It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, because Christmas Break is Almost Here!

It’s hard to believe that not only will Christmas day soon be here, but if you have school-aged children, Christmas break will soon be here!

There is just one giant hurdle standing in between us and that glorious break we have been yearning for:

FINAL EXAMS!

If you have a high schooler in your home, you know exactly what I am talking about!

The stress, the late nights, the extra caffeine, the mood swings, and the attitudes will all make an appearance in our homes this week.

But take heart, dear parents, it’s just a momentary affliction, and soon our homes and children will be back to normal!

What can we, as parents, do to help our little cherubs this week? Other than staying out of their way, we can pray, pray, and pray some more!

This past November, we took another trip to Baylor University for a scholarship opportunity for our older son. During one of our many trips on the school shuttles, I was chatting with one of the student drivers, asking her the basic questions we moms ask, “Where are you from?” “What’s your major?” and “Why did you choose Baylor?”

She responded that her mother had attended Baylor, and she loved the campus. This young woman knew from a very young age that she wanted to attend this school, and she worked hard in high school to achieve the grades and scores that were needed.

She also had someone else helping her.

“My mom prayed for me to get into Baylor, and she continues to pray for me while I am here on campus.”

Parents, there is no greater gift that we can give our children than to pray daily for them!

Here are a few ideas that you can do to get into the habit of praying for your children:

1. Set your alarm 15 minutes before you usually get up, and pray for them before they begin their day.
2. Pray for them while you are driving them to school or if your student drives, pray for them when they get in their car to head to school.
3. Set your phone alarm as a reminder to pray for your child at the beginning of their scheduled final.
4. As a guide, I have provided five verses to pray for your child below:

Philippians 4:6-7 

“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.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

“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.”

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Ephesians 2:8-10

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Psalm 90:17

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

We Got This! 

Parents, not only am I praying for your children, I will be lifting you up in prayer. I pray for patience, rest, and understanding for you. This week will feel like the longest week ever, but remember, you are not alone! Jesus is right there with us every step of the way!