What was I thinking? I’m not sure where I got the idea our kids would outgrow my worries. Now that they’re grown, I feel somewhat surprised I’m still wringing my hands. Is it ever gonna stop? Prayer has been my greatest tool against the worries of life, especially parenting. From the days when my kiddos kicked in my belly to the days when they’re launching to the corners of the earth, I have leaned up against Philippians 4:6-7.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
We definitely need God’s peace in the pre-school years when we’re sleep deprived and managing the mayhem of early developmental waves. But mom prayers kick into a higher gear as children step out of the nest and into the stream of peers in the school years. Though education happens from cradle to career, the “school years” have a way of amping up our awareness of the world surrounding our children. I’ve looked at student life from all angles–student, mom, teacher, administrator, mentor. Prayer is a mom’s best tool for school.
If we’re meant to know God’s peace in all of life, we’re meant to know it in mothering. “Do not be anxious about your kids Julie,” God is saying. “Pray about them and let God’s peace replace your worries and protect your mind from being anxious.” I spent the first years of their lives reminding my children to “Hold my hand,” when we crossed vulnerable places like streets and crowded places. As they grow, God reminds me to let go of their hands and remind them to hold His hand.
The ABCs of Praying for Students
When Christen Price asked if I would take The ABCs of Praying for Students tool and expand it into a full devotional, I had no idea how God would use those 26 words and truths in fresh ways in my own heart and mind. My kids have not outgrown the need for my prayers. They are both flying further from my nest, even as The ABCs of Praying for Students go out to hundreds of moms. I have not outgrown the need to take my mom-worries to God in prayer and exchange them for His peace. My big kids are never gonna stop needing my mom-prayers in every stage of life. And I’m never gonna stop off loading my heart for my kids in prayer!
I pray that The ABCs of Praying for Students will be the school tool that comes alongside moms and educators who care so much they want to offload their hopes and concerns for their kids in prayer.
You can pre-order The ABCs of Praying for Students here.
