A Prayer about the Wisdom Parents Need

Good Father,

It’s sad to say but still true 

that some verses in the Bible 

have been misused to do a lot of harm. 

Many parents misunderstand this verse 

because of poor teaching. 

Some of us have been told 

that all we have to do 

is plant our kids 

in Sunday school and church every week, 

and they will follow you. 

Others have felt guilt 

because even though we thought 

we were guiding our kids toward you, 

they’ve headed in the opposite direction. 

The reality is that we need 

the Wisdom of Proverbs, 

your Son, 

to guide us as parents every step of the way. 

We need the forgiveness of your Son 

to save us and our kids 

from our parenting mistakes, weaknesses, and sin.

We need the grace of your Son 

to heal us from the heavy guilt 

that weighs us down. 

With all of those things in place, 

we will be able to guide and direct and train our kids, 

to show them your amazing love 

in the way we live. 

With all of those things in place, 

we’ll be able to trust your perfect parenting 

when our kids seem to be going 

in any direction but toward you. 

Draw us near to you, Lord, 

wherever this verse finds us today, 

and give us your peace and hope.

In Jesus’ perfectly wise name. Amen. 

Read Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 37:30-31.

Know a parent who needs this reminder? Please share!