As a mom, I am often at a loss about what to pray for my children. My intercessory words, in the face of broken hearts, friendship challenges, college decisions, and physical limitations, can sound weak and trivial. I want healing, joy, and peace for my daughters, but could there be something that God wants them to learn during their trials? What if God is using the trials they are facing to shape their hearts for His good purposes? Over the last year, I have never felt more incapable as a parent. The needs of my daughters cast a large shadow on my weak pleas for health and happiness. Finally, I started digging for Scripture that speaks to each girl's specific situation and needs. I personalized the verses I discovered in the pages of my journal and have committed to praying them every morning. The results have been nothing short of miraculous. I see my daughters maturing in their faith and in their ability to discern. They still suffer the pain of past decisions, face new challenges, and occasionally struggle from making more bad choices, but I am aware of a slow, steady movement toward the heart of God.
For the duration of your next study, ask each person in your small group to find a verse that speaks to his or her most immediate need and bring it to the meeting. Take some time at the beginning of the meeting to help find a verse for those without one. Have the group members find a partner and commit to praying the selected verse for each other every day until the group meets again. As the study progresses, ask that everyone identify a new verse each week. Add the new verse to the old one and pray both verses for the second week. Continue, throughout the study, adding to the list and the time spent daily praying for each other. When you begin a new study, consider starting over with new prayer partners.
