Overflowing with Hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13

Father,
I know that pregnancy, labor, and delivery can be a time of extreme joy, especially when a mother puts her trust in You. Today, I ask for Your joy and peace to flood every inch of me. Rejuvenate my spirit, and refresh me with hope in You. Let others see Your glory radiating from Your Spirit inside of me. Amen.

Children as Messengers

"The Lord came down and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'" - 1 Samuel 3:10

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Eli and Samuel, showing us that we should always look and listen for Your voice, even in the youngest of children. As a parent, Lord, use me to encourage this child in times when You are speaking to him/her. Let me not look down on him/her, but realize that You can illuminate his/her mind to understand things that I do not. Holy Spirit, guide me with discernment and wisdom in this area. In Your name, amen.

Ears as the Discerner of Words

"Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?" - Job 12:11

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the discernment that only You can provide. Today, I ask that You filter my speech and testing of words. Help me know what to say to my child and how to interpret his or her thoughts and feelings. I want my child to feel like he/she is being listened to and that his/her opinion is valued. Only through genuinely listening and discerning can I develop the type of relationship I desire with my child. Guide my mouth and ears as I begin to practice my communication with others today. Amen.