By ChatGPT, as inspired by Dallas Willard.
1. Core Distinction
To pray our children into Christ means seeking their union with the living Jesus—not merely behavioral conformity or doctrinal correctness.
- Religion often stops at information and performance.
- Christ calls them to abide in Him (John 15:4–5).
2. Guiding Principles for Prayer
2.1 Pray for Encounter, Not Just Education
Ask God to reveal Himself as alive, personal, and near.
“Jesus, let [Name] encounter You as real—not just a story, but their Savior and friend.”
Reference:
- John 17:3 — “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
2.2 Pray Their Hearts Be Softened by Love, Not Hardened by Law
Rules without relationship can provoke rebellion (Colossians 2:20–23). Pray:
- That grace would shape their identity, not guilt.
- That the Holy Spirit, not fear, would form their character.
“Spirit of God, let [Name] be drawn to Your love more than controlled by rules.”
2.3 Pray Scripture into Their Identity
Use Scripture not as a lecture but as living truth that reshapes who they believe they are.
Examples:
- Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
- Ephesians 3:16–19: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
“Father, root [Name]’s identity in Your love. Let them see themselves through Christ’s eyes.”
2.4 Pray for Surrender, Not Performance
Ask God to lead them away from trying to “earn” love or approval, and into honest dependence on Jesus.
Reference:
- Romans 12:1–2: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“Jesus, teach [Name] to come as they are—not hiding flaws, but surrendering them to Your mercy.”
3. Let Your Life Be the Living Prayer
Children often catch faith more than they’re taught it.
- Let them hear you pray honestly, not just perfectly.
- Let them see your joy and struggle in following Jesus.
- Model that relationship, not religion, is the center of your faith.
Reference:
- 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
4. Sample Breath Prayer
“Jesus, call [Name] to Yourself.
Not just to church. Not just to rules.
Call them to Your heart.
Speak to them when I cannot.
Keep them when I am not near.
Make them Yours—not just good.”
5. Summary
The goal isn’t raising religious children, but resurrected ones—alive in Christ.
So we pray:
- Not for behavior, but for belonging.
- Not just for morality, but for abiding (John 15:5).
- Not for performance, but for presence (Matthew 28:20).
This is how we pray our kids—not into religion—but into the living Christ.
Radically Happy 
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