Begin Again: Praying Our Children Through the Ups & Downs

Posted: January 2, 2026

2025 felt like a year strapped to a roller coaster. One day was bright and hopeful; the next felt heavy and uncertain. Some of it was the real work of parenting a teen. Some of it was managing an “adult” who still chose childish patterns. In the middle of it all, God kept inviting me to one simple lesson: don’t let emotions drive—let Jesus lead.

I won’t pretend that was easy. But while I was learning to steady my own heart, something unexpected happened: I began looking more deeply into the book I’ve been writing—a book about praying for our children. The more I prayed, the more I saw this: the goal isn’t to control outcomes; it’s to stay close to God and consistent in love.

When the Day Swings from Bright to Bleak

Maybe your home has had those sudden shifts too—laughter at breakfast, slammed doors by dinner. Here’s what I practiced when feelings tried to take the wheel:

• Pause before you prove. If a conversation heats up, breathe and pray: “Holy Spirit, slow me down.”
• Name what’s true. “I’m feeling anxious, but You are steady” (Psalm 61). Emotions are messengers, not masters.
• Choose a gentle boundary. “I love you. I want to talk when we can both be calm.”

A Simple Parent Prayer (Use Daily)

Father, anchor my heart in Your peace. Teach me to respond, not react. Where my child feels lost, be their Shepherd. Where I am tired, be my strength. Give me wisdom for today and hope for tomorrow. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scriptures I Prayed Over My Child

• Peace: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
• Wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously.” (James 1:5)
• Identity: “I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
• Protection: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)

Three Steadying Rhythms for Parents

1. The First Five. Spend five minutes each morning breathing, praying one verse, and asking, “Lord, what is mine to carry today—and what is Yours?”
2. One Loving Boundary. Keep a ready phrase: “I love you, and I need a pause right now.” Gentle doesn’t mean passive; it means wise.
3. Evening Release. Write one line: “Father, I entrust [situation] to You.” Close the journal. Close the loop.

When You Feel You’re Failing

Parents aren’t called to perfection; we’re called to faithfulness. You won’t ruin God’s plan for your child by needing grace. Ask for help. Reset the room. Pray again. The story isn’t over because a day went sideways.

About the Book I’m Writing

I’m finishing a book about praying for our children—simple, day-by-day prayers with scripture, space to reflect, and practical steps for hard moments. It’s written for parents who feel the swing from hope to heartache and still choose love, wisdom, and prayer.

Try This for the Next 7 Days

• Day 1: Pray Isaiah 26:3 over your home. Text your child one life-giving sentence.
• Day 2: Use one gentle boundary in a tense moment.
• Day 3: Take a 10-minute walk; pray each step: “Jesus, lead us.”
• Day 4: Write your child’s name and one promise of God beside it.
• Day 5: Invite a trusted friend to pray with you for five minutes.
• Day 6: Do one small kindness for your child (no lecture attached).
• Day 7: Journal one way you saw God this week, even if it was small.

Keep Going

• The Power of Boundaries: Loving Without Losing Yourself — loving limits for messy moments.
• You Don’t Have to Hold It All Together — care for the “strong one.”
• Faith in the Middle of Dysfunction — hope while it’s still complicated.