Hello men. It’s never too late to have regular prayers for your son (or daughter). Here is one example to salt your own thinking:
The Freedom of Submission
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:33
Lord,
With each passing year my son becomes eager for more freedom and independence. He looks forward to earning his own income, driving a vehicle, pursuing adventure, and taking responsibility for his own decisions. There will never come a day, however, when he is without authority and boundaries in his life.
Thank you for our government that provides safety through laws and military protection. Help my son to treat law enforcement and elected leaders with respect. Give him self-control to obey the rules and regulations of our country and community. Guard his heart from rebellion that would deny the authorities you have put in place. May he submit with an attitude of surrender to you.
Help my son to see that submission brings freedom of its own. He’ll avoid the painful consequences of a ruined reputation, lost income, damaged property, and personal injury. He’ll be free to enjoy respect, liberty, and safety.
Guard my son from those who would influence him to break the law, for “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV). Make him mindful of how he could end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, finding himself guilty by association with the crowd.
Begin shaping his heart attitudes today. Give him a respectful spirit toward his teachers and coaches. Let him practice obedience at home as preparation to submit to future leaders in his life. Bring rewards and commendation for his obedience, so he can see that living by your ways results in blessing. Let my son’s submission come from a commitment to living for you. May he love you with all of his heart and desire to please you in every way. May his life allow a clean conscience so he can walk before every authority with peace and confidence.
Bless those of us who watch over my son each day. Let us have joy in his obedience. Guide us by your Spirit to teach him well and protect him with diligence.
Thank you for your great love and care for my son. Amen.
How do you feel about the people your son spends time with? What kind of conversations do you have about his friendships and peers?
This is taken from “Powerful Prayers for your Son” by Rob and Joanna Teigen in YouVersion. I recommend this short devo and its “sister” companion, “Powerful Prayers for your Daughter”.
Building men who lead strong families,
Deryl Titus