31 Bible Verses To Pray Over Your Kids
A 31-Day Prayer Guide for Parents
I have to admit, my wife is the more dedicated parent when it comes to praying over our kids on a regular basis. Yes, I pray for my kids often, but not like my wife.
And it is this reality that has challenged me to start finding ways to pray and declare scripture over my sweet daughters.
Now, I haven’t completed an exhaustive list of scripture, but I did create a short list of scriptures that I have started praying over my daughters. And while I was thinking more about this list, I thought it would be great to share with you.
Now, before I share the list, let me share a few other things.
Why Pray Scripture Over Your Children
I had a pastor once tell me that my ceiling in life would be my children’s floor. As we talked more about this and in the days to follow that conversation, I learned that our children build their lives on the foundation of our lives.
If we spend our time building our lives around our faith and into growing closer to God, we give our children the opportunity to go even deeper in their faith as they grow.
Because of this, my wife and I have been very intentional in the way that we share our faith with our kids and how we grow in our own faith. And one of those ways is in praying scripture over our kids.
I have found that there are five benefits to praying scripture over our kids and I wanted to share those with you before sharing the 31 scriptures you can pray over your kids.
5 Benefits of Praying Scripture Over Your Children
As parents, we all want the best for our children—health, happiness, success, and, most importantly, a strong foundation of faith. One of the most powerful ways to bless and protect them is by praying Scripture over their lives.
God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and when we pray it, we align ourselves with His will, inviting His power and promises into our children’s lives. So, here are a few of those reasons to be praying scripture over your kids.
God’s Word is Powerful and Effective
Scripture is not just a book of wisdom; it is God’s spoken truth with the power to transform lives. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” When we pray Scripture over our children, we are speaking God’s promises into existence, trusting that His Word will work in their hearts, minds, and circumstances.
It Helps Shape Their Character and Future
Praying Scripture over your children allows you to plant seeds of faith, wisdom, and godly character in their lives. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” By praying verses about wisdom, purity, kindness, and discernment, you are interceding for their future and asking God to mold them into who He created them to be.
It Covers Them in Spiritual Protection
The world is full of influences that can lead children astray, but prayer is a shield of protection. Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” When we pray verses about God’s protection (Psalm 91), peace (John 14:27), and strength (Philippians 4:13), we are asking God to guard their hearts, minds, and bodies from harm.
It Builds Their Faith and Encourages Their Walk with God
When children see their parents praying Scripture, they learn to rely on God’s Word themselves. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” By consistently praying Scripture over them, you teach them to turn to God’s Word for guidance, comfort, and strength. It also creates a spiritual foundation that will remain with them even when they face challenges in life.
It Aligns Your Prayers with God’s Will
Sometimes, we may not know what to pray for our children, but God’s Word gives us clear direction. Instead of praying based on our fears or desires, we can pray His promises, knowing that they are always in line with His perfect will. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Praying this over your child declares that you trust God’s plan for their life.
31 Passages of Scripture to Pray Over Your Kids
These verses cover various themes such as blessings, protection, guidance, wisdom, and faith growth. All of them can make a profound impact on your children’s lives and on your life as you pray through them for your kids.
Numbers 6:24-26 - "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Proverbs 22:6 - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Isaiah 54:13 - "All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace."
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Ephesians 6:1-3 - "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'"
3 John 1:4 - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 91:1-2, 11-12 - "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'... For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
1 Timothy 4:12 - "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
Psalm 23:1-4 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Psalm 139:14-16 - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Matthew 19:14 - "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
Psalm 127:3-5 - "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court."
Proverbs 1:8-9 - "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."
Ephesians 3:17-19 - "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."
Psalm 1:1-3 - "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."
Colossians 3:20 - "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
Psalm 28:7 - "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Isaiah 40:31 - "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."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love."
2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."
Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Proverbs 4:10-13 - "Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."
Galatians 5:22-23 - "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."
Ephesians 5:1-2 - "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Going Deeper in Praying for Your Kids
Praying Scripture over your children is one of the most powerful ways to nurture their faith and invite God’s blessings into their lives. As you begin or continue this journey, here are a few practical steps to take your prayers a step further:
Create a Prayer Plan – Set aside dedicated time each day to pray Scripture over your children. Whether it’s during morning devotions, at bedtime, or even while driving them to school, consistency will help you establish a meaningful habit.
Personalize the Scriptures – When you pray, insert your child’s name into the verses. For example, instead of saying, “The Lord bless you and keep you” (Numbers 6:24), pray, “The Lord bless [child’s name] and keep [him/her].” This makes the prayers feel more personal and powerful.
Write and Display Key Verses – Choose a few key Scriptures that resonate with you and your children’s needs. Write them on index cards, post them on the fridge, or place them by their beds as a reminder of God’s promises.
Encourage Your Children to Pray Scripture – As your kids grow, teach them how to pray Scripture for themselves. Model it for them and invite them to join you in praying over their own lives. This helps them develop a lifelong habit of turning to God’s Word in prayer.
Pray in Community – Consider joining or starting a prayer group with other parents who are committed to praying Scripture over their children. Praying together can bring encouragement, accountability, and a greater sense of unity in faith.
No matter where you are in your prayer journey, know that God honors every prayer lifted for your children. His Word is alive and active, and as you pray it over your family, you are planting seeds of faith that will bear fruit for generations to come.
Keep praying, keep believing, and trust that God is at work in your children’s lives.
J.R. HEIMBIGNER is a #1 Bestselling Christian Author on Amazon who writes about faith and writing books. You can pick up my other books here:
The Book of Proverbs
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