Over the years, I’ve sat across from many parents who were carrying deep fear for their children. Their son or daughter was drifting, making unwise choices, or walking down a path that felt dangerous. Almost without exception, the question was the same:
“What do we need to do?”
Sometimes there are practical steps to take. Other times, there isn’t a quick fix that can undo years of neglect, distance, or missed opportunities. In those moments, parents often discover what they wish they had leaned into earlier.
Prayer.
Most parents pray for their kids when trouble surfaces. When a crisis hits. When a decision feels urgent. That’s understandable. But prayer was never meant to be a last resort. It was meant to be a foundation.
If no child comes with guarantees, there are prayers worth praying consistently and in advance. Here are five things to pray for your children regularly, no matter their age, but especially while they are young.
What faithful parents pray for long before trouble shows up
1. Their Soul
Before anything else, pray for your child’s relationship with God.
Academic success, safety, friendships, and future plans all matter, but they come second to their salvation. Scripture consistently places the spiritual responsibility of children closest to the hearts of parents. You are not responsible for saving your child, but you are called to point them toward the Savior.
Pray that God would draw them to Himself. Pray that their faith would become personal, rooted, and resilient. Pray not just that they would know about God, but that they would know Him.
2. Their Heart
Apart from their soul, nothing is more precious or more vulnerable than a child’s heart.
Scripture tells us that everything flows from it. A guarded heart leads to wise choices. An unprotected heart is easily shaped by unhealthy influences. Pray that God would protect your child’s heart from bitterness, pride, fear, and temptation.
Also pray for the kind of heart they develop. A humble heart. A teachable heart. A heart that loves what God loves. These qualities will shape decisions long after your voice grows quieter in their life.
