How to speak God’s Word over your kids with boldness, hope, and trust
If you’re a mom, you’ve likely whispered a few desperate prayers. Maybe it was over a crying baby at 3 a.m., or before sending your child into a classroom that felt overwhelming. Maybe it was on the bathroom floor, exhausted from the weight of it all, or in the car, hands gripping the wheel as you whispered, “Lord, please help them.” Prayer and motherhood go hand in hand.
But did you know that one of the most powerful ways to pray for your children is by praying Scripture itself?
God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and when we pray His truth back to Him, we’re not only aligning our hearts with His, but we’re speaking life, identity, protection, and promise over our kids.
This guide will walk you through why and how to pray Scripture over your children, whether they’re toddlers, teens, or already grown. Here I’ll take a look at specific verses and explain how to use them in prayer. And I’ll point you to trusted resources to support you on this journey.
Why Pray Scripture?
Praying Scripture isn’t about reciting Bible verses like magic spells. It’s about partnering with the Word of God as you intercede for your children.
Here’s what happens when you pray God’s Word:
- You align your heart with His truth.
- You speak life-giving words over your family.
- You combat fear and doubt with faith and certainty.
- You plant seeds of identity and destiny in your kids’ hearts.
And you’re not just hoping—it’s anchored in promise.
“So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.” Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
You are not powerless in motherhood. You’re equipped with a sword. His Word. And wielding that sword in prayer changes everything.
How to Start Praying Scripture
You don’t need a theology degree or a fancy prayer journal to get started. All you need is a Bible (or Bible app) and a willing heart.
Here’s a simple rhythm:
- Find a verse that aligns with your child’s need or situation. Is your child anxious? Struggling in school? Feeling lonely?
- Read the verse aloud, then turn it into a prayer. Personalize it with your child’s name. Make it conversational with God.
- Pray it often and revisit it regularly. The more you pray Scripture, the more confident and anchored your prayers become.
Let’s walk through some powerful verses to pray, and why each one matters.
Scripture to Pray Over Your Children
For Identity and Worth
“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Why it matters:
In a world of comparison and confusion, our kids need to know they are wonderfully made by a loving Creator. This verse reminds them that they were made with care, purpose, and intentionality.
How to pray it:
“Lord, thank You for creating [child’s name] fearfully and wonderfully. Help them know their value comes from You—not from what others say or how they feel. Root their identity in Your truth.”
For Wisdom and Discernment
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NKJV)
Why it matters:
Our kids are making choices every day, from friendships to schoolwork to moral decisions. Wisdom is vital, even in young hearts.
How to pray it:
“Father, give [child’s name] wisdom beyond their years. Let them seek Your guidance in everything they do. Help them hear Your voice clearly and walk in Your ways.”
For Protection
“He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 (ESV)
Why it matters:
We can’t always be with our children, but we can entrust them to the God who never leaves them. His angels go where we can’t.
How to pray it:
“Lord, place Your angels around [child’s name]. Protect them in every situation—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Keep them safe in Your care.”
For Peace and Calm
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
Why it matters:
So many children deal with anxiety today. God’s peace is a gift we can ask for on their behalf.
How to pray it:
“God, let Your peace fill [child’s name]’s heart and mind. In every fear, remind them to turn to You. Guard them with Your calm presence.”
For Faith
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example… in faith…” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)
Why it matters:
Our kids don’t have to wait to be adults to walk in faith. They can live boldly for Jesus even now.
How to pray it:
“Jesus, grow bold faith in [child’s name]. Help them be a light to their generation and stand strong in what they believe. Let others see You in them.”
For Friendships and Influences
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
Why it matters:
Friends shape so much of our children’s character. Praying over their relationships is one of the most powerful things we can do.
How to pray it:
“Lord, surround [child’s name] with friends who love You. Give them wise and kind companions. Protect them from harmful influences and peer pressure.”
For Purpose and Calling
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
Why it matters:
Our children were created on purpose and for a purpose. This verse helps affirm their God-given calling.
How to pray it:
“Father, remind [child’s name] that they were created for good works. Show them their gifts. Help them walk in their calling with confidence and joy.”
For Courage and Strength
“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Why it matters:
From new schools to difficult seasons, our children need courage. God’s presence gives them strength.
How to pray it:
“God, give [child’s name] boldness to face anything that comes their way. Help them remember they are never alone, You are always with them.”
For Obedience and a Teachable Heart
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1 (ESV)
Why it matters:
Raising children who honor authority is part of discipling them toward Christ.
How to pray it:
“Lord, shape [child’s name]’s heart to be soft and obedient—not just to me, but to You. Help me model grace and truth in my parenting.”
For Joy and Gratitude
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)
Why it matters:
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a gift that shifts perspective. Teaching our kids gratitude shapes heart and their outlook.
How to pray it:
“Jesus, fill [child’s name] with joy today. Help them notice the good. Grow a grateful spirit in them and let that joy be contagious.”
Here I’ve only listed a few Scriptures to pray, why they matter, and how to pray them. You get the idea. I’ve also created this 31 Day Prayer Challenge for Moms. Each day, pray the Scripture listed below over your child. Let it guide your words and strengthen your heart.
Helpful Books on Praying for Your Children
I’ve read a lot of books on the subject of praying for my kids over the years. If you want to go deeper in this journey of praying for your kids, here are some trusted, encouraging books that will bless you:
- Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson
This short but powerful book helps you develop bold, focused prayers for your children. It emphasizes circling specific needs with persistent prayer and trusting God with the outcome. - Praying Circles Around the Lives of Your Children: Unlocking the Power of Prayer in Your Family
The first book is like the appetizer, and this is the full course meal. Get it. You’ll thank me. - Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
A beautiful, Scripture-filled book that gives guided prayers on every area of parenting – from health and safety to character and spiritual growth. - Prayers for Your Children: 90 Days of Heartfelt Prayers for Children of Any Age by James Banks
This book offers ninety accessible, Scripture-packed prayers you can pray for your kids during every season of their lives. See my review of Prayers for Your Children from ten years ago. - Do Your Children Believe by Terrence Chatmon
This isn’t a book about prayer, but it is a book about intentionality and about passing on the faith. I’ve honestly lost count of how many copies I’ve given away of this book. I highly recommend it. Read my review of Do Your Children Believe.
You are Not Alone
Momma’s, let this sink in:
You are not alone in raising your children.
God is with you, guiding you, equipping you, and listening to your every prayer.
He cares about your child more than you ever could—and He’s placed you in their life on purpose.
Don’t let fear speak louder than faith.
Don’t let guilt drown out grace.
And don’t believe the lie that your prayers aren’t enough.
Because when you pray Scripture over your children, you are not just hoping for change—you are declaring God’s truth over their lives. So speak it out loud. Whisper it at night. Tape it to mirrors. Write it on their lunch napkins. Speak life, momma. Speak promise. Speak truth. He hears you. And His Word never returns void.
BTW, do you use momma or mama? I’ve always used momma, but occasionally use mama. Just curious.
