Prayers for Parents

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” —James 5:16

Parents are people, which means they make mistakes. Sometimes the mistakes are due to negligence and other times are simply unintentional blunders. Some mistakes bring about serious and hurtful consequences while others are easily brushed off. Have you ever yelled at your child out of frustration or fatigue? Have you ever said something mean or hurtful because you were having a bad day? Or missed a school function because you forgot? You are not alone.

The important thing to do when you make a mistake is to own it. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s also a great opportunity to model what apology, confession, and repentance looks like for your child. Younger children are quick to forgive and to express love. Older children may respond more slowly. Give them room to deal with anger or pain; even so, keep assuring them of your love. “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Prayers for parents

• Ask God to give you the courage to own your mistakes and to sincerely and lovingly say, “I’m sorry” to your children.
• Pray that God would help you to resist placing blame on others for your wrongdoing.
• Ask God to give you the wisdom to recognize your child’s feelings as you ask for their forgiveness, and assure them of your unconditional love.
• If you have hurt your adopted child or stepchild, ask God to help you allow time for the child to deal with anger or pain, even after you’ve apologized, acknowledged their feelings, and asked for their forgiveness.