A Psalm of Praise
Mary held her firstborn son, wrapped him in cloth, and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them anywhere else. As shepherds watched their flocks in the fields nearby, an angel appeared and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. You will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.” Then a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:7-14
Experience God’s Power
Father, send clarity and guidance into the lives of our adult kids. When Mary became pregnant, you told her exactly what was happening and what to do. When Jesus was born, you told the shepherds exactly what was happening in Bethlehem and showed them exactly where to go. You replaced fear with joy and they found Jesus…just as you said. Countless people in the Bible found hope and joy because they listened to your truth and followed your guidance. May the same be true for our kids. As they listen to Truth, give them power to overcome fear and step out in faith. As they follow your voice, guide them. And as they recognize your power in their lives, may they feel blessed. Even as I speak these words, send your power of clarity and guidance. (Luke 2:8-20)
Protection from Evil
Jesus, may our kids be strong because of your mighty power. Teach them to put on your armor so they can stand against the devil’s schemes and understand that their struggles aren’t against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world. Please send your Spirit to show our kids the importance of standing firm, guarded with Truth and righteousness. May they be ready to share your gospel of peace and to use your strong shield that extiguishes the flaming arrows of evil. Lord our defender, protect our kids with your helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit. May they crave your Word and and fight with spiritual weapons that demolish any strongholds keeping them from experiencing abundant life. You say that we will have trouble in the world but that you have overcome the world. Thank you for this promise; may it be evident in the lives of our adult kids. (Ephesians 6:10-17, 2 Corinthians 10:4)
Desire to Know God
This Christmas, make the joy of your salvation real to our kids in a mighty way. Bring revelation that causes them to seek Jesus like never before. For our kids who don’t know you, send your Holy Spirit to speak Truth that causes them to receive your gift of grace. For our kids who know you but are distracted by the details of life, bring them fully back to you. Remind them that you are the vine and they are the branches; apart from you they are nothing. Renew their desire to live out their faith with actions that bring glory to you. For our kids who actively seek you, bless them in a special way this Christmas and reward their obedience. May all our kids delight in your Word, becoming like well-watered trees that yield fruit in season and whose leaves never wither; whatever they do will prosper as they draw near to you. (Psalm 1:1-3, John 15:4-5)
Healthy Relationships
Father, send your Holy Spirit ahead of our family this Christmas, so each of us will have patience and grace for one another. May we love in humility, without complaining or arguing…being quick to forgive, just as you forgive us. May our conversations honor you and build each other up. For our kids who feel lonely during this season, encourage their hearts and fill any void in their life with your sufficiency. For our kids who are in relationships, guide them in wisdom so they will have one mind and one spirit as they face decisions about gifts and social commitments. In their workplaces, help our kids to be a blessing to coworkers and bosses. May their contributions be recognized, mistakes quickly forgiven, and their actions be an example of your love and grace. (Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:3-4 and 29)
Financial Peace
Lord, as our kids make financial decisions about the holidays, give them wisdom to “sit down and count the cost” so they will spend wisely and not put themselves in a financial bind. Convict them to be transparent in their relationships so money never causes a lack of trust, and guard our kids against seeking joy and satisfaction in material things. Give them the desire to bless those in need so they will store up treasures in heaven. Lord, where our adult kids are working hard to provide for themselves and their families, we thank you and ask that their work ethic be rewarded with recognition and profit. When they are discouraged about work, cause them to stay diligent until another path becomes clear. Just as Paul said, we desire our kids to be content in every circumstance; whether well-fed or hungry, living in plenty or in want. Teach them the secret of being content so they will experience financial peace. (Luke 14:28-30, Proverbs 12:22, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Proverbs 14:23, Philippians 4:11-12)
Wisdom for Parenting
Thank you, Jesus, for the grandchildren we already have and for any that may come in the future. More than anything, we pray that the homes of our grandchildren will overflow with stories about you so they will be rooted and built up, strengthened in faith and overflowing with gratitude. Throughout the holiday season, give our adult kids wisdom in their parenting choices. May they be models of your love and grace, and talk about the true meaning of Christmas. Guard them against becoming too busy so they will spend quality time with each other, instilling your values in the hearts of our grandkids. Jesus, go before them and prepare their hearts to find joy in family gatherings and to focus on being a blessing to one another, so that whether they eat or drink or whatever they do, they will do it all for your glory. In this way, our grandchildren will experience peace, kindness, and unconditional love. (Colossians 2:6-7, Corinthians 10:31)
Emotional and Physical Health
God, you are an ever-present help in trouble, so we pray that our adult kids will seek you when they feel afraid or anxious. Though the earth gives way and the mountains fall, you are Almighty Lord and you are with our kids. In every circumstance, teach them to be still and know that you are God. Your Spirit raised Jesus from the dead and that same power is available to our kids. When they experience physical pain or illness, we claim the power of your Spirit to heal them. When they are harmed by unhealthy habits, open their eyes to it and cause them to seek you for the strength to make changes. We lay them before you right now and claim the promise that you have not given them a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound judgment. Free them from wrong thinking and bind their minds to yours, so they will not walk in darkness but in light. (Psalm 46, Romans 8:11, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, John 8:12)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 20-21)
KRISTI is the author of the Before books and coloring books for children and the Your Soul To Keep one-year prayer book for parents of adults. She writes to inspire parents and grandparents to shine the joy of Jesus into the lives of their families and to laugh without fear of the future (Proverbs 31:25). She and her husband Tim live in Iowa where they love doing life with their sons and daughters-in-law, six grandbabies, and two very spoiled dogs.