In the Christian tradition, the role of parents extends beyond providing for the physical and emotional needs of their children; it encompasses a profound spiritual responsibility. One of the critical aspects of this responsibility is to pray for their children, especially when they face temptation. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of intercessory prayer by parents for their children.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the power and necessity of prayer in overcoming temptation. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His followers to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This prayer highlights the need for divine assistance in resisting temptation, a need that is equally applicable to children as they navigate the challenges of life.

Parental Responsibility

Parents are called to be spiritual leaders in their households, guiding their children in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This training includes teaching children to rely on God through prayer, especially in times of temptation. Parents, therefore, have the duty to model this reliance and to intercede on behalf of their children.

Intercessory Prayer

The Bible provides examples of intercessory prayer, where individuals pray on behalf of others. One notable example is Job, who regularly offered sacrifices and prayers for his children, saying, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (Job 1:5). Job's vigilance in prayer for his children serves as a model for parents today, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's protection and guidance for their children.

The Role of Faith

James 5:16 states, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse underscores the effectiveness of prayer offered in faith. Parents are encouraged to pray with confidence, trusting that God hears and responds to their petitions. By praying for their children, especially when they face temptation, parents exercise their faith and entrust their children to God's care.

Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Recognizing that temptation is part of a broader spiritual battle, parents are urged to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, asking God to protect their children from the snares of the enemy.

Encouragement and Support

In addition to praying for their children, parents are encouraged to support and encourage them in their spiritual journey. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "encourage one another." Parents can play a vital role in encouraging their children to seek God's strength and wisdom when facing temptation.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a specific formula for praying for children in temptation, it offers principles and examples that guide parents in their intercessory role. By praying for their children, parents fulfill a vital aspect of their spiritual responsibility, seeking God's protection and guidance for their children as they navigate the challenges of life.Job 1:5
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On Our First Parents and their Fall
... to resist every temptation; and if anyone should excuse his ... Matt.26:41) to watch
and pray lest they ... is the sin called which we inherit from our first parents? ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 5 on our first.htm

Home-Education.
... life of your children, and then to pray for the ... The duty then of Christian parents
to give their children ... They should furnish them with all the necessary means ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvi home-education.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... and often studies to irritate and vex his parents; which, though ... a son of so many
prayers and tears should perish ... from the contagion of the times; pray that as ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... man, or young woman, do not kill the parents who gave ... are unconverted, our great
anxiety is that you should know the ... yourselves to the Lord at once I pray you. ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

Family Habits.
... in the wife, and those of the parents, in their ... assiduity and diligence, that he
seemed to pray constantly, to preach ... shut up in his study." Such should be the ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvii family habits.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... of this Spirit of intercessory prayer in parents, we shall ... of this in these services,
we should have more ... the congregation, and said, "Now, let us pray;" and I ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

A Plea to Mothers.
... It should be the ideal in every home. ... You may say that parents like these are few
and hard to find. ... To such I would say, It is never too late to pray. ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xxv a plea to.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Do not, I pray you, make your children idols, lest God should take them ... does example
tell so powerfully as it does in the case of parents and children ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... to them that ask him, than earthly parents are to ... to this end, that men ought always
to pray, and not ... always upon our knees, but that we should maintain such a ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

On Prayer
... to God just as a child begs favors from its parents. ... So we should continue to pray
till God is pleased to ... There are many reasons: (1) We may not pray in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 28 on prayer.htm

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