Praying For Our Children: How can I pray for my children? ( Part 6)

Praying for a Hedge of Protection

In our struggle against evil, we are dealing with spiritual powers. Therefore, we are to put on the whole armor of God and stand against the attacks of the wicked one.“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10–13).

One powerful weapon that every Christian parent has is the ability to pray a daily hedge of protection around each of his children. Job experienced this protection, and Satan complained to God about its effectiveness: “Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?” (Job 1:10).

There are three parts to a prayer for a hedge of protection:

• Ask God to bind and rebuke the power of Satan in the life of each one in your family. Be mighty through God to pull down strongholds. “No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house” (Mark 3:27).
• Pray in the name and through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). Christ’s name is Protector, the Good Shepherd who gives His life for His sheep.
• Claim the Scripture that relates to the kind of protection that is needed. For example, for protection from sin, you can claim a verse such as Romans 6:14:“For sin shall not have dominion over you.” For protection from discouragement, you could claim this promise: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”(Hebrews 13:5).

Sample Prayer

Heavenly Father, I ask You in the name and through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ to bind and rebuke Satan and to put a hedge of protection around me and each one in my family. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in . . . [us] will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). In the name of Jesus Christ our Shepherd, Amen.

As you support your sons and daughters in prayer, do not become discouraged. Do not give up or succumb to the idea that your prayers are meaningless. Consider the impact that prayer has had in your life and in the lives of those around you. “. . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b). Truly, prayer is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your child.

This article is adapted from material by Dr. Jim Logan of the International Center for Biblical Counseling in Sioux City, Iowa. The section on intercession is adapted from material by Pastor Charles W. Wetherbee of Victory Baptist Church, Weatherford, Texas.