A prayer for my children’s hearts

I just read 2 Thess. 3:5 this morning on my Bible app. This is what is says, in a few different translations:

ESV–“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”

NIV–“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

NKJV–“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and the patience of Christ.”

This passage sounds like a prayer to pray over my children.

Dear Lord God of heaven,

Your grace and providence astounds me. I thank you for my children and the rich challenge and reward that parenting them brings to my life. Use me to be an effective and authentic example of your love and grace. Somehow, let them catch a glimpse of You through me, even when I’m messing up and beings so profoundly and sinfully human.

And now I pray that you will direct and guide their hearts on a course toward loving You completely and whole-heartedly. As they experience Your love in their lives, give them an urgency to respond to You and a passion to serve You. And as they love, give them patience and perseverance to love others with godly grace. Give them tenacity to remain faithful to You and Your calling on their lives. Give them courage to work at their faith and to never be ashamed of the gospel.

I pray these boldly, in Jesus’ name, and I believe that You will answer these requests, above and beyond what I can hope for, because You are Jehovah. Nothing is too hard for You, and You want nothing more than to see Your children walk in truth. Thank You for answering these requests!

In Jesus’ holy and precious name,
Amen.