Sample prayer

Generous Father, You are the Creator of all things and in You I live and move and have my being (Colossians 1:16, Acts 17:28). Thank you for generously supplying all I need for life and health. Not only am I indebted to You for everything I am and all I have physically, You also give me life spiritually. Because of Your Son Jesus and His death and resurrection, I never need to be thirsty or hungry in a spiritual sense (John 6:35-36). Love unending, undeserved, forgiveness, grace immeasurable, sweet salvation, the joy of Your presence – what incredible gifts! Thank you!

Please forgive me for allowing our culture to fool me into chasing after satisfaction in the form of worldly pleasures at times. It seems that because we have so much, we just assume we are entitled to it. Instead of being grateful for the comforts that surround me, I find things to complain about. Please give me godly wisdom to know when to say “no” and “enough is enough” when I am parenting alongside those who delight in buying every toy, treat and entertainment available. I want to raise children who are truly grateful for having the basic necessities in life. As a parent, I don’t want to be conformed to a pattern of self-absorbed consumerism. Please transform me by renewing my mind so that I can know Your will for my life (Romans 12:2). I want to have David’s heart attitude, as expressed in Psalm 73:25-26, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.”

My children are growing up surrounded by social pressure to “get more.” Please speak to ________ and ________ of Your great goodness so they are not tempted to be ungrateful in regards to the many blessings that they have in their life. I ask that You would inspire ________ and ________ to pursue joy and fulfillment in You, rather than seeking soul-satisfaction in empty pleasures. When life seems difficult or unfair, please remind ________ and ________ that they can still have an attitude of praise, because you will not desert them (Hebrews 13:5). Please give ________ and ________ the faith to believe that enduring trials will build positive character in them – a blessing from You in the form of spiritual growth (James 1:2-12). May they know You for who You are: gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love (Psalm 145:8). As ________ and ________ recognize Your presence and goodness in their life, may their response be one of joyful thanksgiving.

For our family, my request is that we would have truly grateful hearts so we can be sincere in showing our appreciation to You, to one another and to others. Even in undesirable circumstances, may we celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness (Psalm 145:7). We want it to become natural for us to give You the continuous praise You deserve. 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 thanking God for all the ways He meets your needs physically and spiritually.

2 Chronicles 7:1-3 | Psalm 34:8-10 | Psalm 136:1-3,23-26 | Romans 10:12-13 | Revelation 7:11-12

Heart search

Acknowledge the ways in which you are ungrateful.

Deuteronomy 8:10-14,17-18 | Isaiah 57:17-18 | Hebrews 13:5 | Luke 12:13-15 | Luke 17:13-18

Gratitude

Thank God for ways you have seen gratitude exhibited in your family.

Family requests

Ask God to help you and your children have truly grateful hearts.

Psalm 103:1-5 | Psalm 145:3-7 | John 10:10-13 | Colossians 3:15-17 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18