Praying to Protect the Heart of Your Son

I have the privilege of being Dad to two boys. Men now, actually. They successfully made it through their teen years, but Jean and I were on our knees for them the whole way. We got a few things right as parents. Maybe the most important was praying for our sons.

Prayer is the “language” that connects us to values that transcend physical boundaries. Even atheists absentmindedly slip into utterances of prayer during moments of crisis. That’s because human beings are more than biological machines. We have a very real physical presence, but we are also spiritual beings, capable of perceiving realities that don’t necessarily manifest in material ways – like love, faith and worship.

Children thrive when mom and dad are present, active, and engaged in their lives. But we can’t protect them twenty-four hours a day – nor should we try. As our children get older, we want them to learn how to make their way through life on their own. But that can only happen if we allow them to step outside of our safety and protection.

And so we pray.

Boys in particular are growing up in a confusing world of technology that ensnares them emotionally and sexually and that twists their sense pf identity and faith. How can you pray for your boys and help them find their value as men in God’s eyes?

Brooke McGlothlin is joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, to help you seek God’s divine protection for your boys by praying scriptural prayers over them. She shares how to pray:

“Lord, show me.”
“Lord, help me.”
“Lord, keep his heart.”
“Lord, let him hear your wisdom.”
“Lord, place a guard over his mouth.”
“Lord, help him stand.”
“Lord, give him a heart after you.”

I can’t promise you a miraculous result, but I’d never rule it out, either. Prayer is not passive, a last resort, or a cop-out. It’s a powerful weapon God has given us to fight for our sons’ hearts against forces of darkness.

Hear my full conversation with Brooke on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Brooke’s book Praying for Teen Boys: Partner with God for the Heart of Your Son is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).