By David Quine
Shirley and I are beginning “22 Weeks of Prayer.” This will be a time for the Cornerstone Family to pray for one another. We hope you will join with thousands of other families.
Praying God’s Word
Psalm 119 will guide us during these 22 weeks.
This Psalm is composed of 22 eight verse stanzas, one for each of the 22 characters that make up the Hebrew alphabet. Every Saturday for 22 weeks we will email the next set of verses to those on our email list as well us update this blog.
Turning the Word of God into our prayers. Use a verse (prayer request) per day or use altogether.
WEEK 1 - Psalms 119:1-8
SUNDAY
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
(1 John 5:14-15)
“We come to You today with confidence because our requests are in agreement with your will. We know you are listening to us and will answer our prayers for our children and other homeschool families."
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
“Above all else, we ask that our children will be blameless and walk in Your way all the days of their lives …”
MONDAY
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
“We pray they will search and seek for You at all times …”
TUESDAY
3 who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
“Today there are many distractions attempting to move our children away from You and Truth. We ask that they will reject all compromise with evil - in thoughts, ideas, and behavior …”
WEDNESDAY
4 You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
“We thank you for your commandments and precepts which direct us in right thinking and in right behavior. Direct us as parents to teach Your Word diligently to our children in all subjects - in history, science, and religion. We ask that You keep our children from false thinking …”
THURSDAY
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
“We pray for all the moms and dads that we will be faithful as parents …”
“We know that the only way to remain faithful is to keep our eyes fixed on You and Your Word. We pray for ourselves and our children that we will hide your word in our hearts - the inner eye of our soul - as we fix our eyes on You, the author and perfecter of our faith."
FRIDAY
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
“As we teach our children Truth, give them an upright heart - a heart for You and Your Word above all else …”
SATURDAY
8 I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
“And last of all, we pray for ourselves and our children that we will honor You by keeping your Word. Thank you for the promise that You will never leave us or forsake us and that there is nothing which can or will separate us from You and Your love.”
WEEK 2 - Psalms 119:9-16
SUNDAY
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
Let me not wander from your commandments!
We pray for opportunities to talk with our children about living pure lives. Knowing how easy it is for our hearts to wander away from You, we pray they will listen to Your Word. Guard our children’s hearts with Your Word. Keep them from copying the behavior and customs of this world. We pray they will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness all the days of their lives.
MONDAY
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
We pray that our children will realize the importance of meditating and memorizing Your Word in order to keep their lives pure. Help us all to set aside time each day to store it up in our hearts. You have the Words of eternal life. As the deer longs for streams of water, may we long for You, the living God, and Your Word.
TUESDAY
12 Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes!
Today, we want to pray for homeschool parents - that we would think constantly about You and Your Word; that we would fear and love You with all our heart, soul, and might because You alone are God. Then we will be able to teach our children to love and obey You. "Blessed are you, O LORD."
WEDNESDAY
13 With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
Blessed are you, O LORD. Teach us as parents your statutes that we might teach them diligently to our children both formally and informally; the first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Make us sensative to every opportunity. We pray that Your Word will fill our lives and our homes.
THURSDAY
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
Lord, there is no one and nothing which compares to You. We pray that the desires for riches would not crowd You and Your Word out of their lives, but that our children would enjoy and delight in You and Your Word.
FRIDAY
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
We are thankful that you did not leave us in the dark, but You have spoken. Empower our minds, Holy Spirit, to be thinking daily on Your Word. There are many things that we set out eyes on. We pray our children will set their eyes on the paths of life marked out by Your Word. Your word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path.
SATURDAY
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Lord, You alone can cause us to love Your Word. Empress on us the importance of memorizing and meditating on Your Word so that we will not forget it. Each morning when we awake may our first thoughts be of You and Your Word.
Week 3 - Psalm 119: 17-24
ג Gimel
SUNDAY
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
Thanks for giving us our children - their life is a blessing. We pray they will know You are good. We pray they will be your servant all their lives. Give them spiritual discernment and power to obey Your Word.
MONDAY
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
As we read Your Word today, Lord, open our eyes. Because we are unable to understand it on our own, open our hearts and minds to Your Word so that we might see and understand Your truth. Show us the many “wonderful things” You have written to us.
TUESDAY
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
Lord, we are strangers in this world, and therefore are in need of a guide, a guard, a companion, a comforter. Let us have Your commandments always in view, for they will be all this to us, all that a stranger can desire.
WEDNESDAY
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
During the week we have asked that You, Lord, would open our children’s eyes to Your Word. Now we ask that their greatest hunger would be for You and Your Word. May they taste and see that You are good! May they trust You and Your Word even when it goes against what their friends believe.
THURSDAY
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
We pray that our children will never set up their wills in competition with and opposition to Your will, as if their hearts, and minds were their own. We ask that they never stray from You or Your Word, but if they do, bring them back.
FRIDAY
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
Because our children are learning to follow after You and Your Word, there will be times that others, even friends, will laugh at them and maybe even exclude them from their activities. It will be hard for them to stand firm. Be especially close to them during those times. When this happens, bring to their remembrance all the Bible verses they have memorized.
SATURDAY
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
We pray our children will look to Your Word for counsel, guidance and wisdom. We ask that they will want You to guide their lives. It is because You are the “Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God” that we ask for You to be their Counselor. Turn their hearts to You.
WEEK 4 - Prayer Guide
Psalm 119: 25 - 32
ד Daleth
SUNDAY
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
Father, today (“I am” or “some homeschool parents are”) discouraged. How often things don’t seem to go right. When our expectations are not met, we have feelings of inadequacy. This morning, I am coming to You asking you to revive and stimulate me and other homeschool moms according to Your word! Teach us from Your Word about our new identity in Christ. We agree with the Apostle Paul when he wrote: “Therefore, since we have this ministry of discipleship, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.”
MONDAY
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
We ask that as our children study Your Word You will give them clear understanding of what it means. We know Your Word is full of living power. It is sharper than a doubled edged sword - cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires, revealing to us what we are really like exposing our deep need for You.
TUESDAY
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
There are times when our hearts, as homeschool parents, are heavy with grief and sorrow over our children. Raise us up and strengthen us according to the promises of Your Word:
“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
“… it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
WEDNESDAY
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
Keep our children’s minds pure - wash away all false ideas with the cleansing of Your Word. We pray that they will be careful what they see and hear so that nobody spoils their faith through intellectualism or high-sounding reasoning based on men’s ideas of the nature of the world. Don’t let the world around them squeeze them into its own mould. Lord renew their minds from within by Your Word.
THURSDAY
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
We know there are multiple options, doors, through which our children could walk through. Lord, we pray they will choose the door into the way of Truth and faithfulness. We pray they will have mental Biblical billboards directing them all along their way.
FRIDAY
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
Lord, we know there are going to be times when our children’s faith will be challenged. We pray that they will be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish as they live in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. We pray they will shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the Word of Life.
SATURDAY
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
Lord, we ask that our children will pursue Your commands … that You will guide their understanding into Truth, because You, Jesus, are the “way, the Truth, and the life.”
WEEK 5 - Prayer Guide
Psalm 119: 33 - 40
He. (This is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphebet.)
SUNDAY
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
And keep it with all my heart.
O Lord, You have said that if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask You, and it will be given. Teach me, O Lord, and give me understanding. Engrave Your statutes and law upon my heart so that I will know how to teach our children the whole council of Your Word..
MONDAY
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
We ask that our children’s greatest joy and delight be in You and Your Word.
Jesus, You said Your sheep hear Your voice and follow You. We ask that You will lead our children in the way of Your commandments; that they will read Your Word and allow it to renew their minds.
TUESDAY
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies
And not to dishonest gain.
Father, we know our natural tendencies are neither for You or Your word. Unless You draw us we would never come to You. We ask that You give our children an eagerness for Your Word. Draw their hearts to Your testimonies. Keep them pure in heart, soul, and mind.
WEDNESDAY
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity,
And revive me in Your ways.
O Lord, we live in a culture which is empty of You. We have replaced Truth with man’s ideas. Protect our children. We pray they will not go looking for personal fulfillment in all the wrong places. As the beautiful plants in our garden turn their flowers toward the sun during the daytime — turning toward the light, we pray that our children’s hearts will turn to You and the personal expressions of Your love and will for their lives.
THURSDAY
38 Establish Your word to Your servant,
As that which produces reverence for You.
As our children grow up, confirm Your Word to them. Reassure them that it is You who has spoken. Lord, we pray this will produce reverence for You and that they will worship You in Spirit and in Truth all the days of their lives.
FRIDAY
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your ordinances are good.
Give our children the strength of faith to face the insults hurled at them because they follow You and Your ordinances. Give them courage when they are confronted by their friends because of what they believe. May they know that the patterns of life that You have set out are good, trustworthy, and lead to an abundant life.
SATURDAY
40 Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness.
We pray that our children will grow to understand that Your Word is not a collection of burdensome rules, but proof of Your existence and a demonstration of Your love. Teach them that Your Word will guide them to successful living - that it brings life out of death. Create in all of us, Lord, a fresh longing for Your Word. Revive us, we ask in Jesus name.
WEEK 6 - Prayer Guide
Psalm 119:41-48
(Waw: The sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet)
During the week, notice the various words used to describe the Word of God. It is like looking at the various facets of a beautiful FL Grade diamond. We also encourage you to select a verse from this stanza to memorize with your children during the week. We pray your time with God will bless and encourage you as you pray for your children.
In His love and care,
David and Shirley
SUNDAY
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
We pray, O Lord, that Your steadfast love will come to our children so that they will entrust themselves to Your love, Your word, and Your salvation. When friends or acquaintances ask them why they believe in Jesus, we pray they will be ready to tell them, and they will do it in a gentle and respectful way. Recently, I earned that many of Your children don’t trust Your Word fully. Instruct them, convict them and finally, correct them. We pray our children will trust that everything you have spoken to us is true - in every area, in every subject, and for every circumstance.
MONDAY
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
We pray our children will never turn from the Word of Truth (the Bible) and that they will maintain the certainty which is associated with our hope in Christ. Only You have the Words of eternal life. We pray our children will believe, will ‘come to know, that you are the Holy One of God’, will trust in your will for their lives, and will tell others of your faithfulness.
TUESDAY
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
Lord, nothing more effectually binds a person to Your way than an experience of the Truth of Your Word. It is Your faithfulness which knits our hearts to Yours. We ask that our children will know You in this way. It is only by Your grace that we can “keep your law continually.” We ask that our children will remain faithful to You throughout their lives as they recall Your faithfulness to them.
WEDNESDAY
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
Thank You, Lord, for giving us specific principles prescribing successful living. We pray that our children will diligently seek your precepts every day and fill their minds and hearts with Your Truth. May they know and believe that Your Word lights their path making it clear in which way they should go.
THURSDAY
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
Give our children many opportunities to speak of You to those in authority over them. May they not shy away from such opportunities. Give them the assurance and confidence that the words You have spoken to us are ‘spirit and life’ - that Your Word never returns without accomplishing its purposes. Re-assure them that they will never be put to shame when they speak of You and Your testimonies because Your Word is Truth and You are God.
FRIDAY
47 for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
There are many “shiny” things around us that could draw our children’s hearts away from You and Your Word. But we pray that they will delight only in Your Word - that they will love it, cherish it, meditate on it, and spend time memorizing it. We pray they will understand that these are the not just good thoughts but the actual words of God. Cause their hearts to love Your Word.
SATURDAY
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
We pray that our children will allow Your Word to flood their hearts, souls, and minds - that Your every thought will guide them toward You. Take them by the hand and lead them into Your presence. May they never be ashamed of You or Your Word. Give them boldness to speak of Your testimonies. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
WEEK 7 - Prayer Guide
22 Weeks of Prayer - KEEPING ALERT!
(Zayin: the seventh letter in the Hebrew alphabet)
As you read these Scriptural passages during the week, select a favorite one to memorize with your family.
SUNDAY
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
Father, we want to begin this week praying for ourselves and other homeschool parents. You gave the promises in which the Psalmist hoped, and the hope by which he embraced the promises. With humble boldness we will make our requests to You based upon Your promises. Lord, remember Your promises to us we pray.
MONDAY
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
Lord, pour Your Word of life into our children — comfort them in their times of greatest hurts and pain. May they begin learning that faith is not a feeling as they put their trust in You and in Your promises. May this become their reality.
TUESDAY
51 The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
We are raising our children in a time in which believing what You have written in the Bible is total Truth is under attack. Lord, we pray for our children to be unflinching when they are in any circle where Your Truth is denied or ridiculed. May they never turn away from You or Your words. We pray they will live as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation hold onto the Word of life.
WEDNESDAY
52 When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
Earlier in the week, Lord, we prayed that You would remember Your promises to us. But today we ask that our children will remember the things we taught them from Your Word. Bring to their minds those Bible verses we read, studied, and memorized together. May they take comfort and draw renewed strength from Your Word for their lives each day.
THURSDAY
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
David was grieved because Your law was forsaken. It grieves our heart as well as we read surveys showing that even many of Your children today are abandoning Your Word — picking and choosing which portions they will accept as true and disregarding or ignoring the rest. We pray those children will return to what they were once taught. May they come to believe that You are not a man that You should lie and that what You have spoken is True - True to the very last word.
FRIDAY
54 Your statutes have been my song
in the house of my sojourning.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16).
Lord, this is my prayer to You throughout the day:
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
(Thomas Ken, 1674)
SATURDAY
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
We close this week of prayer asking that our children remember Your character, Your nature, Your attributes, and Your wisdom, goodness and truth. We know our hearts are prone to wander. We pray Your goodness will bind our children’s hearts to You so that they will keep Your precepts. Bless them and keep them. Be gracious to them. Smile on them and give them Your peace.
WEEK 8 - Prayer Guide
22 Weeks of Prayer - KEEPING ALERT!
Notice the various words used to describe the Word of God.
Select a passage to memorize with your family this week.
(Heth: The eighth letter in the Hebrew alphabet)
SUNDAY
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
Lord, You are everything to us. In Your infinite wisdom teach us and direct us; in Your infinite love care and comfort us. You know the secret hopes as well as the deepest fears within our hearts. We pray for homeschool parents that we will not worry about our children’s tomorrows or all of their concerns or questions, but that we will love You, trust You and obey Your words to us. We pray for our children that they will know You as their portion.
MONDAY
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to come into your very presence each and every day. We earnestly pray with our whole heart for your favor in regard to our children. We ask that Your Word will be the source of their confidence; that Your promises will be the life of their hope and faith. Be gracious to our children, Lord, according to your promise.
TUESDAY
59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
Because we know that the human heart is more deceitful than all else and we really don’t understand its power over us, we pray that our children will carefully consider their ways in light of Your Word. Use Your Word to correct areas in their lives which are not aligned with You in thought, word, or deed. Change the course of children whose lives are adrift in the culture of relativism. We pray they will turn from all other things to You and Your Word and they will not hesitate, delay or give excuses, but will quickly and intentionally turn to You and Your commandments.
WEDNESDAY
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
We pray for our children to have the discernment which comes from Your Word in order to recognize the traps - “the deceptive allurements” - which evil people are setting for young people today. O, Lord, impress on homeschool parents the vital importance of teaching our children the Word of God each day. And when our children find themselves surrounded by false ideas, bring to their mind that which they have been taught. We pray they will be rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined in their trust in You and Your Word.
THURSDAY
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
Father, when we wake up in the middle of the night, rather than fearing we want to set our heart on praising You. Our desire is to see our circumstances through Your eyes. Push out thoughts of fear, disbelief or abandonment and replace them with promises from Your Word:
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
FRIDAY
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
Father, we pray for our children to choose their friends carefully. As iron sharpens iron may our children sharpen and be sharpened by spending time with other believers. We pray that our children will delight and desire to spend time in Your Word and with others who love and honor You. Give them Christian companionship all the days of their lives.
SATURDAY
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
O Lord, wherever our children may go, let them see that the earth is full of Your mercy and that Your lovingkindness fills the earth. We began the week by asking that You would be our children’s “portion” - that You would be everything to them. We conclude by asking that they would desire to have You as their teacher and that they would want so much to obey You that they will let You teach them Your Word.
WEEK 9—Prayer Guide
Teth (the 9th letter of the Hebrew alphabet)
Choose one of these verses to learn by heart as a family.
SUNDAY
65 You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.
Father, what a giving God You are! Thank You for keeping Your Word and doing us good every day! You give gifts of Your goodness, not because of our deserving. Help our children grasp Your goodness! We are Your servants; all our service is merely our duty as Your servants, but You heap goodness and grace on us over and over. Help our children to deal lovingly, charitably, kindly, and graciously with all who cross their path.
MONDAY
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
Lord, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We so often lack proper perception and our appetites often lead us astray. Father, refine our sensibilities to reflect Yours! So often we go wander off for lack of knowledge—Lord, please give our children knowledge suited to the needs of their times, knowledge of what to do and how to do it. Father, we believe Your word is truth, and your commandments are for our good. Enlarge our hearts to run the highway of Your commands.
TUESDAY
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
Lord, You are the Master Craftsman. No chastening is joyful at the outset, but thank You for using even pains to train us. You know how we are prone to wander; let the memory of past wandering and its pain chasten us even now. Don’t let us waste the benefits of bad decisions corrected. Teach us the vigilance of those who know the painful folly of making up their own rules and ignoring Your wisdom. May our family guard Your Word in our hearts, and let Your words be on our lips morning, noon, and night.
WEDNESDAY
68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
Father, only You are good, and we want to imitate You, like children walking in their Father’s footsteps. Let Your timeless code of right and wrong, Your proven wisdom, and Your life-giving instructions make their home in our hearts and our children’s. What You do flows out of Who You Are! May the same thing be true of us. May gracious actions flow from grace-touched hearts. Father create in us the inner truth You desire,and let the overflow be truthful words and actions.
THURSDAY
69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.
Lord, Your truth is precious! We find it difficult to keep doing right when others treat us wrongly. Teach our family to gauge our conduct and communication by Who You Are and what You command rather than what everyone else is doing. Let our obedience, our adherence to what You’ve commanded be whole-hearted even when others come against us. Let our soft hearts contrast with the calloused hearts of a world bent on denying and defying You. Let Your law—which others despise—be our delight.
FRIDAY
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
Lord, You are the Faithful Friend Who wounds in love. Would you open our eyes to see how even painful things work for our good? We tremble to pray this, but would you allow our children affliction that is enough—enough to chasten, enough to correct, enough to bring them back to Your paths, even enough to ruin their appetite for the world and its substitutes, and enough to give them an appetite for Your standards.
SATURDAY
72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Father, You offer such rich treasures because You’re gracious. Discipline us so that we learn to hang on Your every word. Lord, our views and values very easily conform to the world’s—help us to see what truly matters. Father, would You vindicate in us the value of knowing Your Word? Help us treasure the things that are truly treasures. Show us how to profane money by choosing Your Word and its wisdom over things that promise earthly payback. Enable us to teach our children Your value system, for Your glory!
Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you (Jude 1:2),
Jim Woychuk (guest blogger)
WEEK 10 - Prayer Guide
22 Weeks of Prayer - KEEPING ALERT!
Yodh (the tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet)
SUNDAY
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Father, as the Master Potter, You have made our children and are fashioning them day by day. Transform them into beautiful vessels uniquely designed for Your glory and use. Enfold into them a deep understanding of the things once hidden but now revealed in Christ. We pray they will worship You as both Creator and Savior.
MONDAY
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
We continue our prayer from yesterday, O Lord. Give our children sound and wise understanding based on Your counsel so that they may be a blessing to others. We pray they will be a “letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with pencil or ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on workbooks but on their hearts.” Confirm Your Word to them so that they will then be to confirm Your Word to their friends.
TUESDAY
75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Because our children are living in a time in which even many Christians have a low view of Scripture, we ask You, O Lord, that our children will know that Your “rules are righteous” — that they are equitable, that they are wise, that they are fair, and that they are not to be found fault with. There will be times when they may question this. In those hard times remind them of Your faithfulness.
WEDNESDAY
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
In times when our children wander away and they experience Your discipline, may they be quick to ask that “Your steadfast love comfort” them and that “Your mercy come” to them so that they “may live.” We pray that our children will draw their comfort and happiness from You and Your Word not because they have done anything to deserve it, but “according to Your promise to Your servant.” We thank You for caring for each of us in this way.
THURSDAY
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
When our children are laughed at because of what they believe or “wronged” without cause - just because they are Christians, may they not strike back, but instead turn to You and meditate on Your Word. Flood their minds with Your Words which they have hidden in their hearts. Be to them a hiding place. We pray that their lives will shine before unbelievers in such a way that they will see their good works, and turn from their ways to glorify and worship You.
FRIDAY
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
Father, first we pray our children will fear You, turn to You and learn from You. We pray that our children will be students of Your Word — that the Word of Christ will richly dwell in them. Give them godly wisdom and understanding so that when others ask them questions or seek their advice, the things they say will be in agreement with Your will and Your Word. Give them discernment for when to teach or admonish, to encourage or exhort.
SATURDAY
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
Today, we continue our prayer from yesterday. Not only do we pray that our children will be students of Your Word, but that Your Word will transform their lives — that our children will have a sound and blameless heart. We pray they will cry to You, Lord, for truth and the reality of grace in their lives. Give them enlightened understanding, an awakened conscience, and a steadfast purpose to walk blamelessly with You and not be ashamed. But when they sin, we pray they will quickly confess, agree with You about their sin and find Your forgiveness in Christ.
WEEK 11 - Prayer Guide
22 Weeks of Prayer - KEEPING ALERT!
Kaph (the eleventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet)
This weeks focus: Praying for ourselves and other homeschool parents.
SUNDAY
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
There are hard things in our lives. There are times when we feel like we are going to faint - to lose it all. You know, O Lord, each and every one of them. May we not grumble about them, but instead may they lead us to Your salvation. On those days I pray we will reach out and cling to your promises. You are the God of all comfort; therefore, comfort us today and this week as we pray for ourselves and other homeschool moms and dads. We know there are times when You delay the answer to our prayers, or seem to suspend the performance of Your promises: it is not because You are unwilling to answer, but because You will have us better prepared to receive from You.
I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord.
No tender voice like thine,
Can peace afford.
MONDAY
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
• Father, there are days which seem as long as weeks. Days when our whole heartaches. Days when we feel shrivelled up— hopeless, useless, and deserted. I can’t ignore my feelings and say they don’t exist, but I don’t want to be controlled by them either. I want to refocus my heart, soul, and mind on You and Your Word. Draw me close to You today. Bring Your promises to my mind and remind me often of Your grace.
I need Thee, oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee!
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
TUESDAY
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
• O Lord, there are days when I feel like I am barely hanging on to life. I know it is Your will for us to teach and disciple our children at home. But today I feel all alone. There have been days when even my friends make me doubt. Days when I feel judged for what I am doing. I long to hear You say, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Be my strength that I will endure to the end. Give me patience to endure, the victory of faith, and renew a loyal and steadfast spirit within me.
I need Thee every hour,
Stay thou nearby.
Temptations lose their pow'are
When thou are nigh.
WEDNESDAY
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
• Thank You, Lord, for giving us the freedom to teach our children at home. We know there are people in authority who would like to make it either illegal or very difficult to homeschool. Children do not belong to the state, but rather they are a gift from You to parents. We ask that our laws will conform to Your law.
I need Thee, oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee!
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
THURSDAY
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
• Once again, I am calling on You for help. I know there is no other foundation for my life as sure as Your Word. But there are times when I hear other voices judging me or I hear “condemning laughter” in my mind. I pray Your Word will be as noise-canceling headsets to my heart and mind when those voices speak out against You and Your calling on my life.
I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain.
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
FRIDAY
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
• Lord, even if things were to go from bad to worse, I pray that our family will hang onto your every Word knowing that heaven and earth will pass away but Your words will never pass away.
Your law is perfect, O Lord, restore my soul;
Your testimony is certain and sure, make us wise.
Your precepts are right, my heart rejoices.
Your commandment is pure, give me eyes to see.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
Your judgments are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them we are warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
(adapted from Psalm 19:7-11)
I need Thee, oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee!
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
SATURDAY
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
• In my own strength I am not able to do this. There are days when I am drained and faint. But I am comforted by these words - ‘In Your steadfast love give me life.” Your love is unwavering and unconditional. I look to Your lovingkindness as the source of spiritual revival, and ask You Lord to make us alive, not according to our striving, but after the boundless energy of Your grace. Give me ears to hear Your voice. For me to live is Christ.
I need Thee every hour,
Most holy One.
Oh, make me thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son!
I need Thee, oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee!
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
(I Need Thee Every Hour,1872, Hawks and Lowry)
WEEK 12 - Prayer Guide
22 Weeks of Prayer - KEEPING ALERT!
Lamedh (the twelfth letter on the Hebrew alphabet)
SUNDAY
89 Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Lord God, everything changes except You and Your Word. We pray for ourselves and our children that we will be firm in our belief and trust in Your constant Word. May our family trust not in our own wisdom, strength or righteousness, but seek comfort and happiness from Christ alone.
MONDAY
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
O Lord, You are our good and faithful God. What you are continues to all generations. And so we pray that You will show Your goodness to us, to our children, to our grandchildren and great-grand children. You are the Keeper of all creation; if You do keep it securely, You will certainly keep us safe and secure.
TUESDAY
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
Father, You have wonderfully provided Your Word to sustain us in all our trouble. We pray for our children that Your law would be their delight and that You would make it a precious medicine to keep them in their times of need.
WEDNESDAY
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
We pray today for our children, Lord, that they will always remember Your Word. May they never leave off reading the Bible. Please let it be like soothing healing balm which God’s hand applies to bring life, peace and comfort to every dead place.
THURSDAY
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
Thank You, O God, that You know our hearts. You know that I am Yours not by any merit in myself but by Your grace alone You have saved me. May my life and the lives of my children be always seeking You — Your will, Your way and Your Word.
FRIDAY
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
Dear Lord God, we pray for our children as they live in the midst of a wicked and twisted generation. We pray they will look to Your Word for how to act when in the presence of those who would harm them. Make them blameless and pure, like bright lights in the darkness.
SATURDAY
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Father, today we pray our children will come to the end of themselves. Open their eyes and hearts to spiritual understanding that Your Word is perfect, though they are imperfect. Your Word and gifts never lessen but in spite of our weakness and sins will always be more than we can comprehend.
WEEK 13 —Prayer Guide
Psalm 119:97-104
Mem: The thirteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet
SUNDAY
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
We pray our children will love your law for its holiness and desire to be holy; will love it for its wisdom, and study to be wise; will love it for its perfection, and long to be made perfect in Christ. We pray their minds will be filled and saturated with your Word - that they will meditate in Your word because they love it, and then love it the more because they meditate in it.
MONDAY
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
O Lord, may our children know that a holy life is the highest wisdom and the surest defense against false teachers and their false ideas. Our enemies are renowned for subtlety. We pray our children will come to You to be their teacher and then by uprightness they shall baffle fraud, by simple truth they shall vanquish deep laid scheming, and by open candour they shall defeat slander. We pray studying and obeying Your Word will be their top priority. And finally, we ask that they will never have the word of God out of their minds; it must be ever with them.
TUESDAY
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
We pray that our children will know that meditating on Your Word is the best way of acquiring understanding. They may hear the wisest teachers and remain fools, but if they meditate upon Your sacred word they will become wise. There is more wisdom in Your testimonies than in all the teachings of men if they were all gathered into one vast library. May we come to know that the one Book, the Bible, outweighs all the rest and that as we meditate on Your Word we are actually preaching it’s Truth to ourselves. We ask that You use our meditation to transform our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
WEDNESDAY
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
O Lord, may our children know that the instruction derived from Your Holy Scripture is useful in so many ways, superior to the many points of view they will hear in their lifetime, unrivaled everywhere and in every way. We pray their confidence in the Bible will grow each day. Whenever our children hear the ideas of people from the past who explain things differently than You do, give them sharp perceptions so that they will be able to judge between the two.
THURSDAY
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
Lord, we pray our children will not be drawn away from You and Your Word. We know they will be tempted by friends or circumstances during their lifetime, but we pray they will refuse to walk in any evil path and avoid every evil choice because they love You and want to obey Your Word.
“Here is another reason why we never stop thanking God: When you received God's word from us, you realized it wasn't the word of humans. Instead, you accepted it for what it really is-the word of God. This word is at work in you believers” (I Thessalonians 2:13).
FRIDAY
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
We pray our children will take great pleasure in Your Word and that it will be their greatest desire. May they taste and see that Your are good and may they find rare enjoyment derived from it. Thanks for giving us Your Word. It is so sweet.
SATURDAY
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
Thank you, Lord, for giving us Your Word which gives us understanding about all things. We pray that our children will not be haters of people, but haters of “every false way.” The way of self will, of self righteousness, of worldliness, of pride, of unbelief, of hypocrisy,—these are all false ways, and therefore not only to be shunned, but to be abhorred. We pray that our children will become men and women of God growing stronger, bolder, and happier than the day before. Be their teacher so that they will discern between the precious and the vile, loving the truth fervently and hating falsehood intensely. May all of us reach this state of discrimination and determination, so that we may greatly glorify You. It is in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen.
WEEK 14 —Prayer Guide
Psalm 119:105-112
Nun: the fourteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
SUNDAY
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
There will be times when our children are confused as to which way to turn. It will seem to them that they are in darkness. Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world and You said that “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Bring clarity and hope to our children in the decisions they make. We pray they will always come to You and Your Word for light and life
We pray for them to make a solemn surrender of themselves to You and that they will not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but will let You transform them into new persons by changing the way they think. Then they will learn to know Your will for their lives, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
MONDAY
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
We pray that our children will know that their service to You does not screen them from trial, but may secure it for them. You, Lord, have promised, prepared, and provided the blessing of renewed life for everyone who waits for You. It is available whenever needed. When our children hurt to the point of wishing they could die, give them grace to pray for renewed life. We plead with You, O Lord to deal with them, not according to their fears, but according to Your own word.
TUESDAY
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
We pray our children will recognize these three things: who You are, who they are, and last of all what they have to give to You — praise from their own hearts! O Lord, may the things we have taught our children become expressed in their praises and that their praises be their spiritual offering made to You … made abundantly and cheerfully. We ask that they will own for themselves true and living faith which is demonstrated in prayer and praise to You. We ask that they will have a longing desire for further instruction so that they will no longer be immature in their faith so they won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. They will not be influenced when people try to trick them with lies so clever they sound like the truth. We ask that they will learn how to speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ.
WEDNESDAY
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
David speaks about how fragile life is. O Father, give our children this perspective. May they not be careless nor reckless with their lives. When they are exposed to danger or dangerous situations, we pray they will not forget Your word. We pray they will keep close to You, and will keep close to You whatsoever comes of it. May they continually yield their lives to You.
THURSDAY
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
Father, we pray that our children will learn to be on their guard, for we, too, have enemies both crafty and wicked. Give them discernment to recognize false ideas; give them endurance against false accusations; and give them a humble spirit to resist false flatteries. Keep them ever mindful of Your precepts for by keeping to the ways of the Lord they shall escape the snares of their adversaries, for Your way is safe and You keep him who keeps Your word.
FRIDAY
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
We pray that our children’s choice will be the same as that of David’s - to know Your Truth, to enjoy Your promises, to live in the fullness of their heritage, forever. May the gladness which comes through Your Word cause them to make an unalterable choice of it. Father, may the Words of Your mouth be the joy of their hearts.
SATURDAY
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
Father, we pray for our children to not only know Your Word, but that it will have such a commanding power and influence over their affections that they will incline their hearts to it. May they resolve to love and keep Your Word, throughout all their lives, without erring or ending, with their whole hearts.
WEEK 15 —Prayer Guide
Psalm 119:113-120
Samekh: the fifteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
The fifteenth letter, SAMEKH, denotes a prop or pillar, and this agrees well with the subject matter of the [this stanza], in which God is twice implored to uphold his servant (Psa 119:16-17), while the utter destruction of those who make light of his law, or encourage scepticism regarding it, may be compared to the fate of the Philistine lords, on whom Samson brought down the roof of the house where they were making merry, by overthrowing the pillars which supported it.
—Neale and Littledale.
SUNDAY
113 I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
We pray for our children today asking that they not be double-minded, caught between two opinions not having a commitment either way. Rather, we pray they will be single-minded and stable in Truth - not swept along or tossed backward and forward by social pressures. We pray they will be in love with You and Your Word trusting in all that You have spoken. Teach our children Your way, O Lord, so that they will walk in Your Truth.
MONDAY
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
Father, when our children are down with gloomy or false thoughts about themselves or about their circumstances, we pray they will quickly come to You, Almighty God, our strength and our shield. May they recognize the spiritual battle which surrounds them and take up the shield of faith. In the midst of danger, may our children find their hope in Your Word — hope to calm their deepest fears.
TUESDAY
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
As parents, we know how difficult it is, even to a miracle, to keep Your commandments and at the same time to be involved with those who are deliberately disobedient to You. So Father, give our children the strength and courage necessary to stand firm in Christ. We pray they will be resolved in their heart to know when it is necessary to separate themselves from those who propose evil. We ask that they will be steadfastly purposed to keep Your commandments.
WEDNESDAY
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
We are weak in and of ourselves. Thank You, Father, for this great promise - that you uphold us according to Your promise. We pray our children will know and believe that they are in Your hands and that their lives are dependent upon You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the promise that no one can snatch them out of your hands. May they come to know more fully that their safety and security rests in the knowledge that they are in Christ and Christ is in them. May they be convinced that nothing can ever separate them from Your love …”Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.”
THURSDAY
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
Father, as we read Your Word impress upon our children the consequences of those men and women and even countries that departed from You and Your Word. May this be a warning to them. May they learn that all Scripture - to the very smallest word - is true and inspired by You. May they submit themselves to it to teach them what is true and to make them realize what is wrong in their lives. And finally, may they allow Your Word to correct them when they are wrong and teach them to do what is right. We ask that they will turn their hearts toward You.
FRIDAY
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
We are grateful that You are the Refiner separating the precious from the vile. Your fire doesn’t destroy indiscriminately and that makes all the difference. We pray that our children will see your refining as good. Father, we pray that the foundation of our children’s lives will be Jesus Christ, because there is really no other. And as they grow up we pray the will build on that foundation with gold, silver, and precious stone, rather than wood, hay, or straw which You will burnt up.
SATURDAY
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
Father, we continue our prayer from yesterday. As our children grow to understand You as the Refiner, we prayer that they will have a godly fear of You - a fear which leads to reverence and obedience. May they come to understand that Your judgments are just and loving. We pray they will stand in awe of You and fear lest they offend You.
WEEK 16 —Prayer Guide (Jim Woychuk, Guest Blogger, Scripture Memory Fellowship)
Psalm 119:121-128
Ayin: the sixteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
SUNDAY
121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
Father, just as Jesus candidly credited the churches in Revelation 2-3 for virtues amidst persecution, You know our works, and You know we have not denied Your name even when it cost us. But when we’re still blamed and despised, we wonder if it was worth it. Sometimes with the Asaph, we would say, “”All in vain have I kept my heart clean….” (Psa. 73:13). When it comes to accusations, slander, and mistreatment, we need patience to wait for You to vindicate us. Please shine daylight on murky circumstances and vague threats. Give us and our children grace to do the right thing even when it doesn’t pay dividends immediately. “My rock … if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit” (Psa. 28:1). Don’t leave me here alone.
MONDAY
122 Give your servant a pledge for good; let not the insolent oppress me.
Lord, You have given us Your Spirit as a down payment to show that You are in the process of taking full ownership of us, full responsibility for the outcome of our lives. But just now we need a sign of Your favor, a token that reminds us You’re with us, You’re on our side. And we will leave it to You to decide what that token will be! You know what our hearts need even when we don’t know how to pray! Father, we especially ask this reassurance in the face of hostility from certain ones whose pride sucks the air from the room. We will prevail in loving our enemies when we know You have our back.
TUESDAY
123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
Lord our eyes are peeled and fixed on the horizon. We have high hopes, that in a wonderful way, You will do beyond what we could ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20-21). We call on the name of Jesus because His name is the reminder that You’re the God Who saves. Again, we need Your Spirit to supply patience. We find to hard to wait for the fulfillment of Your promises, but we will wait! We’re looking for things earth can’t supply, we’re longing for the satisfaction of need that people can’t meet. You always keep Your Word, and we can’t wait to see how You’ll do it in our particular situations.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes.
Oh God, You’re a covenant-making, covenant-keeping God! When I look at the past, I see the memorials of the amazing things You did all because You’re good. I will remember the days of Your favor. And remembering Your past acts of love emboldens us now to ask again for covenant mercies. And as long as we’re asking for grace, we add one thing more: Father, would You be our teacher? Lord Jesus, would You be our Bible study leader? Open our understanding that we might see You in Your Word, and change us into the image of Your glory, into the image of Jesus.
WEDNESDAY
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
Father, we will count it all joy when we fall into various trials, but we need You to help us navigate. And since You, Lord Jesus, contrasted God the Father with an unjust judge, may we contrast You with a poor work supervisor? What kind of master leaves his servants or employees without directions for the day? Lord, You’re a good Master, so we can very well trust that You’ll give us the flying instructions we need. You’ll give us enough wisdom, enough strength, enough grace. Boldly then, Father, we will strike out in the direction You’ve given, trusting that more insight, more in-flight course correction will be given when it’s needed.
THURSDAY
126 It is time for you to act, for your law has been broken.
Far be it from us Lord to impose on our children or our neighbors heavy burdens of our own making, but this Bible is Your Word! Our culture seems hell-bent on trampling almost every boundary You’ve given, so Father, we look to You to intervene to show an unbelieving world that Your Law is not just a manmade code. And Lord, would You, could You even stoop to use us? Would you vindicate the value of knowing You through us? Would You demonstrate the truth of Your Word through us? Knowing our own weakness, we would see that as a miracle, but You are treasure in these jars of clay (2 Cor. 4:7).
FRIDAY
127 Therefore I love Your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
Lord, we treasure Your Word because we treasure You! And while earthly baubles capture our attention again and again, they all turn out to be fool’s gold. Please remind us, instruct our hearts in what’s truly valuable. Father, we set our affections on heavenly things. Please give our children ability to see through the temporary gain this world offers. Father, may Your Word be precious to them and us. Help us buy the truth and hold on to it like mad.
SATURDAY
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
Lord, because You’re worthy of our heart’s full devotion, because Your Word is our treasure, we consider Your laws our standard in every area. Grant us skill in applying Your Word. Father, because Your Word is life-giving, we know that every doctrine contrary to Your Word is death-dealing. We hate these false paths because they destroy people and lead them away from You. Help us to hate them as we loathe cancer, as we deplore venomous snakes, as we regard quicksand. Set us apart by Your truth; Your word is truth. The entrance of Your words gives light, and so help us properly despise darkness.
Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you (Jude 1:2),
Jim Woychuk, Guest Blogger, Scripture Memory Fellowship jim@scripturememory.com
WEEK 17 —Prayer Guide
Psalm 119:129-136
Pe: The seventeenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
"The section is precious, practical, profitable, powerful; peculiarly so" (Charles Spurgeon).
SUNDAY
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
While the heavens declare Your glory, O God, we know Your Word declares Your wisdom and goodness. You have disclosed to us the mystery of the ages. We pray that the purpose of our teaching would be that our children “may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2–3). May they find You to be their “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
MONDAY
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
In and of themselves our children are unable to open or understand Your word. We know that it requires a spiritual opening of its true sense by divine illumination, to the mind which naturally cannot discern it. Thank You, Lord, that our children who have put their trust in Jesus have the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Give them the ability to understand the deep things in Your Word and the conviction not to deviate from it as they grow older. May their perspective on life be shaped by You and Your Word and not the spirit of this age.
TUESDAY
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
O Lord, may our children be filled with an intense longing for Your Word. May they long to be transformed by it, conformed to it, and long to obey it. We can teach them Your Word, but only You can open their hearts to accept it for all that it is. Turn to them and be gracious to them - may Your face shine upon them and give them Your peace.
WEDNESDAY
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
We pray our children will invite you, Lord Jesus, to order each step that they make - leading them, and guiding them according to Your promise. Teach them to walk in the light of Your Word. Thank you for the promise that Your sheep hear Your voice and follow You. Give our children ears to hear and convictions to follow You wherever You will lead them.
THURSDAY
134 Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
Deliver our children from the spirit of this age. We pray they will not be conformed to it, but rather they will present their lives to You, as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable. And that they will be transformed by the renewal of their minds in Christ Jesus. We pray they will discern what Your will, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
FRIDAY
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
Father, we ask that our children will desire for You to shine Your face on them. There is no greater joy for a parent. May they desire to be both Your servant and Your student all the days of their lives.
SATURDAY
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
Lord Jesus, give us the same heart You have toward those who do not know You. As it is written: "When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it" (Luke 19:41). Give our children this same heart of compassion toward those who do not know You, who do not love You or who are not following Your Word. Give our children the right words to say when given the opportunity to be with those who are not walking with You.