Prayers

The best kind of prayers are those drawn from Scripture. We always want to pray within God' will. What better way to please God than to pray His Word back to Him. These lists have been compiled from throughout the Bible. They are arranged in three categories: Benedictions, Warfare, and Psalms. Benedictions are literally "good sayings" we can pray for others. I am defining "warfare" prayers as things we might pray against and not always for something. God is our strength and shield: this is warfare imagery, and I believe God expects us to take the fight to the enemy when He leads us there. Praying the Psalms is the most natural thing since many of them were originally written as prayers to God.

Bible Benedictions

These prayers have been left essentially as they appear in the Scripture. Minor changes to make them directed prayers are included in [brackets].

1. The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

2. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

3. May the Lord give you increase [through his Word], you and your children! May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 115:14-15 [Acts 6:7]

4. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

5. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

6. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

7. Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

8. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

9. [May God] make you worthy of his calling and fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Th 1:11–12

10. May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

11. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. Ephesians 6:23-24

12. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

13. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

14. May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

15. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

16. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2

17. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

18. Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in [you] that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Hebrews 13:20-21

19. May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

20. Grace, mercy, and peace will be with [you] from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 2 John 3

21. May the only God, our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord keep you from stumbling and present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy. Jude 24-25

22. [May the Lord] guide you along the best pathway for your life [and] advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

23. The Lord is [your] light and [your] protector. He gives [you] grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. Blessed are those who trust in him. Psalm 84:11-12

24. May God be gracious to [you] and bless [you] and make his face to shine upon [you], that [His] way may be known upon earth, [His] saving power among all nations. Psalm 67:1-2

25. The Lord will give strength unto [you]; the Lord will bless [you] with peace. Psalm 29:11

26. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

27. May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. Genesis 27:28

28. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with [those around you.] The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of [your loved ones.] Ruth 1:8-9

29. The LORD our God be with [you], as he was with our fathers. May he not leave [you] or forsake [you], that he may incline your heart to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers. 1 Kings 8:57-58

30. To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude 1-2

31. I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 John 2

Spiritual Warfare

These prayers take the battle imagery of Scripture and turn it into prayers. As an example, look at the first entry from James 4:7. Your prayer might sound something like this: "Lord, I am fully submitted to You. I stand against the devil and his schemes, and I expect him to get away from me." Another example is from number 4, taken from 1 Peter 5:8-9: "I am paying close attention to what is going on around me, Lord. I can see the devil approaching like a lion ready to gobble me up. But I am firm in my faith that he cannot harm me because I trust in You."

1. "Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

2. "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

3. "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Cor. 10:3-5

4. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith." 1 Pet. 5:8-9

5. "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me," declares the Lord." Is. 54:17

6. "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:11-17

7. "In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Rom. 8:37

8. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57

9. "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts." Zech. 4:6

10. "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thess. 3:3

11. “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

12. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

13. "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Matt. 18:18-19

14. “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.” Deut. 28:7

15. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

16. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Cor. 10:13

17. “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

18. “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21

19. “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Rev.12:11

20. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim. 6:12

21. “,,,On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:18

22. “…the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” 1 John 3:8

23. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Is. 40:31

24. “One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you.” Josh. 23:10

25. “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.” Deut. 3:22

26. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” Rom. 8:31

27. May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. Genesis 27:28

28. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh. 1:9

29. “For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.” Ps. 18:39

30. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…” Ps. 91:1-4

31. "This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chron. 20:15

Psalms

I crafted these prayers when reading through the Psalms. Because I pray for my children (and grandchildren) daily, most of these prayers are directed to them. You can easily change "my children" to whomever you are praying for.

Lord protect my children from the enchantment of the world. Instead of being beguiled by worldly thinking, may they find pleasure in constant meditation on Your Word so that all their activities meet with success like a tree planted by a living stream. (Psalm 1:1-3 VPT)

Lord, show me how to find the things that are pleasing to you. Don’t let me be deceived by the world’s attractions. Cause me to rejoice in the shelter of your great Name when you bring judgment against your enemies. (Psalm 5:8-12 VPT)

Lord protect my children from those who would harm them. By your grace, do not hold their weakness against them; rather be their shield and champion against their enemies, so that they might praise your Name to the heavens. (Psalm 7 VPT)

Oh Lord, Righteous Judge, please uphold the just cause of my children. Remind them that by your grace they are not merely human. Be a stronghold for them as you thwart the schemes of the enemy. (Psalm 9 VPT)

Deliver my children from the false allure of this deceitful generation. Draw them to the truth of your Word. Preserve them amid the vileness that surrounds them. (Psalm 12 VPT)

Keep my children from following worldly ways. Incline your ear to them when they call upon you. Draw them into the refuge of your wondrous love. (Psalm 17:4-7 VPT)

The LORD our God be with [you] that he may incline your heart to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments [so that you may be] girded with strength for battle; [and that you may subdue] those who [rise] up against [you]. (1 Kings 8:57-58; Psalm 18:39 VPT)

Lord be near my children when they face trouble. Take account of their good deeds and grant their righteous desires. May they recognize you as their sole provider. (Psalm 20)

Lord, keep my children close to you that they may rejoice in your strength and delight in your presence. Grant them blessing and honor and long life because they trust in you. (Psalm 21:1-7)

When my children feel overcome by the evil around them, Lord have mercy on them. You have been close to them all their lives. Deliver them from their troubles so that everyone may see that you reign. (Psalm 22 VPT)

Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, help my children to be innocent in word and deed. Guard them against the lies and treachery that surround them. (Psalm 24:1-5 VPT)

Make my children understand how you do things, Lord. Teach them to live in the light of your truth looking to you as their compassionate savior. (Psalm 25:4-6VPT)

Lord, be my children’s strong defense against wickedness and their refuge in times of trouble. Lord, be their wingman in every situation. (Psalm 28:6-9)

Lord God, king of the universe, give strength to my children and bless them with peace. (Psalm 29:10-11)

Lord, though my children may go through dark times, be there for them like the sunrise in the morning. Turn their sadness into joy that they may sing praise to you forever. (Psalm 30:5-12 VPT)

Lord, hide my children from the snares of the ungodly in your protective presence; shelter them from contentious babblers in the wonder of your covenant love. (Psalm 31:20-21 VPT)

Lord, please guide my children along the best pathway for their life and advise them and watch over them. (Psalm 32:8 VPT)

Lord, deliver my children from the wickedness around them. Let those who wish my children harm be confounded and humiliated by their own evil devices. May all who see your mighty power rejoice in your salvation. (Psalm 35:1-9 VPT)

Oh Lord, your love and faithfulness are beyond measure and your righteous judgments are never wrong. Grant fullness of blessing to my children that they might learn to trust you fully and to find contentment in the light of your love. (Psalm 36:5-9 VPT)

May my children always, in every situation remember to lean on thee, Lord. May they remember that there is no moment of their life, however holy, in which they can do without your constant upholding. (Spurgeon, C. H. from Psalm 38:21 VPT)

Lord, bless my children that they may be gracious to all they meet and in humility and righteousness teach others your marvelous ways. (Psalm 45:2-4VPT)

When everything seems to be crashing down around my children, Mighty God please be near them. Be their safe harbor in life’s storms and bring peace into their lives so that their glad praise would cause your Name to be exalted in all the earth. (Psalm 46 VPT)

God Most High, I pray my children will learn to praise you, for you are King of all the earth, and the future of every person, great or small, is in your hands. (Psalm 47 VPT)

Lord keep my children from being captivated by worldly wealth and wisdom. Teach them that life is short, and you are their redeemer who ransoms them from the clutches of death. (Psalm 49 VPT)

Lord please draw my children into confession and cause them to see who they truly are in you. Give them the joy of a clean heart and a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:6-10 VPT)

Lord please show your loyal love to my children and cause them to prosper so that they may give thanks to you and trust fully in your provision. (Psalm 52:8-9 VPT)

Lord, may my children rejoice and be glad to know your salvation is not based on their works but is offered only because of your grace and mercy. (Psalm 53 VPT)

The godless society around my children may bring terrible adversity into their lives. Be their Savior, Lord, and help them to defeat the evil forces that surround them. (Psalm 54 VPT)

Lord, be gracious to my children when other people fight and oppress them. May they trust your Word and fear you, not men. (Psalm 56:1-4 VPT)

Lord, graciously cover my children with the shadow of your wings when calamity passes by. Accomplish your will for them as you save them from the one who devours. (Psalm 57:1-3 VPT)

When my children are seeking you, Oh Lord, deliver them from those who plot against them. Take note of their innocence and help them. (Psalm 59:1-4 VPT)

Lord God, help my children to stand up against adversity so that they can do mighty things in your Name. (Psalm 60:11-12 VPT)

Lord grant long life to my children and grandchildren. By your love and faithfulness preserve them to do what pleases you every day. (Psalm 61:6-8)

Lord help my children realize that worldly wealth and power are like a vapor that disappears, but you are their strong rock and refuge, their only glory and salvation. (Psalm 62:6-9 VPT)

Lord, I pray that my children will diligently seek you as a thirsty man seeks water in a dry land. May they learn that your love is better than life, and may they bless you as long as they live. (Psalm 63:1-5 VPT)

Lord keep us from fear of the enemy and his devious plans to destroy us. Let the enemy be the one to fear and be snared by his own designs so that we may rejoice in you and boast of your mighty works. (Psalm 64 VPT)

Lord remind my children of your mercy and forgiveness when they fall short of your perfect will. Draw them into your blessed presence that they may be satisfied with your goodness above all else. (Psalm 65:3-4 VPT)

Lord sweep my children’s minds clean of worldly thoughts and selfish desires. In your loving grace, hear their righteous prayers. (Psalm 66:18-20 VPT)

Lord be gracious to my children and bless them. Cause your face to shine toward them that your way may be known on the earth. (Psalm 67:1-2 VPT)

Lord may my children learn to seek you first for yourself; then as you bless them, the world will know you are truly God. (Psalm 67:6-7; Matthew 6:33 VPT)

Lord give my children a sense of your awesome power and your victory over the enemy. May they exalt before you and rejoice in the beauty of your name, Yah, the rider on the clouds. (Psalm 68:1-4 VPT)

When others taunt my children for their faith in you, Lord, give them an unmistakable witness of your saving grace. Pour out your righteous anger against those who persecute them. (Psalm 69:13-24 VPT)

Lord, though my children will certainly face trials and adversity, support them in the troubled times and comfort them with your presence as you have promised. (Psalm 71:20-21 VPT)

Lord lend your sound judgment and righteous ways to my children. May that which is right blossom in their lives, and an abundance of peace surround them always. (Psalm 72:1,7 VPT)

Lord God of Heaven and Earth, you rebuke the wicked and save the afflicted. I pray my children will learn to respect you and give you praise as the one who proclaims judgment. (Psalm 76:8-12 VPT)

Lord reveal yourself to my children as the God who works wonders. Make your power known to them that they might speak of your deeds and meditate on the unique way you accomplish your will. (Psalm 77:11-14 VPT)

Lord I pray that my children will tell their children of your great power and your loving kindness so that the next generation might also set their confidence in you and keep your commandments. (Psalm 78:4-7 VPT)

Lord please do not hold my children’s shortcomings against them. By your mercy, forgive them and deliver them for the glory of your name. (Psalm 79:8-9 VPT)

Lord, if my children turn away from you, let your hand be upon them to restore them that they might turn back to you and proclaim your name. (Psalm 80:17-19 VPT)

Lord I pray that my children would listen to you and walk in your ways; then you could humble their enemies and bless my children with good things. (Psalm 81:13-16 VPT)

Yahweh God give knowledge and protection to my children. Graciously guide them in the paths of righteousness and bless them as they trust in you. (Psalm 84:11-12 VPT)

Look upon my children, Lord, and be gracious to them. Give them the strength to be successful in what they do so that their adversaries will see your miraculous support and be put to shame. (Psalm 86:16-17 VPT)

Glorious things are spoken of the City of God, the New Jerusalem. I pray my children will understand and cherish their true citizenship there among God’s people. (Psalm 87 VPT)

Lord bless my children with a sense of your presence as they seek to do your will. I pray they will rely on your strength to bring about their success. (Psalm 89:15-17 VPT)

Lord teach my children to number their days that they may gain a heart of wisdom. Give them your joy as you make your supernatural help obvious in all their accomplishments. (Psalm 90:12-17 VPT)

Lord shield my children from disease and disaster. Surround them with your angels and watch over them in all they do. (Psalm 91:10-11 VPT)

Lord empower my children to rise above adversity. Cause them to flourish so that they might declare your righteousness to all people. (Psalm 92:10-15 VPT)

Lord I pray that my children will see you as the mighty God, clothed in majesty. I pray they will believe your Word and live according to its holy precepts. (Psalm 93)

Lord please draw my children into your presence and keep them from influences that would harden their hearts. Give them cause to sing joyfully to you, the rock of their salvation. (Psalm 95 VPT)

Let my children join with all creation to sing with joy before the coming of Yahweh to judge the world with righteousness. (Psalm 96:11-13 VPT)

Lord protect the lives of my children and deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Shine your light and your joy into their hearts. (Psalm 97:10-11 VPT)

I pray my children would enter your gates with thanksgiving, Lord; that they would enter your courts with praise, giving thanks to you and blessing your holy name. (Psalm 100:4 VPT)

Lord I pray that my children will walk in the integrity of your ways and not set their eyes on any wicked thing. May they welcome the company of your people and avoid prideful workers of deceit. (Psalm 101:2-7 VPT)

Lord I pray that you would overlook my children’s shortcomings yet lead them to repentance to banish any guilt they may feel. Let your unending love pour down on them from your heavenly throne that they might bless your holy name. (Psalm 103 VPT)

Save my children, O Lord. Gather them to yourself that they may give thanks to your name and be unashamed to praise you. (Psalm 106:47 VPT)

Lord please send your word into my children’s lives and save them; deliver them from the traps set by the evil one that they might give thanks for your love and goodness. (Psalm 107:20-21 VPT)

Lord I pray that my children will be prepared to praise you when you help them stand up against any evil that opposes them. (Psalm 108:1, 13 VPT)

Lord please come to the aid of my children when they have needs and protect them from those who oppose them. (Psalm 109:31 VPT)

Lord I pray that you will provide strength and refreshment to my children as they seek to do your will day by day. (Psalm 110:7 VPT)

In Jesus’ name I declare the power of your works, O God, that you might give my children prosperity on earth as it is in heaven. (Psalm 111:6 VPT)

I declare that my children will be valiant on earth because of your grace and compassion, and that you will bless them so that their light would shine in the darkness. (Psalm 112:1-4 VPT)

Lord condescend to see my children where they are and lead them into a life of generosity as they find their happiness in you. (Psalm 113:6-9 VPT)

Yahweh God, maker of heaven and earth, bless my children with abundance that they may praise you now and forever. (Psalm 115:13-18VPT)

Gracious and merciful Lord, let my children know that you hear their prayers, that you will answer when they cry out to you. (Psalm 116:1-5 VPT)

This is the day the Lord has made; let my children rejoice and be glad in it; let them praise Yahweh in the light of his glorious presence. (Psalm 118:24-27 VPT)

Lord Yahweh, I pray my children would walk in your ways so that they might look at your commands without shame and give you thanks with an upright heart. (Psalm 119:1-7 VPT)

I pray my children will meditate on your precepts and follow your ways. May they take delight in your statutes and not forget your word. (Psalm 119:15-16 VPT)

Lord feed my children until they are full of your word. Crush their hearts with desire to know your ways. (Psalm 119:17, 20 VPT)

Lord comfort my children with your word when they encounter grief. Remove them from the deceptive ways of the world and graciously give them your instruction. (Psalm 119:28-29 VPT)

Direct my children in your word and do not let sin gain power over them. Give them a love for your word so they have no cause for stumbling. (Psalm 119:133; 165 VPT)

Lord protect my children from evil. Provide them with rest and comfort. (Psalm 121:4-8 VPT)

I pray that you would bring contentment into my children’s lives, Lord. May they prosper in all they do and have quiet rest in their homes. (Psalm 122: 6-7 VPT)

Dear Lord, when my children suffer the contempt and derision of arrogant opposition, lift their soul like a bird escaping the fowler. May their help be in you, Lord, maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 123:3-4 & 124:7-8 VPT)

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, bless my children with your presence, Lord. May they bring praise to you when they do what is right. (Psalm 125: 1-4 VPT)

Thank you for my children, Lord; they are a gift I treasure. May they make us proud when they encounter the enemy. (Psalm 127 VPT)

Because my children fear you, Lord, bless them with long life and bring peace and prosperity to their homes. (Psalm 128:5-6 VPT)

Lord I pray that my children would know how sweet it is to dwell in unity with their brothers, and that your blessing would be upon their lives like the morning dew. (Psalm 133 VPT)

Yahweh, your name endures forever; vindicate my children throughout their trials and have compassion on them. May their lives reflect you in all they do. (Psalm 135:13-14 VPT)

Yahweh you are God of gods and Lord of lords; you have done great and wonderous things. I pray my children will praise your name for your mighty power and infinite goodness. (Psalm 136 VPT)

Lord, when my children cry out to you, answer them with your love and faithfulness and embolden with strength and confidence. (Psalm 138:1-3 VPT)

Though they walk through adversity, God preserve my children; stretch out your hand against those who oppose them and deliver them so that you may complete your work in them. (Psalm 138:7-8; Philippians 1:6 VPT)

Lord help my children to trust you completely as the One who will bring your perfect will to pass in their lives. (Psalm 138:8 VPT)

Search the hearts of my children, O God, and calm their anxious thoughts. If they are being led astray by the world, bring them back to your path. (Psalm 139:23-24 VPT)

Deliver me, Oh Lord, from arrogant politicians who have disastrous platforms and stir up strife continually. Let them be overwhelmed by the mischief of their own words. Do not let the slanderers be elected but let them be defeated by their devious ways. (Prayer for election season paraphrasing Psalm 140)

Lord I pray that my children will take refuge in you alone. In your love and mercy, do not allow them to be caught up in the ways of the world. (Psalm 141:8-9 VPT)

When his spirit faints within him, Lord show him that you are his shelter, his only worldly possession. Use your mighty power to rescue him from those who harass him. Deliver him from bondage and encircle him with righteous friends to bring praise to your glorious Name. (Psalm 142:3-7 VPT)

Let my children know how much you love them and show them how to please you today. Deliver them from the attacks of the enemy and lead them with your beautiful Holy Spirit to a happy place. (Psalm 143:8-10 VPT)

Yahweh God, rescue my children from those who speak lies about them. Bless them so that they may prosper in all they do. (Psalm 144:11-15 VPT)

Lord, be close to my children as they truly seek your presence. Grant them success in their activities and shelter them from those who oppose them. Let those around them see their good works and bless your holy name. (Psalm 145:18-21; Matthew 5:16 VPT)

Lord make my children’s dreams come true in proportion to their awe of you. (Psalm 145:19 VPT)

Lord, remind my children that you are always true, passing judgment on the deceivers. Grant their daily needs, free them from whatever might hold them back, and open their eyes to your great love for them. (Psalm 146:6-8 VPT)

Lord take pleasure in my children insofar as they fear you and wait expectantly for your great love. (Psalm 147:11 VPT)

Lord take pleasure in my children and lift them up when they are afflicted so that they might overcome their enemies and bring praise to your name. (Psalm 149:5-7 VPT)

Bonus prayer

A Seventeenth-Century Prayer by Joni Eareckson Tada

"Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?' For it is not wise to ask such questions. Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter."

Ecclesiastes 7:10-12

My mother used to say, "Getting old ain't for sissies." She was right. I always thought it would be a cinch to grow old gracefully; then I crested 60 and found out differently! That's why the following prayer written by an anonymous saint from the seventeenth century means so much to me...

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody. Helpful, but not bossy with my vast store of wisdom-- it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end...

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point swiftly. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a sour old person -- some of them are so hard to live with and each one a crowning work of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen.