A Prayer for Your Child’s Emotions

Did Jesus express his emotions while carrying out his purpose on earth?

Human emotion remains a vital part of your existence here on earth. Your emotions help you experience those feelings that connect us to the people and world around us.

Have there been times in your life as a parent where your emotions took a better part of you? And you found yourself reacting in anger, crying yourself a river or even harboring unforgiveness in your heart. Jesus wept. Jesus was angry. Jesus experienced sorrow. Remember, that your emotions can also be a helpful indicator of what is happening in your heart and life.

Children are not left out of this journey of emotions. They must learn to know that their emotions are normal and a part of the human experience. However, they must also be taught how to handle their emotions and choose not to be controlled by these emotions.

Also, having God in your life will help you to choose the right response in those moments when your emotions run high. You have the mind of Christ and can choose to model what positive emotions look like as a parent to your child.

Positive Emotions

1. LOVE

As God’s children, we have the love of God in us because it has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. God wants you to model what godly love looks like to our children and teach them how to respond to others with love.

 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong doing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Matthew 5:46

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

 2. HOPE

Did you know that hope can keep you moving forward during life’s toughest seasons? King David felt depressed in a certain season of his life, yet he spoke these words to himself – put your hope in God. Let your children know that putting their hope in God will carry them through every difficult and challenging season of life. 

Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.” Hebrews 10:23

And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. Job 11: 17-18

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42: 5

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Psalm 40:31

3. COMPASSION

We really do have a God that can empathize with our weaknesses. God shows us compassion almost daily when we fall short in our words, thoughts and actions. As parents, we must teach our children to show compassion to others from an early age. In so doing, they will grow up knowing how to model the love of God to others.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:9-10

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Hebrews 4:15

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

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 1 John 3:17

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 22-23

4. JOY

God is the giver of joy and true joy always radiates from your inner man. This means that irrespective of what you may be going through, you can always choose to radiate that joy that comes from God. Let your child see and experience that joy because they are learning that you can still be joyful amid difficulty. 

 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phillipians 4:4

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

5. CONTENTMENT

Apostle Paul understood what it meant to be in need and to have plenty. He also knew how to be content in both situations.

Contentment comes with knowing that God has you back no matter what. You have that deep assurance that he will never leave or forsake you. Children should be taught to appreciate and be content with what they have and not be consumed with what they do not have.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:7-8

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12.

6. GRATITUDE

God loves him who has a grateful heart. When you live a life of gratitude, you attract more of God’s blessings into your life. A child who has learnt to be grateful for the little things grows up to know that God will take care of the big things. Remember how Jonah gave thanks in the belly of the fish. Always model a life of gratitude to your children irrespective of the circumstance.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

READ ALSO: THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

7. FORGIVENESS

According to Mayo Clinic – “ Forgiveness involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.” Holding in feelings of anger, bitterness and keeping grudges can be harmful to your mind and health. These emotions always lead to higher stress levels and anxiety in your life.

There will always be moments of bickering and fighting amongst siblings, and as a parent, you can use those moments to teach your child about forgiveness and not holding grudges.

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself by choosing to let go. You simply refuse to be controlled by your feelings and negative emotions.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6: 37

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

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

Negative Emotions

The thing about negative emotions is that if it is allowed to fester, it can become harmful to you and to the people around you. Children must also be taught that negative emotions happen. Yes, they can get angry, feel jealous and afraid, but they must know that they have the power to choose their response in such situations.

1. WORRY/ANXIETY

Jesus addressed this negative emotion that many struggle with today. A mother who worries about any and everything will only teach her child to worry.

And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 

These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God^[ above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34

2. ANGER

In Numbers 20, Moses ignored a God given instruction in a moment of anger. His action had consequences. Cain was consumed so much with anger that he went on to murder his brother.

But He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. Genesis 4: 5

3. FEAR

A classic example of fear in the bible is the story of God calling Moses to step into his purpose. In that moment, Moses began to see all that was wrong about him not being good enough to carry out God’s purpose.

There are often many reasons why people are overcome with fear. If it is not the fear of the unknown, then it is a fear of the future. People will often respond in fear when they feel there is a real or perceived threat.

This acronym can help us put this negative emotion at bay each time it rears itself. FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. God also says in his word that he has not given you the spirit of fear. Fear is a spirit that can be conquered with the word of God.

4. JEALOUSY

There are some examples of jealousy displayed in the bible. And one that easily comes to mind is the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers who became angry at the pictures he painted of his dreams.

And on top of that, he was his father’s favorite child. This enraged his brothers who eventually sold him into slavery. We also read in the bible how King Saul was consumed with jealousy after David was chosen to take his place. He began to hunt David down to kill him.

“Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words” Gen 37:8

“Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”  And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David” 1 Sam 18:8-9

5. LUST

David sinned against God when he lusted after Batsheba, another man’s wife. The bible records that David did what was evil in the sight of God. (Read 2 Samuel 11)

A few chapters later, we see David’s son Ammon consumed with lust for his half-sister Tamar. Ammon eventually goes on to rape his own sister.

Now Absalom, David’s son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David’s son, loved her. And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. 2 Samuel 13:1-2

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  1 John 2:16

6. SORROW

Job is a man in the bible who experienced deep sorrow and grief. He lost his possessions, children and even his health. When he heard the news of his children’s death, the bible says that he got up, tore his robe and shaved his head.

We also see Hannah who the bible described as a woman with a sorrowful spirit. She was barren and desperately wanted a child to call her own. It is true that the grief of death, loss and pain can also cause you to react in ways you never ever imagined.

 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1-20-21

The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18: 33

Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it on a rock for herself, from the beginning of harvest until rain fell on them from the heavens; she did not allow the birds of the air to come on the bodies by day, or the wild animals by night. 2 Samuel 21:10

7. SHAME

Adam and Eve sinned and became overwhelmed with shame. This shame made them want to run as far away as they could from God. They hid from God and wanted to remain unseen because of shame.

Shame will always weigh you down and remind you of your inadequacies and weaknesses. It can also lead you into a place of isolation and despondency.

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Genesis 3: 8-10

A Free Resource Guideline on how to deal with Negative Emotions

What Does the Bible Say about Controlling your Emotions?

God wants you to learn to control your emotions. You do not show God-like character when you allow your emotions to control you. He also wants you to be able to manage your emotions even as you grow in your walk with him. Let your children also see and experience you taking charge of your emotions on a daily basis.

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:17

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. Proverbs 29:11

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12: 10

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Colossians 3:8

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

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

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

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

Some Bible Verses about Dealing with Sorrow

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

4 Steps to Teaching Children about Emotions

While you as a parent may not always be responsible for your child’s emotional reactions, you can consistently go to God in prayer and ask him to fill your child’s heart with healthy/positive emotions. Trust God to give you ideas and the wisdom to deal with any negative emotion that seems to be gaining deep roots in your child’s heart and life.

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A Prayer for Your Child’s Emotions

Father, I thank you for your indwelling presence in my child’s life that inhabits his/her emotions. Thank you, Lord because your presence in my child’s life helps him/her to take full control of his emotions.

I declare that he/she will not be held captive by negative emotions such as anger, guilt, fear, jealousy, bitterness, hatred and sorrow. Help my child always remember that anger is lodged in the bosom of fools and may my child’s spirit not be crushed in moments of despair and discouragement.

Lord, I ask that you set my child free from negative emotions that seek to grow deep roots in his/her heart. I declare that feelings of fear, sorrow, anxiety and hopelessness will not overwhelm my child to the point of depression. Today, I break the power of depression over my child’s life and declare that he/she will not be mentally or emotionally depressed.

I pray also that my child’s mind will not always dwell on the wrong done to him/her. But that he/she will let forgiveness take its full course to heal his/her broken heart. I release my child from every form of malicious and manipulative behavior. I release him/her from every form of bitterness, anger, jealousy, and pain that seeks to stop him/her from living his/her best life in God.

Lord, thank you for setting my child free from every form of fear and anxiety. I declare that you my child do not have the spirit of fear but God’s spirit, love, power and a sound mind. I speak into your spirit (insert name) that you will not be frightened or dismayed in any season of your life. Your heart will not be troubled or overcome with grief and you will not be driven by fleshly and lustful desires.

Lord, I ask that you guard my child’s mind from negative thoughts that can affect him emotionally. Help him/her to always set his mind and emotions on things that are above and not things on the earth. I pray that my child will always choose self-control and with the help of the Holy Spirit restrain himself/herself when emotions run high.

Today, I speak God’s word over you my child. You will not be burdened with guilt and shame in any season of your life. Your mistakes and errors will not cause you to run away from God but will direct your path towards God.

May God’s love be shed abroad afresh in your heart today. May God’s love in you fill your heart with deep compassion and empathy for others. I declare that your life will always radiate peace to those around you because God has filled your heart with his peace.

I declare that your emotions will be spirit-driven and always be in alignment with God’s nature and character. The fruits of the spirit will be evident in your life for all to see. Thank you father for an emotionally stable child who is filled with the Spirit of God. Amen!

More prayers for your children:

A prayer for your child’s character

A prayer for your child’s future

A prayer for your child’s mind