Praying for our loved ones is a sweet duty.

1. Praying for our loved ones is a sweet duty. C. S. Lewis

2. Brought and Blessed 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 NIV

3. Parents Came to Jesus with Great Need • Jairus, a synagogue leader comes to Jesus for his sick daughter • A Gentile woman fell at Jesus’ feet begging for healing for her daughter • A demon possessed son, suffering severe distress, was brought to Jesus by his father

4. Mothers’ Prayers Make A Difference I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. A. Lincoln I wouldn’t be a Christian today if it were not for my mother’s prayers. My grandmother was my first prayer partner. The last time I heard my mother’s voice, she was praying for me. When I was lost in drugs and alcohol, my grandmother cried out to God for me. That is why I am a Christian today.

5. Praying for Practical Needs No one has shown me a greater kindness than to pray for me. Jonathan Edwards B – Body Pray for your child’s health, safety, protection L – Labor Pray for your child’s development, work at school or on the job E – Emotions Pray that your child will be secure, have a sense of belonging S – Social Pray that your child will get along with siblings, friends. Pray for their future husband or wife. S – Spiritual Pray that your child will know and accept God’s love and forgiveness

6. Photo Prayers“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:13 NIV

7. Praying Scripture Prayer is not about getting God to adopt our agenda. It is about making sure we understand His. • Choose seven Scriptural goals and pray for one goal a day each week. • Use your regular daily reading to pray specific Scriptures for your child. • When anxious, turn to these goals for comfort and guidance. We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. Oswald Chambers

8. When You Don’t Know How To Pray “Lord, teach us to pray.” 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,10 your kingdom come,your will be done,    on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us today our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts,    as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation,    but deliver us from the evil one.” Mark 6: 9–13 NIV

9. Praying the Prodigals Home ‘For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ Luke 15:24 NIV • Pray for their practical needs. • Pray that God would draw your child to Himself. John 6:44 • Pray that God would speak to them in creation. Psalm 19:1 • Pray that they would realize that God’s Presence is inescapable. Psalm 139:7 • Pray that your church will welcome the prodigal home. “When the Father’s house is filled with the Father’s love, the prodigals will come home.” Rob Parsons

10. ASAP Prayers or ALAT Prayers “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  Luke 18:1 NIV • ASAP Prayers – As soon as possible • ALAT Prayers – As long as it takes

11. Always pray. Never give up. Luke 18:1