It’s a debt we all have to pay,  I accept that but it feels as if death is collecting on this debt from people who haven’t spent enough time on earth yet to be called on to make the ultimate payment. Death seems to be collecting indiscriminately and with alarming rate. Slow it down grim reaper let our young live!

A very dear family friend and colleague lost his first born son suddenly a couple of weeks ago, its one of those occurrences that feels like a nightmare in slow motion. The one that leaves every one looking left, right, up and down to find some sign that would help to explain the inexplicable. It was also only a few weeks ago that we were informed in Loud Whispers of an almost unbelievable story of a woman losing her daughter on the same day she was burying her mother! No matter how clever you are as a film maker, you really just couldn’t write such a scenario. Again it wasn’t that long ago that we heard the tragic story of the politician Chief Tinubu losing his son. There are several more stories of the untimely and sudden deaths of young men and women.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have been bereaved but in particular with the loss of a child; there is nothing more devastating or unbearable. The question must then turn to the reasons for these deaths. I know we can go the simplistic route of saying when it’s your time there’s nothing you can do. Or those with a strong faith will say God giveth and God taketh away. Yes these statements are true and they can bring great comfort to situations that are inexplicable. However maybe we also have to pay closer attention or at the very least to ask some questions about what is happening to our young people that so many are dying young.

I have thought about it on many levels and as a mother myself with first and last born children, I feel moved to spend some time and energy sending love and prayers to all our children.

12 Powerful Verses to Pray Over Your Children

1. Strength

Pray that God gives them the strength to do what they need to do each day.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13

2. Courage

Pray that they will be brave as they face the challenges that are before them.

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

3. Peace

Ask that their hearts will be calm and peaceful as they go through their day and in their sleep at night.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ~ Philippians 4:6

4. Provision

Ask God to provide for all that they need – for stamina, spirit, and finances – for each day.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19

5. Direction

Pray that the Lord will lead them as they begin to make more and more decisions as they get older.

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

6. Protection

Ask that God keeps them safe in this increasingly unsafe world. That He will protect them from harm and wickedness.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

7. Joy

Pray that God fills them with the kind of joy that can only come from Him.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. ~ Psalm 16:11

8. Compassion

Pray that they will show compassion on those in need and who have less than they do.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32

9. Justice

Ask God to give them a sense of justice – to stand up for what is right and to defend the weak.

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. ~ Isaiah 1:17

10. Wisdom

Pray that they will grow in wisdom and understanding. That they’ll be more than “smart” and embrace what is good and right.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ~ James 1:5

11. Hope

Ask God to give them the hope that comes from above – the kind that far exceeds what we have in the here and now.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ~ Romans 15:13

12. Love

Pray that our children are filled with the love of God. That they will know how deeply they are loved, and that love will overflow onto others.

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 wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. ~ 2 Corinthians 13

Some prayers specifically for First Born children

Dear Lord I pray that my First born will be free of evil and unexplained battles that will lead to their destruction

May my First born realise their full potential and let them not be held back or impacted by any curses on First born children that may exist

AMEN