Family FX ParentZone for January 7

In January our focus will be on Discipline

Today's Study - A Christian Parent's Secret Weapon in Discipline: Prayer

"God has not called you to be the perfect parent. Yet, He has called you to be a praying parent." Dr. Kevin Meador

You are not going to be 100% perfect in parenting - God, the perfect parent, by His grace changes your child from the inside out as you pray for them.

Although God still is calling you to function as His agent in disciplining your child, you should be totally dependent on Him to see true heart change in your child. Prayer is the "Declaration of Dependence."

Cosmic Struggle enters Family Realm

Ephesians 6:

vss. 1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

vs. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

vs. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Goal: See my child's character, heart and behavior change from developing specific prayers for my child.

• Make a list - What character traits, heart and behavior changes do I believe God would have in my child?
• Add power of the Word - What Scripture can I pray over my child as seek these things from God?
• Take the Challenge - Write out a prayer for your child to commit to pray each day for three weeks and keep a record of what God does.