Sample prayer

Lord Almighty, when I think of the heavens and everything You have made, how You put the moon and stars in the sky, I wonder Who am I that You even think of me? (Psalm 8:3-5). I am humbled knowing that You placed the price tag of Your Son’s death on my soul and gave me the privilege of being made in Your image. You also “crowned me with glory” by giving me, along with all mankind, the honour of ruling over all of the other creatures You created (Psalm 8:6, Genesis 1:26-27). Thank you for the wonders of Your great love and for seeing me as “the apple of Your eye” (Psalm 17:7-8).

How sad that I do not always see myself as valuable. Sometimes I pull a shadow over the person You created me to be because I don’t see myself as You see me. In focusing on all my shortcomings and comparing myself to others, I end up wanting what others have instead of being thankful for the strengths You have given me. This is wrong. When I have doubts, please send Your Holy Spirit to remind me of Your unconditional love and Your long-term plan for my life.

On the flip side, there are times when I am prideful, trusting too much in my accomplishments and thinking more of myself than I should. Please forgive me for being preoccupied with myself in a positive or negative way; I’d rather be focused on You. Would You remind me daily of the importance of allowing Your Spirit to refine and define me? My desire is to see myself as You do: as loved, despite being flawed, and righteous, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and Your forgiveness.

Lord, as my children grow up in our performance-based society, where people are constantly trying to prove themselves to others, I ask that the only One ________ and ________ will be concerned about pleasing will be You. Should Satan lie to ________ and ________, tempting them to believe that they are not worthy of Your love, please assure them of how precious they are to You and give them security knowing that they are loved by You, regardless. Instead of evaluating themselves based on cultural standards of athleticism, intellect, money, looks, power and prestige, I ask You to give ________ and ________ a thorough comprehension of the love You have for them and all the wonderful plans You have for their lives (1 Corinthians 2:9). Please remind them often that You do not judge by externals, but by the attitude of a person’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7). I pray that ________ and ________ will find their confidence in You, not in what they have or do.

Lord, I thank you for our family: ________________________________ (list each family member). Thank you for their individual personalities, looks and talents. Please help us to delight in Your creativity as we appreciate how You have made each one of us unique. Let us love each other based on Your commandment that we love one another, not because of anything any one of us does (John 15:12). Let us live with confidence, knowing that You will carry on the good work You have started in each of our hearts until it is finished (Philippians 1:6). Amen.

Scripture-guided prayer for parents

Read and pray through one or more of the selected Scriptures under each heading. Focus on listening to God and allowing His Spirit to direct you as you pray.

Character focus

Begin by exalting God for who He is and by thanking Him for making you, and for loving and valuing you.

Psalm 139:13-17 | Jeremiah 31:3 | Romans 8:31-39 | Ephesians 1:3-8 | 1 John 4:9-10

Heart search

Acknowledge the times or situations in which you view yourself negatively. Confess the areas in which you are tempted to be prideful or self-sufficient.

Proverbs 27:2 | Jeremiah 9:23-24 | Jeremiah 10:23-24 | Hebrews 4:14-16 | 2 Peter 1:3-9

Gratitude

Thank God for ways you have seen family members display an understanding of their value based on being created and loved by Him.

Family requests

Ask God to help you and your family members see yourselves as valuable and as having potential because God is the One who made you, loves you and has plans to accomplish through you.

Psalm 8:5 | 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | Ephesians 2:10 | Philippians 1:6 | 1 John 5:18