For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16: 25-26

Most High God,
The lure of being "the best" is so prevalent and deceiving in our culture in academics, in athletics, in appearance, in position… on and on. Please help my children not to worship any of these things as gods; instead, create in them the desire to USE THEIR GIFTS and abilities to worship You ALONE, no matter the place or position You have CHOSEN for them.

And Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Matthew 20: 18-20

Dear King of Kings,
Cause my children to hear their marching orders with their HEARTS. Give them Your compassion for the lost. allow them to share the gospel in an understanding and inviting way. May Your presence and Your voice speak words of salvation to those who are longing for You.

I have seen You in the sanctuary, and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.

Psalm 63: 2-4

Dear Beautiful One,
I pray that my children will "see" Your almighty power and Your radiant glory. Open the eyes of their heart to You, O God. And in this place, overcome them with Your unending and unfailing love. May their days be filled with the praise of Your matchless Name so that others are drawn to You.

The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because He trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.

Isaiah 26: 3-4

Dear God of Peace,
Please help my children to keep their mind steadfastly focused on YOU. Fill them with your perfect peace as they trust in You alone - become the everlasting rock to their souls.

For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

II Chronicles 16: 9

Dear Strong God,
Make my children's hearts completely Yours, I pray. And when walking with You, help them to remember that You are by their side, strongly supporting every step.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

I Peter 2:9

King Eternal,
Only by Your grace my children are Your chosen people. Remind and convict their hearts that they are not their own - that they belong to you. May they be full of wonder at the miracle which You performed in each of them - drawing them out of darkness into Your marvelous light!