16 Life-Changing Scriptures to Pray Over Your Children

I don’t know about you, but when I became a parent, I was slammed with the immense responsibility that came with it. I also realized that I couldn’t do this alone and needed God’s help. I wanted my children to grow up to love and serve God and others. I wanted them to not make the mistakes I made.

By praying Scripture over your child, you are agreeing with God for His work in their life. Praying Scripture is a powerful way to pray for each of your children. I’ve rounded up some truly life-changing Scriptures to pray over your children.

Scriptures to Pray Over Your Children

How do you pray over your children? To pray over your children, you don’t literally have to stand over them to pray, although sometimes this can be helpful or powerful. You can even lay your hand on your child as you pray. However, just praying over the different aspects of their life is praying over your child. As you use Scriptures to speak over your child, you are asking for God’s blessing over them.

Maybe you’re new to the idea of praying Scripture, or perhaps you don’t know what Bible verses would be good to pray. When praying using Scripture, you can often insert your child’s name into the Bible verse. You can also just use the passage as the basis for your prayer.

Below are some different areas of life to pray for concerning your child along with a Bible verse to use in your prayer. Maybe you will just want to pray or speak one of these Scriptures over your child per day or several of them at once. It’s totally up to you.

1. For Salvation – Acts 16:31

The most important thing we should want for our children is for them trust in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation. As they turn their life to Him, God will continue to work in their life.

“And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'” Acts 16:31 ESV

2. To follow God – Deuteronomy 13:4

Every Christian parent wants their child to follow God. We know Him and want that for our children as well. We want them to live a life that truly matters in eternity.

“You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 ESV

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Mom and child praying together

3. To obey us as their parents – Colossians 3:20

Of course, our life is so much easier if our children obey! However, beyond that, we know that we’re training them to obey the voice of God.

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:20

4. To know they’re never alone – Deuteronomy 31:6

It’s so comforting to know that God is always with us, so we want our children to know that comfort as well. We want them to gain their strength from knowing God is near.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

5. For edifying speech – Ephesians 4:29

I don’t know about your family, but there is too much negative speech in ours . . . complaining, arguing, and just saying unkind things to siblings. We need to not only pray this for our children, but probably for ourselves as well.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

6. For good rest – Proverbs 3:24

Rest may not seem like a big deal, but good rest is important for the health of our children (and us as well). Pray that your child will not be afraid at night and that their sleep will be restful.

“If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24

Proverbs 3:24 with image of young boy sleeping

7. Trust God in everything – Philippians 4:6

I think this is a lesson we continue to learn throughout our lives! Trust God, even in the hard times. Trust God, even when you don’t understand. Lay aside your anxiety and worry in prayer.

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

8. For renewal of their mind – Romans 12:2

It’s amazing what renewing your mind can do. Even the secular world will tout the benefits of changing your mindset. God knew what He was talking about when He told us to transform our minds with His words.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

9. To say “no” to temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Pray that your children learn to say no to temptation, even when their friends are choosing the wrong thing. Pray that they’ll be strong and firm in what’s right.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

What does the Bible say about the role of a mother? To learn more about being a godly mother, check out these 10 characteristics of a good mother according to the Bible.

10. Peace over fear – John 14:27

We get afraid and that’s why the number one command in the Bible is to “Fear not.” Instead, we want our children to remember that God is in control and that they can have peace instead.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

11. To stand against evil – Ephesians 6:13

Unfortunately, evil is rampant in this fallen world. Pray that your children stand firm against it. Pray that they fight with truth and compassion.

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13

12. For godly friends – Proverbs 18: 24

I’m sure you know how important it is to have close friends who push you closer to Christ and not draw you away. The same is true for our children. We want to teach them what a good and godly friend looks like, and then pray that they’ll choose wisely.

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

As moms, unless we prioritize our relationship with God, it can easily fall by the wayside. Learn more about growing closer to God. As we grow closer to Him, we become a better wife and mother as well.

13. To be an example – 1 Timothy 4:12

May our children point others to what is right and godly. May they be an example to their siblings and friends in how they live.

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

14. For God to continue to work in their life – Philippians 1:6

As long as we’re alive, God will continue to work in us. We don’t ever get to the point of perfection, unfortunately. Thank the Lord that He continues to work in your life and in the lives of your children.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

15. To guard their hearts – Philippians 4:8

It’s easy to think a little uncleanness here and there won’t hurt anything, but Paul warns us to be careful about what we’re allowing in our lives. What are they reading? Watching? Listening to?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

16. To live for God’s glory – Colossians 3:17

May your children live for the glory of God! May they point others to the light of Jesus . . . and may we do the same!

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Speaking Blessings Over Your Child

By praying Scripture over your child, you are speaking blessings over their life. You are demonstrating that God’s Word has the answers to life that you and your child need. As we speak and pray blessing over our children, we are showing our children how important it is to talk to God about all areas of our lives. We are showing that we should be dependent on Him.

Daily Prayer For My Children

James 5:16 reminds us that our prayers are powerful. Our prayers can accomplish more than all we ask or even imagine. Let’s be dedicated to praying for our children, especially using Scripture. Our children are in this world for such a time as this, and our desire should be for them to be courageous and strong for the life God has planned for them.

Daily prayer for children with background picture of mom praying

“Heavenly Father, I can’t raise these beautiful children without Your help. I pray most of all that they will trust in You alone as their Savior. You have an amazing plan for them, and I trust You to help them see that all they say or do is for Your glory. Please guard their hearts, and help them to stand against the schemes of Satan. Help them to choose their friends wisely and say no to temptations. I pray that you will work in their lives and help them to be a godly example not just now, but as they grow into adulthood. Help them to trust in You alone for everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

I pray that you have a renewed purpose in praying for your child, especially praying Scripture. As you use Scripture to speak over your child, you are inviting God and His ways to work in you and your child. You are agreeing with God that His ways are important and His truths are absolute.

What Scriptures have you used to pray over your child? Which one would you like to start praying? Please comment below.

For further reading:

5 Powerful Prayers to Pray for Your Daughter

Essential Christian Parenting Tips

5 Essential Prayers for the Home

Author

  • Aimee Niblack

    As a mom for 18 years and a mom coach for 2 years, Aimee shares her expertise with young Christian moms via her blog and coaching business.

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About Author

As a mom for 18 years and a mom coach for 2 years, Aimee shares her expertise with young Christian moms via her blog and coaching business.

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