Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a vital aspect of Christian life and practice. When it comes to children, Scripture provides numerous examples and exhortations that highlight the importance of lifting them up in prayer. Children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and as such, they are deserving of our prayers for their spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.

Biblical Basis for Praying for Children

The Bible underscores the significance of children and the responsibility of believers to nurture and guide them in the ways of the Lord. In the Old Testament, we see examples of parents and leaders interceding for the younger generation. For instance, Job regularly offered sacrifices and prayers for his children, saying, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (Job 1:5). This demonstrates a proactive approach to intercessory prayer, seeking God's favor and protection over his offspring.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself placed great emphasis on children, welcoming them and blessing them. In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus rebukes His disciples for hindering the children from coming to Him, saying, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14). This passage not only highlights the value Jesus placed on children but also serves as an encouragement for believers to bring children before the Lord in prayer.

Prayers for Spiritual Growth and Protection

Intercessory prayer for children should encompass their spiritual growth and protection. Believers are encouraged to pray that children come to know and love the Lord from an early age. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" . Praying for children to be rooted in faith and to develop a personal relationship with Jesus is crucial.

Moreover, in a world filled with challenges and temptations, praying for the protection of children is essential. Psalm 91:11 assures us, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways" . Intercessory prayer can invoke God's protection over children, asking for His angels to watch over them and keep them safe from harm.

Prayers for Wisdom and Guidance

As children grow and face decisions that will shape their futures, praying for wisdom and guidance is vital. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, stating, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" . Intercessory prayer can seek divine wisdom for children, that they may make choices aligned with God's will and purpose for their lives.

Prayers for Health and Well-being

The physical and emotional health of children is another important area for intercessory prayer. In 3 John 1:2, the apostle John expresses a desire for the well-being of his readers, saying, "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers" . Praying for the health and well-being of children, asking for God's healing and strength, is a reflection of His care and compassion.

Conclusion

Intercessory prayer for children is a powerful and necessary practice, rooted in biblical teachings and examples. By lifting children up in prayer, believers can seek God's guidance, protection, and blessings over their lives, trusting in His promises and faithfulness.Genesis 17:18
And Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before you!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 15:22
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried to him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, you son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christ's Intercessory Prayer.
... CHRIST'S INTERCESSORY PRAYER. ... First, Jesus prays for Himself; and His prayer is,
"Father, glorify ... do." There remains no more reason why He should stay longer ...
/.../xvi christs intercessory prayer.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... should be public prayers, though offered in private ... text into use by offering an
intercessory prayer and then I ... THE PERSONS FOR WHOM WE SHOULD MORE PARTICULARLY ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Christ Pleads his Will
... of His prayer when He offered His intercessory ... of the redeemed if Christ's prayer
should not be ... regarding the final triumph of Christ's intercessory prayer. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 14 christ pleads his.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... rules which he had just drawn up for the ... service began; the "Confession" was offered
by the ... the Lord the incense of intercessory prayer should rise continually ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

The First Cry from the Cross
... our Saviour might have paused from intercessory prayer, it was ... when we read the
Saviour's prayer aright"it ... reason why you Christian people should not subside ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the first cry from the.htm

Jesus' Farewell to his Friends.
... in order that remission of sins might be offered. ... But he planned so that there should
be these ... The petitions of the great intercessory prayer have been rising ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xiii jesus farewell to.htm

Ninth Lesson. Pray the Lord of the Harvest;'
... He knew that when this work should be given in charge ... this power has been given us
in prayer to provide in ... give ourselves to this part of our intercessory work ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/ninth lesson pray the lord.htm

Chapter xviii
... author taking up the clue which he offered in v ... We should say, such who have made
the proper use ... such as "The Boldness of Faith," or "Intercessory Prayer at its ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xviii.htm

Confirmation.
... And should any one be ashamed of this public ... pastor, lift their hearts in earnest
intercessory prayer to God ... He receives the offered means of Grace, assents to ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xii confirmation.htm

Why they Leave Us
... will see, first, that it hath the force of an intercessory prayer. ... priest wore upon
his breast when he offered his fullest ... I do not wonder it should be so; how ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/why they leave us.htm

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Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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