"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 NLT
Lord, you are the Great Sheppard for your people. I pray that you will order the steps of my daughter today, before she even learns to walk. May the small choices she makes be integrated into the larger picture of her life. Often times, those small choices we make in life lead down a path of blessing or ruin. During my daughter's youth, I'm sure that she won't consider the bigger picture of her life, but you will. I know, even now while Adalyn grows inside my womb, you see the beginning and end of her life. I pray you direct each choice she makes, like a lighthouse directing the vessels of the sea. Thank you for your steadfastness. Thank you for your loving wisdom. Thank you for your hope, which is new every morning. Amen.
"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live!" - Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
Lord, the number of people we encounter and relationships we form in our lifetime boggles the mind. Guide, in your divine nature, the people the enter my daughters life. Provide her with the relationships she needs and friends who will be benevolent and virtuous. It is my hope that their influence on her choices be morally excellent. I can't shelter my daughter forever, or hold her hand throughout the day, but you can, Lord. You will walk beside my daughter during every moment of her life, like you have walked and continue to walk with me. Give her cognizance of your guiding hand in her relationships, romantic and otherwise. Guide her friendships, and the choices she will make in this significant part of her life. Amen.
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." - Proverbs 13:20 ESV
Lord, my daughters education will come from many different sources. I pray for each of my daughters teachers, in the classroom and in the world. Help the teachers be sensitive to my daughter's (and each child's) needs and give the teachers knowledge to meet those concerns. Bless my daughter's teachers with patience, firmness and clear communication. Good teachers are often (and naturally) admired and adored, so let the persons who teach my child be of strong moral character. Awaken in my daughter's heart an enthusiasm and eagerness for learning. Motivate Adalyn to learn from the experiences that cross her path. Give her the desire to include the Bible in her learning. I pray that she comprehend and appreciate the divine wisdom in those pages, that have meant so much to so many over the centuries. Thank you in advance. Amen
"The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2 NASB
Lord, you know our hearts so intimately. We go about our days wearing emotional masks to hide our true feelings from others; to conceal our pain, but inside we are hurting. We cry out for you, God. Help Adalyn to really know the depth of your love. If she is discouraged, lift her spirit to be comforted. If she is in despair, give her hope. In this day and age, many children are hurting, lost and disheartened. This pain and feeling of hopelessness leads them to believe there is no solution. They, often times, believe their only escape from these feelings is suicide. Send your angels down to protect my daughter. Help her to see the way of escape, through your love and your word, God. Amen.
"But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
Lord, this world is a scary place. Each day we learn of new things that strike fear in the hearts of human kind. I pray that you soften the pangs of fear in my daughter's heart. Give her courage in the face of her greatest causes of anxiety or apprehension. Instill in Adalyn an enduring sense of fortitude and bravery. Resolve any doubts she may have in herself, or in your ability to see her through the darkest and most trying times. Help her to know that through you all things are possible, and that she can overcome any fear if she trust in you. Set her mind on the righteousness of your kingdom, Oh Lord, and protect her from the wickedness of the world. Amen.
"So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Oh my God, we do love and adore you. I come into agreement with my sister's prayer. I thank you for Your compassion and Your ability to speak into the deepest parts of our souls. I thank you for Your guidance and Your loving kindness. I thank you for Your wisdom that over-arches all and guides us as we attempt to know You more. But, more than anything, I thank you for Adayln: for the person she is all ready and the person she will become, for the godly impact she will have on those around her, and the example of grace that she will be to the world. Thank you Jesus, for You are the giver of life, and we praise You and thank You for this life that You have given. Amen. Laura, I love you.
ReplyDeleteThose precious prayers made me cry! Those are definitely things to continue to pray for her for her whole life. And I pray that she will be a blessing to you and Bryan, too, even before she is born. Her days truly are numbered and ordained. He has plans for her life (and yours) that are good. That's such a good reminder when it's easy to get distracted by all the yuck in the world and thinking about bringing a precious life into. God is bigger. We will continue to pray for all of you! :-)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more!!
Absolutely beautuful!
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