Ways to Pray for Children

If you're like most people, you want to pray more consistently, but are not sure where to start. How about starting with something very close to God's heart ... children? There are endless ways to pray for children, so it can still be an overwhelming endeavor. To help you, we've created a list of 52 Ways to Pray for Children to give your prayers a bit of structure.

Our list of ways to pray for children includes 52 different prayers and a corresponding Scripture. We have listed specific requests for each week of the year to help children grow and develop to fulfill God's plans for their lives.

Try committing to pray one of the prayers every day for a week, each week moving on to the next prayer, and you'll soon find you've developed a habit of regularly praying for children. Once you're in the habit, you can come up with your own ways to pray for children.

God has given us a powerful and effective weapon to protect and care for children ... prayer. There are so many ways to pray for children, so many needs to be lifted up, there's no time to waste. Make children a focus in your prayer life today!

52 Ways to Pray for Children
52 Ways to Pray for Children

Our sponsored children face daily issues that often overwhelm them. Your prayers for their everyday needs, for their siblings and for their friends and schoolmates will make a difference.

We have listed specific requests for each week of the year to help children grow and develop to fulfill God's plans for their lives. Scriptures have been included as an encouragement to enhance your prayer time.

52 Ways to Pray
Week 1

Salvation: Pray that ___________ will hear the gospel, understand it and accept Jesus as Savior and Lord.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

2 Corinthians 5:17, 21).

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Week 2

Trust: Pray that _____________ will learn to trust God every day in every situation and become a strong believer.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5,6).

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Week 3

Faith: Ask God to speak to ________________'s heart and allow faith to be increased for every need that may arise in the life of this family so they may all grow spiritually and be strong witnesses of their faith in Jesus Christ.

"We live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

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Week 4

Hope: As you bring _________________ to the Lord this week, pray that God will encourage this precious child to keep hoping in Him and believing for His blessings in the home, in school and in project activities.

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24).

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Week 5

Courage: Pray that God will fill _______________ with courage to stand for the truth without wavering or being influenced by ungodly people. Pray that peer pressure will not affect this child's life, that temptations will be overcome, and that a powerful testimony will emerge in this young life.

"But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you" (Acts 26:16).

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Week 6

Forgiveness: Ask God to help _________________ forgive everyone who has caused pain to this child, whether it is a parent, a family member, a relative, friends or neighbors, and then lay it all down at the foot of the cross.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14).

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Week 7

Mercy: As God has been merciful to ____________________, pray that this child will learn to be merciful to others and trust God for His mercy in every situation. Pray for a tender heart in this child toward family and friends.

"But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children" (Psalm 103:17).

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Week 8

Food and Clothing: Pray that ___________________ will not be concerned or worried about daily necessities, but will trust God for everything that is needed for a healthy life. Pray that the child and the family will understand the need for a well-balanced diet and gain knowledge of good nutrition and hygiene.

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them" (Matthew 6:31,32).

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Week 9

Fruitfulness: _________________ is a disciple of God. Pray that this child will live a life that is fruitful for His kingdom. Pray that this child will be a good student in school and in the project and learn all the lessons well. Pray also for good Scripture memorization.

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the LORD and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).

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Week 10

Love: Ask God to fill ________________'s heart with His love so that this child will be a powerful testimony of the love of Jesus for all people. Pray for an awareness of others who need God's help in their lives, and a willingness to comfort needy ones in the family and in the community.

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight" (Philippians 1:9).

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Week 11

Guidance: Pray that _______________ will seek guidance from the Lord for every deacision to be made and for every word and action, and will seek to be a light in a dark world. Pray that this child will develop an interest in a vocation that could provide for himself (herself) and his (her) family when he (she) grows up.

"For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end" (Psalm 48:14).

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Week 12

Help in trouble: Pray that ______________ will turn to the Lord when trouble strikes, having confidence that God will take care of everything. Pray that this child will be willing and quick to help others in trouble with encouragement and comfort.

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble" (Psalm 9:9).

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Week 13

Safety: When _______________ is afraid, pray that God's presence will surround and comfort this child and dissolve all fears. Pray for safety in walking to and from school and the project.

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

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Week 14

Holy Spirit: Ask God to fill __________________'s heart with His Spirit to strengthen this child with a determination to walk with God all through life.

"And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws" (Ezekiel 36:27).

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Week 15

Honesty: Pray that God will instill honesty in _____________'s heart to refrain from any false dealings at any time, in any situation. Pray that this child will resist the temptation to lie or steal regardless of the circumstances, and be above the reproach of dishonesty.

"Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" (Colossians 3:9-10).

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Week 16

Loving God: Pray that ________________ will grow daily to love God with heart and soul, and be assured of His great love. Pray that an awareness of God's love will develop and instill confidence in God's faithfulness.

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4).

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Week 17

Obedience: Pray that ________________________ will have such a deep love for God that living a life to please Him will be the most important thing in life. Pray that this child will learn to be aware of God's leading and be obedient to follow His will.

"Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him" (1 John 3:21-22).

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Week 18

Patience: As you bring _______________ to the Lord today, ask that this child will learn to endure life's trials with patience, knowing that God will reward it with His blessing. Pray that daily life with siblings and relatives will develop a loving and patient attitude.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Hebrews 10:36).

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Week 19

Sickness:  Pray for _________________'s good health and for healing when it is needed. Ask God to help this child trust Him for physical strength and health.

"'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 30:17).

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Week 20

Honoring parents (or guardians): Pray that _____________________ will honor and respect parents and grandparents, or guardians, who are caring for this child.

"Honor your father and mother", which is the first commandment with a promise, "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (Ephesians 6:2, 3).

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Week 21

Contentment: Pray for a spirit of contentment that will fill ______________'s heart and prevent jealousy or self-pity from overcoming this child. Pray for joy that will bring contentment regardless of the circumstances in the home or at school.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).

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Week 22

Meekness: Pray that _________________ will be kind and gentle to others even when unfair treatment may be exhibited toward this child. Pray especially that friendships at school and in the community will grow strong as this child develops a Christ-like attitude.

"But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace" (Psalm 37:11).

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Week 23

Loving Others: Ask God to give _______________ a love for people that will reflect the love of Jesus and draw them to the Savior. Pray also that this child will develop social and relational skills needed to succeed in the culture of the country.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:7-8).

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Week 24

Joy: Pray that even in the midst of problems, the joy of the Lord will help ____________ overcome any sadness that may cause discouragement. Pray that this child will make a choice every day to be joyful in the Lord.

"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Habakkuk 3:18).

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Week 25

Faithfulness: Pray that ___________________ will be faithful in keeping promises and in following instructions, and thus, be known as a child who is faithful.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart" (Proverbs 3:3).

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Week 26

Rejoicing: Ask God to fill _____________ with a spirit of rejoicing that will overcome all adversities that may try to hinder a close walk with Him. Pray that this child will influence friends and family with a spirit of rejoicing to seek the Savior.

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" (1 Peter 1:8).

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Week 27

Humility: Pray that _____________ will be humble before God all the days of this child's life and that God will allow honor and promotion to bless and reward faithful humility. Pray for an attitude of obedience and submission to the parents and those in authority in this child's life.

"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4).

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Week 28

Loneliness: Pray that _______________ will always know that Jesus is a friend who never leaves us nor forsakes us, and He will bring comfort during the lonely times. Pray that this child will learn to pray and trust God in every situation.

"I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you" (John 14:18).

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Week 29

Wisdom: Ask God to fill ____________'s mind with His wisdom all the days of this child's life, so that wise decisions are made. Pray for economic and financial stability for the child's family so that a long-term relationship with Compassion's program will continue until completion.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8).

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Week 30

Worship: Pray for a spirit of worship to be evident in ______________'s life as this child honors God with praise and adoration for His holiness. Pray that a deep devotion to our Heavenly Father will develop and grow to help sustain this child throughout life.

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care" (Psalm 95:6-7).

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Week 31

Boldness for Christ: Pray that ______________ will never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, but will be a courageous witness of the love of God for mankind.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" (Romans 1:16).

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Week 32

Self-control: Pray that ____________________ will learn to exercise self-control when things go wrong. Pray that God will give this child a calm and gentle spirit that will overcome anger or disappointments that may cause tensions with family or friends.

". . . Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray" (1 Peter 4:7).

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Week 33

Respect: Pray that __________________ will respect parents and family, teachers, and all who are in authority. Ask God to help this child gain self-respect and confidence as a child of God, made in His image.

"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17).

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Week 34

Thoughtfulness: Pray for a spirit of thoughtfulness in ____________________'s heart that will help him/her to be considerate of parents, siblings, and friends.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).

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Week 35

Kindness: Pray that ____________________ will be kind-hearted in all relationships, and exhibit a kind and loving attitude toward others even when they have been unkind.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

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Week 36

Freedom from fear: Pray that ___________________'s mind will be free from fear in all situations that may occur, and that an assurance of God's protection will help this child overcome attacks of fear.

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

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Week 37

Security: Pray for a deep sense of security in God's love for ____________________. Ask God to give this child confidence in His power to protect and shield against all harm.

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen" (Jude 24-25).

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Week 38

Responsibility: Pray that ___________________ will develop a sense of responsibility in everyday life to do chores and fulfill obligations at home, at school, and with friends.

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

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Week 39

Peace: Pray that _________________ will be filled with God's peace each day, and when upheavals occur, His peace will help this child overcome all fears. Pray also for self-restraint when tempers flare and a calm spirit to dissolve tension.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

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Week 40

Purity: Pray that as ________________ grows and develops, this child will have a pure heart and mind that will not be influenced by the world, but will live to please God in every area of life.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

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Week 41

Purity: Pray that as ________________ grows and develops, this child will have a pure heart and mind that will not be influenced by the world, but will live to please God in every area of life.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

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Week 42

Giving: Ask God to instill within _________________'s heart a generous spirit that will respond to the needs of others, and to willingly share God's blessings with family and friends.

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done" (Proverbs 19:17).

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Week 43

Friendships: Pray that God will send into __________________'s life the kind of friends this child needs; friends who will be a good influence and supportive when problems arise, whether at school or in the family.

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).

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Week 44

Talents: Pray that the gifts and talents God has given to ___________________ will be used only to honor and glorify Him and that the world will have no influence that may cause any misuse of this child's talents.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).

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Week 45

God's Sovereignty: Ask God to open _____________'s spiritual eyes to get a glimpse of His sovereignty over all the heaven and the earth. Pray that this child will honor and exalt Almighty God and give Him praise for all His mighty works.

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all" (1 Chronicles 29:11).

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Week 46

Prayer: Intercede for _________________, asking God to create a spiritual hunger for a fervent prayer life that will sustain and strengthen this child throughout life in every circumstance that may arise.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

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Week 47

Service: Pray that God will provide opportunities of service to __________________ that will strengthen and help this child reach out to others to exemplify the love of Jesus through acts of kindness.

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free" (Ephesians 6:7-8).

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Week 48

Commitment: Pray for a deep commitment in ____________________ to stay true to Jesus and to live for Him every day. Pray that nothing will deter this child from fulfilling God's plan for his or her life.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11).

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Week 49

Words: Pray that the words of _________________'s mouth will minister to the hearers, that this child will speak words of encouragement, hope, kindness and love; and avoid words that would demean others or not speak unkindly to family and friends.

"The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught" (Isaiah 50:4).

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Week 50

Reconciliation: Pray that _____________________ will have the attitude of a peacemaker. When friends or family members bicker and fight, pray that this child will be a godly influence among them and help set the situations in order.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

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Week 51

Victory: Pray that __________________ will experience personal victories in overcoming difficult situations, coping with unkind friends, sibling rivalry, peer pressures, and abuses from adults. Pray that this child will stand firm on God's Word to overcome all evil influences, and stay true to Jesus.

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).

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Week 52

The Savior: Pray that ______________ will delight in the story of the birth of Jesus and be renewed with a deeper commitment to serve God.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).

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