In Jesus’ name, amen.
14. A Bedtime Prayer for Your Kids
Kind Father, thank You for today. Thank You for the good moments, the difficult moments, and the funny moments. We’re grateful for the times we’ve had together today. Please help us to sleep and rest well. In Jesus’ name, amen.
15. A Prayer for Your Kids to Make Wise Choices at School
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your wisdom whenever we ask. As my kids go to school today, please remind them that they can turn to You for help. And when they do, please remind them of the choices and decisions that would best honor You and care for others. Help meet their needs for focus, energy, and resilience as they go about their day. And guide them to make wise choices. In Jesus’ name, amen.
As you build a habit of praying over your kids, remember that God hears every word. And when you’re at a loss for words, He hears that too, and He’s drawing close to you. He has equipped you with everything you need for today as you parent and raise your children, so rest in His presence today as you talk with Him.
A Prayer for Parents, as You Pray for Your Kids
Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting Your kids to my family. Please give me wisdom, guidance, and discernment as I work to lead them to know You more deeply. Thank You for allowing me to be a parent to my children. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Keep Praying for Your Kids
You won’t always know what to pray, and that’s okay. God knows your kids even better than you do. Bring Him whatever is on your mind today, then trust Him with what you can’t see or control.