As parents, grandparents, Aunts and Uncles… we are our kids’ biggest prayer warriors. What a holy privilege! As I’ve been thinking about this and considering the fact that so many kids are headed back to school in just a few short weeks, I’ve been burdened to help parents learn to pray Scripture. I’ve also been burdened for those who have adult kids who have wandered far from their faith. When we pray Scripture on behalf of others, we are praying God’s will for them.

One of my favorite books of the Bible to draw these prayers from is the epistle of Ephesians. Written by the Apostle Paul, Ephesians is packed full of profound theology and hope-filled blessings. Why not borrow these profound passages and turn them into powerful prayers for your kids? Below you will find 5 powerful prayers you can pray for your kids based on Scripture. But don’t stop with these – why not go on and write some of your own?

5 Powerful Prayers to Pray for the Kids in Your Life

Pray that they would be given the wisdom to know Christ more (Ephesians 1:17).

Precious Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are the God of all wisdom. I pray now, for __________________ (put in name of your child) that you will fill him with the wisdom to know You even more. I pray that he would not just know You with head knowledge, but that he would know You experientially in the deepest part of his heart. May he be so drawn to You that as he continues to grow, he will want more and more of you in his life. Guard his heart, I pray.

Pray that they would know the hope to which they’ve been called (Ephesians 1:18).

Oh, Holy One, we live in a world filled with hopelessness. So many have sunk into depression and a spirit of defeat. Father God, I pray that You will fill __________________ (put in the name of your child) with the hope that You, as the resurrected Christ, provide. When despair or discouragement come knocking, may __________________ (put in the name of your child) remember the hope to which she has been called. Fill her day after day with hope that comes only from You. May she be filled with eager expectancy as she considers what You might accomplish through her in the future. May she not be filled with dread about the future. Instead, may her hope be anchored in You.

Pray that they would be rooted and established in love (Ephesians 3:17).

Oh Lord God, may__________________ (put in the name of your child) know with certainty how deeply you love him. May his roots grow down even deeper in the security of the fact that He belongs to you. May he feel cherished and valued as the beloved son of God. May he know beyond a shadow of a doubt how much you love him. Root and anchor him in love, I pray. May he know it so deeply that he is able to move through life with a deep-founded security.

Pray that they would be strengthened in their faith (Ephesians 4:14).

Lord God, I pray that __________________ (put in the name of your loved one) would no longer be tossed around with every new wind of theology. I pray that __________________ (put in name) would not be deceived but instead, would know the truth of Your will. I pray that __________________ (put in name) would grow up into full maturity in Christ, steady and strong in her faith so that she is able to stand firm when false doctrines surround her. Draw her to the Word of God, I pray, and may she learn to search the Scriptures for truth. Let her hold fast to the centrality of Christ in all areas of life. I pray that __________________ (put in name) would stay tethered to the body of Christ by being actively involved in the local church. I pray that when disillusionment comes, Your Holy Spirit would turn her focus to the perfection of Jesus. Surround her with loving, loyal, godly friends who will walk the journey with her.

Pray that they would be protected by the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Holy One, I pray that __________________ (put in name) will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I pray the full armor of God over him. Lord, I know that his struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and the powers of darkness. Lord, I realize that Satan’s activity will increase as we get closer to Christ’s second coming. I pray that __________________ (put in name) will stand strong, firmly rooted in Scripture. I pray for the belt of truth to wrap his thoughts. I pray that your righteousness will surround his heart. Holy Spirit, I ask that the gospel of peace would be with him in the journey. I pray that your faithfulness will be a shield around him. I pray that the helmet of salvation would protect his thoughts, that he would remember who he belongs to – Jesus Christ, the righteous One. I pray that __________________ (put in name) would learn how to use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God to defend himself against all the enemy’s schemes. I praise you that You hold __________________ (put in name) in the palm of your hand and that nothing can separate him from Your love!

Friend, I hope these short prayers have been helpful. Here’s what I know: whether your kids are 5 or 50 they need your prayers. Whether you have children of your own or know children of those close to you, they need your prayers. Dare to become a prayer warrior and watch and see what God accomplishes. And remember, change may take a VERY long time. It’s possible you won’t see the answers to your prayers in your lifetime. However, we know God hears and honors prayer. So, stay faithful! Now is not the time to shrink back. Take spiritual ground for your kids on your knees!

Hey – if you have friends that still have kids in the home, why not encourage their hearts by purchasing a copy of How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk as a gift for them!