A Prayer for Your Child’s Character

According to Cambridge dictionary, “character can be defined as the combination of qualities in a person or place that makes them different from others.” And a man’s character will usually give us a peek into who a man really is.

 “The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do, if he knew he would never be found out.” Thomas Macaulay

Who are you when no one is watching? God is concerned about your character and sees us not as man sees. He is also concerned about how you are raising your children to be light in a very dark world . So, beyond the outward appearances children may put up, God wants you to give careful attention to what is going on inside them.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

Are you raising children with godly character?

The bible clearly states that as a child of God, you are the light of the world. In other words, everywhere you are or show up, others should see, feel and experience the light that you carry through your words, values and actions.

I also believe that it all begins in the four walls of your home, where your children are watching, learning and building their character every single day. What kind of words are you speaking in your home? How do you respond in times of pressure and crisis? Does your daily routine reflect godliness and discipline? Can your child see Jesus in you and your everyday interactions?

“The expression of Christian character is not good doing, but God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit Divine characteristics in your life, not good human characteristics . God’s life in us expresses itself as God’s life, not as human life trying to be godly.” Oswald Chambers

Godly Character Vs Bad Character

A man’s character can usually be seen through his words, actions, desires and attitude. And when we come to Christ, the journey of character building is a continuous process.

Our desire as God’s children is to become more like our heavenly father in all areas of life. In the bible, we find men and women of good character, who had integrity and took a stand for what is right. You mostly remember them for their conduct, actions and how their character influenced their choices. However, there are also some others in the Bible that we will always remember for their bad character, conduct and actions

Godly Character

1. David

“But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart . 1 Sam. 13:14

And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will. Acts 13:22

So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. Psalm 78:72

2. Job

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.” Job 2:3

3. Dorcas

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. Acts 9:36

4. Hanani

I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do. Nehemiah 7:2

5. Ruth

And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Ruth 3:11

6. Daniel

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Daniel 1:8

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. Daniel 6:3

7. Joseph

 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9

8. Shiprah and Puah

Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah;  and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. Exodus 1:15-17

Bad Character

1. Cain

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9

2. Ahab

And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 1 Kings 16:33

3. Herodias

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. Matthew 14:8-11

4. Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.  With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Acts 5:1-3

5. Athaliah

When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family. 2 Kings 11:1

Bible Verses About Character

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossianss 3:12-15

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9

He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. Proverbs 3:34

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Ephesians 4:1

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. Proverbs 20:7

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Proverbs 11:3

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 13-16

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. Proverbs 3:34

For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace”. Romans 6:14

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Say a Prayer of Wisdom for your Child

For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 2 Corinthians 8:21

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:29-31

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?  Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart. Psalm 15:1-2

So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10

Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. Titus 2:12

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:19

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil. 2 Timothy 2:24

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3: 8-9

For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:10-11

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:22-27

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. Rick Warren

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

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A Prayer for Your Child’s Character

Thank you heavenly father for this child that you have given to me. Thank you for helping him/her live daily to honor and bring glory to your name through his/her words, thoughts and actions.

I ask that you sanctify my child’s mind, spirit and body with the truth of your word. Help him/her to stand firm always holding on to the truth of your word in every season of his/her life. May he/she daily reflect the nature and character of God as one chosen by him.

I declare that my child will not be held captive by the deceitful desires and yearnings of the flesh. I pray also that God’s spirit will work in his/her heart purifying it from inside out and helping him/her to live a holy and spirit-led life.

Lord, I ask that you work in the deepest parts of my child’s heart and let your character become his/her character. I pray that he/she will not live a life of double standards, but will forever remain steadfast in the faith, abhor evil and always make godly choices and decisions.

Father, sanctify the lips of my child. Help him/her to speak words that bring glory to you. May his/her conversation always be full of grace and wisdom. May his/her words bless, uplift and build others every single day.

When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost. – BIlly Graham

Lord, I declare that my child will always walk in a way that is worthy of you. He/she will live a godly and upright life shining forth your glory and goodness everywhere he/she is. I declare that according to your word, my child is light and is shining brightly in a very dark world. I declare also that he/she is the salt of the earth and brings the presence and goodness of God into every situation.

Help my child to discipline his/her body and mind and may he/she receive wisdom to always keep his thoughts and words under control. May he/she renounce ungodliness, worldly/youthful passions and choose to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age. Help him/her also to walk in integrity and purity. May he/she always delight in the law of God and choose always to do your will.

Thank you for filling the heart of my child with your love. Let your love guide his/her actions and may he/she always radiate your love to their world. Help him/her to love you Lord with all his/her heart, soul, mind and strength. Fill his/her heart with kindness, compassion, and empathy that he/she may always reflect godliness to the world around.

I ask that you take away bitterness, anger and jealousy from my child’s heart. Help him/her to be humble and patient with others. May he/she always put on goodness, kindness, joy, humility, love and peace as God’s chosen ones.

I ask Lord that the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control find full expression in my child’s life.

May he/she be strengthened to stand firm during trails. I pray also that you will build my child’s faith and refine his/her character in seasons of difficulty. And let this steadfastness in you have its full effect so that my child may be perfect and complete in you, lacking nothing.

I declare today that my child’s character conforms to the character and nature of God.

“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love”. Psalm 145:8  “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” Nehemiah 9:17

So, I declare that you___________ are gracious, slow to anger, rich in love, compassionate and forgiving just like your heavenly father. Amen!

You can say these prayers too.

A Prayer for your Child’s Mind

A Prayer for your Child’s Identity in Christ.

A Prayer for your Child’s Future.