Parent Prayers
Job’s sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day … And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. Job 1:4-5
Parents are spiritual gate-keepers for their children’s souls. Parents cannot believe for their children, but they can bring them to the cleansing waters of baptism and nurture new faith with early and regular instruction in God’s Word. Parents cannot repent for their children’s sin, but they can use God’s Word to reveal sin and point children to the Savior who has redeemed them from their sin. Parents cannot take the place of their children on Judgment Day, but they can prepare them for that day by modeling Christ’s love in words and actions alongside instruction in God’s Word. Parents do this out of love for their children—wanting their children to spend eternity in the presence of Jesus. They do this in faithful love toward God who has given parents the responsibility to “watch out for their [children’s] souls, as those who must give account” (Hebrews 13:17).
Parents’ concern for the spiritual welfare of their children does not expire when a child turns eighteen. Job is a model for this ongoing interest in his children’s spiritual well-being. Even when they are adults, he still offers sacrifices and prays for them. There is indeed a time when there is no more “tucking-in” at night and children leave home. However, parenting continues in the realm of prayer, counsel, encouragement, and if needed, correction. This is something that brothers and sisters in Christ do for one another regardless of earthly family ties, so how much more should it not be true in a parent-child relationship?
Lord, bless Your Word to all the young; let them, your truth possessing,
Declare Your praise with heart and tongue, their faith in Christ confessing.
From birth Your firm embrace has held them in Your grace.
Baptized into Your name, redeemed and free from blame,
As Your dear children keep them.
Christian Worship 762:1