Day 6: Teach us how
Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born” (Judges 13:8).
Our Father, we do not understand the intricate details of human procreation, but we see the wonder of Your marvelous design in the cycles of birth and growth and aging. And in the declaration, Children are a heritage from the Lord... (Psalm 127:3) lies the amazing blueprint for human multiplication, continuity, and preservation.
With children comes the amazing combination of gift and responsibility. It is no wonder we are given the instruction: Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 -ESV). This instruction entails so much more than discipline and correction!
Lord, You give each child a design and makeup that is unique, distinctive, special, invaluable. You determine the exclusive blend of skills, talents, gifts, and abilities. And in the instruction to "start children off in the way they should go," (NIV) You include the charge to nurture, encourage and spur them on to fulfill their God-given potential.
Samson's parents understood their accountability for their child's total well-being as they welcomed news of his coming birth. Their immediate response was to pray for guidance on "how to bring up the boy who is to be born” (Judges 13:8). You heard and answered. More than ever today, how we need that prayer for our children!
You showed us Your heart for children when our Lord told His disciples, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). And so, we bring them to You on our prayers, laying them at Your feet of mercy, casting them on Your heart of care. Near or far, You see the the cares, the burdens, the troubles, the distresses, the abuses, and the suffering. You see the crushing weights no child should bear.
Father, help us to embrace the role You have entrusted to us as Your instruments of love and compassion in this dark and cruel world. Help us to extend Your love and grace in every choice and opportunity we are given—large or small. Give us the love of Christ that prioritizes human souls over the many other pressing and deserving needs of this life.
We pray for those You have placed in our immediate care—our own children and all their generations; the children in our circle and their generations—nieces, nephews, cousins; godchildren; extended families members; friends; the children in our faith communities—all the generations of the household of faith. Teach us how to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), leading them by courage and example.
We pray for our adult children trying to navigate life in a complex world—some now with families of their own. May our prayers, guidance, influence and wisdom follow them into each succeeding generation. Oh God, show us how to lead, nurture, instruct, and guide them even as our roles change. For Your Name's sake we pray.
