A Prayer of Blessing Over a New Baby’s Life
By: Amanda Idleman
Bible Reading: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26
Read or Listen Below:
Last year, I was invited to see the value of new life in a fresh way. We got the call in November notifying us that our adoptive daughter had a half-sister who was just born and was now alone in the NICU, barely hanging on with only nurses and medical professionals to coax her back to life.
This news brought on an onslaught of emotions… shock, anger, fear, and uncertainty, to name a few! More than anything, it was clear to our hearts that this little life mattered and needed someone to fight for her. So we let go of our fears and embraced our makeshift role in her life as foster parents and prayed fervent prayers that this life would be blessed and not cut short.
The part I can’t quite get over is that God heard our prayers. He responded to our faith, and he saved her life. She was living in the valley of the shadow of death, but God miraculously spared her life. I will never stop giving thanks for this turn of events. I don’t want to forget that as a parent and believer, God hears and responds to our prayers.
I think we all need that simple reminder from time to time, as it's so easy to feel the weight of the world on our shoulders as parents, we must remember that God responds to our prayers. When the road ahead for our kids is unclear or we are scared at the prospect of caring for a human, we can lean on God’s Spirit for help and guidance. We are not alone on this journey.
The second lesson our unexpected baby taught us was wrapped up in her name, which means wisdom. The wisdom of this world tells us that children are often a burden, that more kids equal more problems, and that children with disabilities lack value.
God’s wisdom speaks of something radically different. It tells us that each child is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 134:14). That a house full of kids is a blessing (Psalm 127:3-5). It’s our privilege as parents to raise children in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6).
Embracing children into your life is wise, whether it’s your first child or your sixth. Whether this baby is normally developed or will require support as they grow. It’s worth putting your heart on the line for a child, even if the situation is complicated and the future is not guaranteed. If you have the opportunity to embrace new life, you are blessed, and the life of the child in your care has eternal value.
As you, like me, step up to love a new precious baby, let’s continue to call out to God to be present in this child’s life. Let’s remember to teach them His word so they will be led by wisdom and be protected from foolishness. We must invite other believers to step into our lives and support us on this parenting journey. We must be intentional about our choices so this child will have a clear model in their lives of what it looks like to live by the fruits of the spirit. Parenting is holy work and we must draw close to God so he will come close to us.
Our prayers for our children must be consistent as God’s guidance is the most essential tool we have as parents. We need God’s comforting Holy Spirit to rest on our homes so we can find the narrow way that leads to Heaven as a family.
Let’s Pray
Father, we ask that you will bless this child. Keep them protected from harm. Let your gracious face shine on them, making their path straight. Show them your way and teach them your paths. Let them know and live with peace. I thank you that this child is a gift. Let me as their parent be diligent in the holy work you have given me to guide and love this child. I thank you that this child is a blessing. Give them the strength they need for whatever trials lie ahead. Let your Holy Spirit rest on them. Amen.
Photo Credit: Zach Lucero/Unsplash
Praying through Psalm 15: A Prayer to the One Who Will Never Be Shaken
Are you tired of being spiritually weary? You've come to the right place! Join us for a time of prayer, reflection and meditation. Leave the baggage of your day behind you and come away refreshed, renewed, and reconnected to God. Who is the kind of person who will never be shaken? Find out in today's 10-minute devotion as we explore Psalm 15. If you like what you hear, subscribe to Praying Christian Women on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below
