Prayer for Spiritual Maturity
I love being the mother of three boys, and I have considered it one of my greatest blessings to contribute to the raising of some of the next generation’s men.
It was sometime in their teenage years that I had the strong leading from the Lord that my oft-repeated prayers for their protection, while good, were lacking in many ways. Protection, both physical and spiritual, are necessary. But my greatest desire was for them to become men of faith who could handle the things in life that God allowed them to face. I soon realized that the prayer of Colossians 1:9-12 was a mother’s most effective prayer for the preparation of a child for adulthood.
These verses start out with a desire for a “complete knowledge of God’s will” (verse 9). To know what God created them for and to have spiritual eyes and ears and “wisdom and understanding” (verse 9) beyond their years gives a child purpose. To live in a way that will “honor and please the Lord” (verse 10) gives new meaning to good behavior. This goes way beyond doing what is right just because parents say they should. It’s living in a way that’s worthy of having God’s label of “His kid” attached to them! As our children learn to please God, they follow a natural path of obedience, which leads to a relationship with Christ. The greatest fruit of Christian parenting is seeing your children claim a personal relationship with Jesus.
Then follows the joy of watching them grow spiritually. As your children “learn to know God better and better” (verse 10), pray for them to grow in spiritual depth. Encourage them to memorize Scripture (see Psalm 119:11). The Word of God is a map for pure living. Verse 11 also speaks of emotional and spiritual strength, which are unlimited because of God’s might. Strength to persevere, even during disappointments, can be the result of a life walking with Christ. How wonderful to begin to tap into this resource at an early age.
As a result, our children (and we) can “be filled with joy, always thanking the Father” (verses 11-12) for the gift of salvation and the life in Christ it brings.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of praying Your Word for my children. May they know Your will for them and delve deeper into Your Word. May their steady spiritual growth lead them to face life in a way that is pleasing to You, joyously giving thanks! Amen.
