Ask Scripturally

If you don’t know where to begin or if you lack confidence in
how to talk to God, a wonderful way to learn to pray—
especially, but not only, if you are a parent—is through a guide
compiled by Jodie Berndt called Praying the Scriptures for
Your Children. It’s a resource filled with Scripture verses from
the entire Bible that have been researched and chosen for you
(the hard work has been done), helping you to know how to
pray. All you have to do is choose a chapter that relates to the
age or season of your child’s life—from birth through the
school years, sports, friendships, and marriage—and insert her
name in the blank.

For example, I only began to use this resource after my son
left for college. In fact, I photocopied a few of the pages from
chapters titled “Praying for Your Child’s Purpose in Life”;
“When He or She Leaves Your Nest”; and “Praying for Your
Child’s Marriage.”
For many years, I carried about eight pages of Scripture
prayers in the pockets of my prayer notebook until they were
worn and tattered. I inserted my son’s name in scenarios based
on such verses as Genesis 29:20: “Cause ____ to be
willing to wait for your perfect timing in finding a [spouse],
even as Jacob waited seven years to marry his beloved
Rachel.” 9

One night, while out for coffee with some college students
from my church, two young girls at the end of the table
mentioned they were soccer players. My ears (and my radar)
perked up! I thought, Oh, soccer-playing, churchgoing