Strong roots and movable tents

Packing up our lives every few years. Crossing oceans and borders.  Figuring out friendships and fellowships and schools. 

Navigating the spiritual landscapes that we land in. 

How do we pray for our children in this cross-cultural life? Specifically and strategically?

Along the way I see the need for strong roots and movable tents. Stability and flexibility.

Pray specifically

Sometime after the birth of our third child, I begin keeping a notebook. With prayer pages for each member of the family. Scriptures noted. Verses that speak to a particular season or moment. Long term requests and the immediate.

There are dates and names in the margins of my Bible that reflect this. And prayers written out in my journals. 

Through the years, in various countries where we live, I meet with other mothers through Moms in Prayer International. We unite in prayer for our children, for their teachers and schools. Using the simple format of Praise, Confession, Thanksgiving, Intercession, along with specific verses for that day. 

Pray strategically

I ask the Father for vision to pray strategically for our children. Not just for immediate needs.  But for long-term obedience and character qualities. 

Below is one example of praying for strong roots and movable tents. I pray this for new believers as well.

Strong roots in God’s Word

Lord, give me wisdom as I pray for them. 

Father, I pray that, like newborn infants, they will long for the pure milk of the Word. So that by it they may grow up in their salvation. (1 Peter 2:2)

I pray they will mature. Hungering for and eating the solid food of Your Word. Growing in discernment—distinguishing good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)

May their delight be in Your instruction. Meditating on it day and night. Growing like trees planted by flowing streams— bearing fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. (Psalm 1:2,3)

May they be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus. Established in their faith, just as they are taught. Overflowing with gratitude. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Strong roots in prayer

Lord, teach them to pray. (Luke 11:1)

Teach them to rejoice always. And pray constantly. 

Help them to give thanks in all circumstances. For this is Your will in Christ Jesus for them. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Strong roots in fellowship

Father, let them watch out for one another in their fellowship with other believers. Provoking love and good works. 

Help them not to neglect gathering together with brothers and sisters in the faith, as some are in the habit of doing. Help them see the necessity of encouraging one another, and all the more as the Day draws near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Strong roots in witness

Lord, help them to stand firm in the gospel. And walk freely in Your truth, unashamed of Your Good News. Because it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. (Romans 1:16-17)

Movable tents

Father, in the midst of transitions, give them movable tents. Like Abraham. He moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre. And there built an altar to You. (Genesis 13:18)

As they move their tents, help them to settle and seek you first. Setting those movable tents on the unchanging Rock. (Matthew 7:24-25; Psalm 62:1-2)

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What about you? 

What helps you stay firmly rooted in an ever changing world?  Do you struggle with moving your tent? How do you pray strategically for your children or for believers you are mentoring?

Related posts

Parenting in the spiritual battle – Parenting teens – Tents and altars – Stability – Wells along the way – Temporary nest – Heart cry – Pray continually – Where is home?