Prayer Prompt #29: Calling Forth Character (The Power of Words, Part 3)

Last week we discussed destructive words and prayed that we would be on guard against speaking these over our children.

This week we will pray to build and rebuild: to correct our wrong patterns of speech and adopt constructive speech when we communicate with our children.

Moms, it was a verbal command that raised Lazarus from the dead.  Our words can bring parts of our children’s hearts or hopes that were once dead back to life.  Your words have power. Remember that.

So when my child needs correction, I ought to think about the words I’ll use before they tumble out of my mouth.  Rather than tearing down my child with, “you are mean” (a negative judgment who he is), I can use words to draw out the godly character that he is called to embody: “God made you to be compassionate" (wherein there is hope and motivation to change). With my words I adorn his neck with truth (Proverbs 6:20-22).

Yes, it’s true that little Johnny may not be acting compassionately now as he whallops his little brother over the head with a toy truck.  But that’s not the character to which God has called him; it’s sin acting out of an immature heart.  So I don’t accept that the current behavior will define who he is, and instead I replace it with truth of who he is meant to become.

No, our children may not be all these godly things today - and neither am I - but I know that God is doing a work in them and in me and He is not finished.  I choose to share His perspective, and He sees what we are becoming rather than doom us to remain as we are today.   

Dear Jesus, fill my heart up with Truth so it will bubble out whenever I speak to my children (Luke 6:45).  Teach me to speak as You did - seeing the godly qualities you desire for my children and calling them forth even as you called forth a dead man from a tomb.  Give me the faith to believe that no dormant character trait cannot be resurrected by your power. Give me the faith to believe that the sword of your Spirit, which is the Word of God, can snuff out the traits that are contrary to your character. Help me speak truth over my children in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.