You must influence them;
do not let them influence you! (Jeremiah 15: 19b)

Father,

As my child prepares for another year of High School, hear my cry!

First, I thank You for my child. What a gift you have given. Please grant me wisdom to raise this child aright.

Please remove all obstacles that stand in the way of my child’s rich understanding of your grace, forgiveness, and unfathomable love.

Strengthen my child in the faith! Make my child an influencer in school, not a follower of the status quo, not a peer-pleaser, but a God-pleaser, not a grumbler or complainer, but one with a grateful heart, not idle and lazy, but hardworking and happy, not entitled to anything but the promises You have written in Your Word, not prone to addiction except to be addicted to the joy only Your Holy Spirit can give. Grant friends whose hearts align with Yours. Send your protective angels to prevent injuries. Give creativity and ingenuity. Grant a generous helping of a hunger to learn, never satisfied, never abated, always seeking for Truth, and never stopping short of discovering the order and beauty You have created in the universe.

May Your great Kingdom values be alive and well in my child – righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, with the hallmark of love as value #1.

And ditto for this parent! May I model all the virtues I want so much to celebrate in the life of my child. May I model You, dear Lord.

All this is about You.

All this is for You.

For the King and for His Kingdom!

Amen.