Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last,
but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
I Corinthians 9:25
Athletic training is not unique to the 21st-century. The first century athlete was also devoted to strict training. Paul compares running a physical race to running the spiritual race as a follower of Christ.
If we think of our children as spiritual athletes, that makes us their athletic trainers. Embracing Paul’s analogy reveals some key concepts to spur us on in crafting a training routine:
Training takes time
No athlete can be expected to run a marathon the first day. You have to work up to it. A little training, day by day, leads to a self-perpetuating progression in strength and stamina.
Consistency is important
A dedicated athlete shows up every day…and their trainer makes sure they do.
Repetition is key
An athlete won’t make progress by doing one push up, running one lap, or lifting a single weight, one time.
Time, consistency, and repetition are mutually reinforcing factors that are all integral to the spiritual training of our children. We wouldn’t expect to have them ready for the Olympics after one week, so we shouldn’t expect them ready for life in a week or two either.
The success of an athlete is often attributed to a faithful trainer. Are you committed to training your children well for life?
This month’s prayer prompts highlight seven areas for us to Let the Word do the Work as we train up and pray for our children.
Sunday: Thankful heart
“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
Lord, I know thankfulness is a protection against entitlement, materialism, and selfishness. Help me to not overindulge my child with things, but to show my love in more creative ways. Remind me to train my child to respond with thanks, to acknowledge the kindness of others, and to write thank-you notes when appropriate.
Monday: Teachable spirit
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20 NIV
Lord, protect my child against pride by giving them a teachable spirit. Let them be curious enough to want to learn and humble enough to listen.
Tuesday: Respect for authority
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13:1 NIV
Lord, give my child a respectful attitude towards leaders in government, workplace, classroom, etc. I pray my child’s respect for authority would be noted and honored.
Wednesday: Truthful
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” – Proverbs 12:19 NIV
God, give my child a love for truth and honesty.
Thursday: Caught When Guilty
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” – Psalm 119:71 NIV
Lord, give me discernment to see what I need to see, and to discipline thoughtfully and appropriately. Let my child welcome discipline as coming from a loving parent.
Friday: Screen Protection
“I will set before my eyes no vile thing.” – Psalm 101:3 NIV
O God, there is so much on the internet, in DVDs, in chat room, and on smart phones. I pray my child would have no desire to see evil. Give me opportunity to teach and let my child understand that once seen, evil cannot be unseen.
Saturday: Godly friends
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 NIV
Jesus, I know that friends are often those that bring the greatest influence. Give my child friends will spur them on to follow you, those who will set a strong example, and those who love you most and best. Protect my child from the wrong friends.
Of course, we know that most values and behaviors are more caught than taught. May we endeavor to not only teach, but model these powerful truths to our precious children as, together, we run the race that is set before us.
Download a printable copy of the Daily Verses & Prayers for Training .
