A couple of years ago, a friend of mine presented me with a 2-sided, off-centered, black and white copy of a copy 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. The top of one side read, 31 Biblical Virtues to pray for your kids.*
Her and I talk frequently about parenting, how to be better moms, how to deal/cope/handle the different personalities of our precious-little-nuggets — SO, of course the piece of paper looked to be something worth taking action on…praying specific Biblical virtues for our children.
Admittedly, I folded the piece of paper in half, tucked it into my Bible and didn’t look at it again…
…UNTIL a week ago.
You see, my same sweet friend that gave me that piece of paper, last week shared with me that she had dusted off her piece of paper and stated to talk with her 3 kids {ages 3-7}, every morning at breakfast, about these virtues.
She told me that some of the virtues they don’t really understand, but others they do — she also shared that she’s seeing fruit as a result of their daily discussions as they are interacting with others they come in contact with.
This encouraged me and fueled me to do something too!
SO…here’s what I’m up to –> Starting March 1st — I will unpack a “virtue” a day…sharing my reflection here, on this website {the 31 days in March}, and discuss the daily virtue with my two little nuggets.
Do you want to JOIN me?
There is…P O W E R…in prayer.
Let’s pray these Biblical virtues, these scriptures, into the lives of our nuggets. If it’s appropriate and doable, lets create awareness in our children’s lives by talking with them openly about these virtues.
I had my amazingly talented graphic designer Sue create this picture for us to make it easy to follow along…
Whether your children are young or old, whether you’re expecting or hope to be expecting, whether the children in your life are biologically yours, adopted, step, or they are just precious to you — you can join in and pray for them!!
Are YOU IN?
Will YOU journey with me and watch how God shows up as we seek Him and believe in Him for our children?
IF so, let me know by leaving a comment below. And, if you haven’t already joined the Keeping it Personal Daily KIP e-mail list, go HERE and sign up — my daily virtue reflection will be emailed to you.
“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” – Chuck Swindoll
For a FREE printable version of this graphic go here
On Pinterest? Follow the board created here — and “pin” this page! =)
* These 31 virtues were written by Bob Hostetler and published by NavPress to learn more about the author go to his website, follow him on twitter, or connect with him on facebook. They also offer prayer cards to purchase, you can find them here.
About Teri
you KNOW i am IN! i love this, and that is the most adorable design ever! XO thanks for doing this sweet friend!
YOU are a blessing to me Shelbi…thank YOU for the encouragement and for being a light into my world. =)
Yes! Let’s do this- your timing (and God’s!) is impeccable!! Thank you
Great Carrie — He is ALWAYS on time! =)
Hey Teri! Talked with D today and she shared this with me so yes–I am in! Hope all is well with you! Kelly
Kelly…SO great to have YOU in!! D inspired ME…love her! =) Let’s connect again…I would enjoy talking with you again. Look for an email from me and we will set something up. =)
This is absolutely wonderful! Thank you for posting this!
You’re welcome Whitney…SO great to have you join us! =)
Hey Teri~ this is cool!! Totally in…thanks for thinking of our kiddos!!
AWESOME!! Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday! =)
Great idea. Count me in. I already went through the 31 virtues with him last night.
I shared it this morning with the boys!! SO excited to see God work in their lives through not only praying these virtues, BUT discussing them. SO happy that you’re IN!! =)
I am absolutely doing this… I have a 2yo son. I know he won’t understand any of the virtues, but that won’t stop me from talking to him about them, planting the seed, and still praying for him. Love this…
it’s NEVER too early, right? SO SO glad you’re joining US! I believe that God will bless us in unique ways as we become more aware of these virtues for ourselves. =) Great to “meet” you Bethany.
YES! I am so with you, ready to start praying for the little blessings in our lives. A friend just made the comment when I shared this with my fans, she said, “you can also be praying for your children now… never too early.” I don’t have children of my own yet, but what a wake up call to ME to be praying for the future!
YES YES YES…it’s never to soon OR too late!! SO happy that you’re on this journey with us…LOVE your insights always! =)
This is great, Teri. The older I get the more necessary I see the need to pray for my children. When I was young I naively thought if I parented well all would go well. That was too much reliance upon myself but God is good and faithful. In spite of my parenting he has given me 4 children who follow him and that’s the best I can ask for.
It’s TIME…for me anyway — I need to be intentional about this…there are too many LOUD voices out there influencing my boys and I’m starting to see it. SO…BE THE CHANGE…it ALL starts with me!! God is up to something REALLY good here…I can already see it!! Thank you sweet Ali for the encouragement — you are a wise, amazing woman and mother…I admire YOU! =)
He is up to something really good. Our reliance upon him is a stage set for the world to see the awesome power of the gospel.
Thanks. My husband an I have been looking all week for some help or insiration in dealing with our own lttle RADish. Unique probs and desperate needs. We are drained and in need of prayer ourselves
love how the name…RADish!! So cute…or not so sweet and cute at times, huh? lol I UNDERSTAND where you are…that’s is WHY I decided to move forward with this…MY way is NOT the right way…I need to go to God with my parenting and be intentional about it, I see that in a BIG way! SO happy you’re joining us… =)
This is wonderful! Thank you! We will be adding this to our devotional time every evening!
You’re welcome Beth — SO glad that you’re joining us!! =)
Yes! I’m in! I have my RVC list tucked in my bible and sadly have overlooked it for a while now. This will get me reinspired and going on it again. With all our kids deal with, they need the comfort and security knowing that we are praying continually for them!
You are SO right — I believe there is power in them knowing that too!! =) SO happy you are joining me on this journey… =)
I LOVE this. My husband and I are expecting our first baby on the 18th of this month!:)
WOW…that’s SO VERY exciting! It is never too early to be praying for our precious children…SO happy to have you on this journey! =)
Love this! Thanks so much for sharing. Can’t wait to do this with my boys.
You’re welcome Wendy! It’s GREAT that you’re joining us on the journey… =)
I love this
I tried to print a copy but it turned out blurry and I can’t read it.
Is it possible to get it in a format that I can print?
thank you so much! Tammy
Hi Tammy – SO happy you’re joining us! Go here –> http://keepingitpersonal.com/freeresources to print it. If you have any more questions, please let me know. =)
I love this!
GREAT to have YOU Amy! =)
This is wonderful! I’m in!
WELCOME Kathleen!! Let’s embrace this journey!! =)
I’m so excited about this!
Fayelle — thank YOU for leaving the comment…happy that you’re joining us! =)
Love it!! I am so burdened for my children. I need something to help me help them!! Thank you
Oh Pam…I hear you and YOUR heart!! Let’s lay our burdens for our children at the foot of the cross together and TRUST God that His plans for them are for GOOD!! Lets pray for our precious nuggets…SO happy you are joining me on this journey!
Definitely in! I’m not sure how I stumbled across your blog, but I’m glad I did! I am so blessed that my husband and I pray together regularly, and one of the things we’ve wanted to do is pray more intentionally for our son (3 yrs). We each have one of these now and will be doing that! Thank you for this!
WELCOME Tracey…SO grateful that you arrived here too!! =) INTENTIONAL is the key word, isn’t it? I believe we will be blessed as we lift up our precious gifts daily to our Father…
I have 4 children 3 step and 1 biological. We are a newly blended family and I am going to encourage my husband to start this with me. I am also, thinking I am going to have bible lesson every night for dinner. This is something new to my step children. I want to teach then God is our center. Thank you for this precious gift! My prayers have been answered!
Carri…thank YOU for sharing your comment. I have 2 biological and 2 step {my step “children” are 19 and 22 and haven’t been a part of my life unfortunately} IF you have the opportunity to connect with them all about these virtues, that would be AWESOME…for me, I’m talking with my boys, BUT praying for ALL of the kids. Just a word of encouragement…EVEN IF they {your husband and your kids} don’t agree to journey with you — do it anyway!! That’s one thing that God has been teaching me over the past few years. Just because He’s putting something on MY heart, doesn’t mean He has put it on the others closest to me. SO THRILLED that YOU are on this journey with me…WELCOME — may God bless your richly as you put one step in front of the other walking in obedience keeping HIM your CENTER…priceless! =)
I love this! (I have three daughters) I find myself praying often for their future husbands! This is a wonderful way to pray for them as well.
YES…so they can be amazing wives emulating all of these virtues!! SO glad you’re on board Tiffany! =)
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!! Count me in.
GREAT Angie — thanks for joining me!! =)
Wow. Beautiful graphics by Sue and wonderfully important biblical virtues. I love the idea of talking over them at breakfast!
Thanks Annette! Getting them on board has been a bit-of-a-challenge, but I’m sticking to it!! Happy you’re joining in! =)
Ohhhh thank you – i am very excited – can not wait for my first email – will be praying – I am a mommy of 3 children and we live in Namibia.
God Bless
dirkie du Plessis
WELCOME Dirkie… and you’re welcome…I’m amazed by how this has gone viral and how God is taking this to so many places!! SO happy you’re joining me as we pray for our precious gifts!! =)
Yes – I’m in. Just what I needed to encourage me to take the extra steps each day with my girls.
YIPPE Connie!! So grateful that you’re on this journey with me!!
This is fantastic. Accountability is a great motivator – even when the action itself is a good enough motivator on its own.
Looking forward to really committing my children to prayer. So encouraged by all the other Moms who are doing the same!
I agree…without accountability…I would NOT be where I am today!! SO glad you’re joining us Vanessa…I too am encouraged by everyone who is with us on this journey!! =)
As a grandmother I too will join in to help commit my grandchildren to prayer. And I love the printed version. Thank you for your site.
You’re WELCOME Joan!! SO glad you’re joining us….YES — what a special, priceless gift to pass along to your grandchildren!! =)
Love it! You rock! FYI- looking for a prayer group?-
Momsinprayer.org is a good site for moms that are interested in praying for their kids and schools. Check it out!
LOVE Mom’s In Prayer {formerly MIT} Such a GREAT organization…we have a group at our school that I go to when I’m available!! SO happy that you’re joining us Cindy!! =)
I think this is so wonderful ! I am in !! I will be beginning this tonight at the dinner table for our discussion topics!!!
So happy to hear you’re joining us Lesieigh — would LOVE to hear how the conversations go around the dinner table. What a priceless gift!! =)
I would love to do this!!!
GREAT Dalynn!! SO glad you’re joining us on the journey!! =)
YES!! So excited about this.
That’s AWESOME!! So happy that you’re joining us!! =)
I’m starting late but what an inspiration you all are. Praying for our children is so important. I love the 31 days a virtue a day. It will go right along with my evening “Power of a Praying Parent”.
Just dive. right. IN. Janine…so grateful to have YOU!! My hope is that this will be an ongoing thing for all of us…something that we commit to doing for months and years to come!! Love the book, power of a praying parent {and wife!} =)
Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic tool. I desire to be more faithful in praying for my children and I plan to print and frame this so that I can see a daily reminder of things to pray for them.
SO great to have you on board Samantha!! I have heard a lot of people doing that!! =) What a blessing it is that you’re committing to pray for your kids…
Found this on pinterest, and even though I’m a little late, I totally want to do this! I have a 16 month old son, and a 3.5 yo daughter. Great concepts to pray over them, with scripture too! And I look forward to trying to figure out how to talk to them about this.
Hannah, you are NOT. TOO. LATE!! SO great to have YOU…just start with today’s date and keep going…my hope {for me and others} is that we will keep this poster handy and each month keep that virtue for that “date” top of mind…praying for ourselves and our children! Thank YOU for leaving the comment…you’re little nuggets will be blessed by your prayers!! =)
I learned in a women’s bible study once that we must be very specific when we are praying for our children (and praying in general) but I never really had an idea of where to start or exactly what to pray for. This is an awesome tool and I thank you for inspiring me to start right away. Thank you!
I love this list of prayers, originally written by Bob Hostetler and published by NavPress. His original title is “31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Children”. Google and you will find versions all over the web.
Several years ago, I create a digital book for my family using photos of our children demonstrating each characteristic. These were not staged, although they could be. Instead, I looked for pictures taken thoughout the year that revealed their hearts. Now the oldest is heading to college and the next is not far behind.
Keep praying.
I realized, through Google, how popular and wide spread these virtues were out there on the internet before I had this “info-graphic” created — I had NO idea, truly, so many would join me on this journey — thank YOU for sharing your comment. I love the book that you created…what a GREAT idea. =)
I happened upon this on pinterest today and absolutely love it. My children are not little anymore like many of the others mentioned in the previous comments, they are 17 and 18, but I have to say that this list of specific Biblical Virtues is something I will add to my prayers for them. We have strived to raise children that had their own firm, commited relationships with the Lord and I am blessed to be able to say that both my daughter and son do indeed live with the assurance that they are children of God. The encouragement and inspiration that you share in your site is so needed in our world today, I look forward to recieving your updates moving forward.
Barbara, thank YOU for sharing your comment…I’m sure that you’re heart is SMILING knowing that God has captured their hearts — what a priceless gift! What I’m learning through this journey {which I plan on continuing…} is I’m GROWING through it! It’s making me, willingly, look in the mirror at my own life. SO glad that you’re joining us on the journey. =)
Yes, I’m in. Have adult children and young grandchildren. Pray for them all daily.
WELCOME — Thanks for joining us Gwen!! What a blessing you are to all of them…truly. =)
Thank you for this wonderful poster! I spent nearly 2 hours today talking to a friend who is heartsick over a son’s life choices and has asked me to join her in praying for him. Then, I ran across this! Wow, this set of verses is a wonderful selection with which to approach the throne of grace. I have already shared this on Facebook and will be sharing it with my struggling friend too. Thanks for being used by the Almighty in His perfect timing today.
I am IN. I was just thinking this week that I need to get better about character training. This is perfect!
GREAT Donna…SO timely for YOU!! Happy to have you joining the journey. =)
Thank you for sharing the beautiful poster. It will be a blessing to use with our four kiddos ages 4,7,10 and 12. I have tried to print it out, but I keep getting a white page. Any suggestions? I went to the print this part of the blog, but to no avail is it working and I could really use this in our life right now.
Hi Jennifer…SO happy that you’re joining me on this journey!! I emailed you regarding your question, please let me know here if you didn’t get it. =) I hope you can get this printed…
Thank you so much for sharing! I printed off some copies to share with my small group and sister-in-law!
That’s SO great!! Welcome on this journey…you will NOT be disappointed, I’m learning SO SO much through this process. May God bless YOU! =)
Thank you for sharing your faith and the virtues poster. It’s great to share our earth with such a wonderful Christian lady…thank you
SO great to hear from YOU Sonya…than you for leaving a comment. I’m happy that you found this!! =) You’re welcome for the poster, my prayer is that it will be a blessing to anyone who chooses to walk this journey! =)
Came across this on Pintrest this morning. I love it! Thank you for encouraging me to grow my daughter up in the ways of our Lord. She’s already a great kid but I’m excited to see how God is going to move in her life! Thanks!!
You’re welcome Robin — I’m SO happy you like it!! Don’t be surprised IF God moves in YOUR life too as you chew on His word and these prayers. He is opening the eyes of my heart and refining me through this process. =)
I saw this on Pinterest via a friend. What a blessing it is! I have never visited your blog before and am excited to take a peek! I am, however, unable to print the poster. It acts like it is going to print, but then nothing happens. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thanks, again, for your encouraging site!
SO GREAT to have YOU here Debra. I’m wondering if it’s a printer problem on your end? Potentially you could try another printer — maybe a friend, work, OR Kinkos, OfficeMax, or a copy center. I’m not the technical type — I know enough to be dangerous!! lol
I’m in… for my children and grandchildren
SO great Donna!! What a blessing you are to your children and grandchildren…welcome! =)
Thanks. This is just great.
I really want to do this with my boys (8,7,5,&3). How can I get this poster? I re-pinned from pinterest & can’t seem to get a printable version. Thank you for such a great idea.
I would really love to share this post on my website with a link to you – is that ok?
Thanks
Angela
Yes! Please share…is there any thing else that I can help you with? =) thank you for passing this along — I’ve been told many amazing stories how God is working in hearts, lives, and strengthening relationships through these. =)
I’m in!!! My boys are 26 and 24!! Can’t wait to join others in praying for our children!
It is NEVER too late — what a blessing that you’re joining this journey Sheryl! God is up to something GREAT! =)
I’m in ! We all know we should be praying for our children but sometimes don’t know what to pray for them… this is definitely a start !
I agree Tandy…sometimes the mind goes blank — there’s SO much and yet we don’t know where to start! I’m thrilled that you’re joining. =)
I am SO in!! Thank You for facilitating Such an Inspiring Opportunity!! As a Mother of 4 ranging in age from 21 to 10, I am a Firm Believer in the Power of a Praying Mother, and look forward to standing in agreement with all of you!!
Nanette — you’ve got your hands FULL!! What a significant blessing to have YOU praying for them and embracing the POWER. I’ve seen it huge just recently as I’ve started this journey not only in the lives of my nuggets, BUT in my life too. GREAT to have YOU!! =)
This sounds geat, I am going to try this with my grandchildren
That’s fabulous Cindy!! Generational prayers…what a significant blessing.
Yes. I will b doing this with and for my kids. Thanks giving parents a ace to start. Prayers are the biggest weapo. We have against this world and it’s tactics to tear up our family.
YES April…prayer is a POWERFUL weapon! SO grateful you’re joining us! =)
thank you so much for sharing the graphic! I will definetly share with my Bible Study group…13 children between the 6 of us.
Hi Elizabeth! Thank YOU for leaving your comment. What a gift to give those little nuggets. I’m sure that you all will be extremely blessed too, God is SO SO good!
I have twin girls heading off to college this fall! I’m definitely in!
You will NOT be disappointed Sandy! What a priceless gift. =)
I LOVE THIS! just printed it for my 4 kiddoes
Welcome Monica!! =)
Love this!! I’ve been looking for something to discuss @ breakfast. What a great, intentional way to start the day!
That’s what worked for US — even after the first time, we still are talking about it. It doesn’t get old for me, but my nuggets sometimes say — enough already!! lol so happy you are joining this journey Jessica! =)
I love it! Been looking for something like this for my children at school.
One virtue missing though …. A very important one … FORGIVENESS
love this! thanks for sharing. i will definitely do this with my kids. any ideas on bible reading with them that will keep them interested?
Hi Cindy!! Thank YOU for leaving a comment and for join on this journey! What a blessing. As far as the bible verses, I just used the ones that are printed on each day. That seemed to keep our discussion going strong!! =) I learned and GREW so much from this…I hope it blesses you too!! =)
I’m in! Will be starting tomorrow before my kids go off to the first day of school! Thank you!
LOVE this design. I have the very plain version but this is beautiful. Any chance you’ve created or plan to make one for praying for your husband? I have a simple one printed from here: http://www.inspiredtoaction.com/wp-content/uploads/kat/InspiredToAction_Praying_For%20Your%20Husband.pdf
Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Hi Leanne! Thank you for leaving the message, I’ve been asked MANY times the same question, SO — I’m on IT!! I need to pray for my man, so this will help me — just like it’s done for my nuggets. =) Thank you for the push and suggestion.
Love the idea I’m in…
iam from india… this s really superb…. love it….& doing it…. I always pray for them regurally, but don’t know to specify the verses. but now I found it… from nw i’ll pray like this pattern till my end of my life for my 2 little daughters “Miraclyn & Evagelyn”.
Thank you. This is just lovely.
I’m in! And so grateful to have found thi right now. Thank you for igniting this fire. God’s timing is PERFECT!
My nephew whom I care for is older (12) but, I think their great lessons at any age and a great guide for me to go by. Thank you!
I like the 31 Biblical Virtures, when I saw it I feel that child is child for the family and how old is he/she, can you help those who are adult and need a help by God, Biblical scripture.
Oh Teri, dis is so Awesome thanks for comin up with dis write up, I’m so dedicatin dis to my Little Nephew and my Little Niece and also my future children and i sure hope to God he answers this wonderful Prayer….xoxo. Jenna from Nigeria