We know we should pray for our children. There are great resources/calendars that give us character qualities to pray each day for them (here’s one from inspiredtoaction).

We know we should pray with our children before meals. Stopping to thank the Giver of all things for the provision of food.

Some of us even pray with our children before we start the day and before they go to sleep. A prayer I frequently pray with them…”May _______ hunger and thirst for righteousness. May he come to know you and serve you. May he use the talents you have given him for Your glory.”

Since reading “one thousand gifts” by Ann Voskamp, I have felt challenged to pray out loud short prayers of thanksgiving throughout the day. I am trying to reshape my ungrateful heart and live fully in the right now. I want my children to be more grateful. If I lead from the front in gratitude…they will follow.

photo credit: more good foundation 

What about when tragedy strikes? What about when a big decision has to be made? Do they see you fall physically on your knees crying out to your Heavenly Father for His strength and help in time of trouble?

When I heard that my mom was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Costa Rica I called the boys to join me on our knees in the kitchen. I thank God for His many blessings and I pleaded with Him for healing. I asked for comfort. I sought His face when all seemed out of control.

If I want to raise Spiritual Champions, one key is to model prayer & humility in difficulty. I want them to be men who humble themselves before the throne. Who seek God in all things. Who don’t try to control and manipulate circumstances but relinquish control to their Creator.

Let them see you cry out to your Father.

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)