December 5, 2011

A Christmas prayer for our children

Our sweet babies,

This Christmas we wanted to write down our wishes for you so you would know how we have, are, and will continue to pray for you since you came into our lives. More than any material present we can give you, it is this prayer that will be our gift to you day after day as you grow up.  

May you always seek to know God and be known by Him in all the aspects of your lives. May you understand early and deeply the importance of reading the Word and spending time building a relationship with your Creator and Savior. May nothing in this world be of higher importance to you both and may you never be ashamed of it, even if you are mocked, criticized, or rejected.

May you take the education we are giving you and seek to find God’s plan for your future career so you will always be fulfilled. May you allow no outside influences to direct you in this journey, neither money, nor renown, nor any other frills this world might offer you. Let Christ’s calling be the light that guides the path to your future and we will support you no matter what He asks you to do.

May you discover how faithful God is in providing for your every need if your career pays little and if your job pays much, may you understand the joy of sacrificial generosity to others who have less than you. Remember you have been blessed only to bless others and all you have is really His. May you remember the world in need begins in your backyard and extends around the earth.   

No matter what God leads you to do for a living, lawyer or missionary, doctor or teacher, policeman or pastor, may you never be a slave to money and may you always remember where your daily bread truly comes from. May you never forget that He who loves you more than He loves the sparrows and the flowers in the fields will always be faithful to provide for you and yours.  

If you choose to marry, may you find mates who love Christ more than they love you; who will put God at the center of your relationship and consider you as more important than themselves. May you look beyond their social status, physical appearance, and other trappings of the world and find a true mate of the soul who understands the values you have been taught and shares your love and passion for Jesus.

When, and if, you have children may you choose to raise them in the Word as you were raised. Whether you choose to have one or ten, may you always know that children are a blessing from God and that we will love all your children as we have loved you.
May your heart always be generous and your hand always be open, not only to those you love but to anyone you encounter in need. May you seek to serve, to love, and to respect those around you. May you find in fruit of the Holy Spirit all that you need to live well: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. May these be the characteristics that describe you.

May you always remember that our pride and joy in you comes not from what you do, how much money you make, how well-known you are, what degree you hold, but from who you are and how closely you follow the path of the One who made you. This is what you will take with you and be remembered for by your children and grandchildren when you are gone.

Make us proud by being known as a godly person who walked closely with Christ and you will have fulfilled all our desires for you.

We love you unconditionally.

Mami and Daddy.

9 comments:

Bird said...

this part is my favorite
"If you choose to marry, may you find mates who love Christ more than they love you; who will put God at the center of your relationship and consider you as more important than themselves. May you look beyond their social status, physical appearance, and other trappings of the world and find a true mate of the soul who understands the values you have been taught and shares your love and passion for Jesus."

We raise oue children to be self sufficient and independent. But in the ends...the values they give importance to when choosing a mate can change the entire course of their lives, snd the way their children are raised. I love your prayer.

Unknown said...

Love this prayer! I might steal this...

Kathleen T. Jaeger said...

What a beautiful prayer/gift for your children.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Wonder Woman...(never thought I'd have the occasion to say that!) The part about marriage is my favorite as well...maybe because this is the season our family is approaching.

Bobbi said...

This was wonderful. It made me think of 3 Jn. 1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Gaby said...

Wonder woman and Journey, so true. You raise them and then they follow their own path!

Heather, steal away!

Bobbi, thank you for sharing that scripture with me.

Shanda said...

This made me cry. I wish I had written down my prayers while my children were little. Such a legacy to pass on

Michelle @ Liturgical Time said...

Enjoy this stage of their lives. Before you know it, you will blink...and they will be 18.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

Katie said...

This is beautiful Gaby! Thanks for sharing!