Do we pray for anything more fervently, more diligently, or more desperately than we do for our children?  Can anything evoke that same level of passion as praying for their salvation, well-being, and character?  But beyond "Lord, keep her safe," "Help him to stay out of trouble," and "Dear Father, make me a saner parent today," what are some of the petitions we should be lifting up to our heavenly Father on behalf of our children?  Here are a few suggestions . . . . .

• For Godly Wisdom - 1 Corinthians 3:19 tells us, "the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God," and Romans 12:2 instructs, "do not be conformed to this world."  Pray that your child will have godly, not worldly, wisdom.  James 1:5 promises, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
• For Character - This is not an easy prayer for parents, since we all know how character is developed - through trials.  In fact, Romans 5:3-4 says, "and not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience experience; and experience, hope:"  As hard as it is ti pray for trouble in our children's lives, we know that challenges, disappointments, and even heartache are what will help them grow into the godly men and women they were created to be.  So brace yourself, pray for character, and while you're at it, ask for a healthy dose of self-control on your part to stay out of God's way while He's at work in their lives.
• For A Spirit Of Excellence - Daniel 6:3 says that "Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him."  And 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs, "whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."  Pray that your children will give their best to everything they attempt, because if they're Christians, they place His name on whatever they do.
• For Humility - We live in a world that frequently admires pride, arrogance, and self righteousness.  Yet James 4:6 tells us that "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."  And in Matthew 23:12, Jesus promised "whosoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."  Pray that your children will appreciate their infinite worth as children of God but, at the same time, will recognize that God expects them to walk with Him in meekness and humility.
• For A Desire To Know God - You pray that he'll make the team.  You pray that she will pass the test.  But is there anything we can ask for children that will offer them more happiness, fulfillment, and success than a personal, intimate relationship with their Creator?  Ezra 8:22 tells us that "the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and His wrath is against all them that forsake Him."  Psalms 86:11 implores, "teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth."  Pray that your child will have a hunger and thirst to know God more every day, and an undivided heart to seek and serve Him.
• For Direction - Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us "trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."  Pray that your children will learn, at a young age, to seek God's direction and guidance in all things.  If so, by the time they make the big decisions like college, career, and marriage, they'll be in the habit of following His perfect plan every step of the way. 
• For Favor - In chapter 2 of the book of Esther, many young women were brought into the palace to be prepared and presented as potential brides for King Ahasuerus.  Verses 8 and 9 tell us that, from the moment that Esther arrived, she found favor with all who saw her.  The king made her queen, which put her in the perfect position to save her people from destruction.  Luke 2:52 tells us that "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."  There's nothing wrong with praying that your children will have favor with teachers, school administrators, coaches, and eventually employers - as well as classmates, teammates, and co-worker - ant that they'll be liked and appreciated for who they are.
• For Discernment - In Kings 3:5, God gave King Solomon an open invitation to ask for anything he wanted.  Solomon requested a heart to discern good from evil in order to judge God's people, and the Lord was so pleased that He showered the ruler with riches and honor, elevating him beyond all of his contemporaries.  Pray for this same kind of discernment for your children: ask God to let them see as He sees, be attracted to what pleases and glorifies Him, to be repelled by the things that displease Him, and to understand the difference clearly and consistently.
• For Right Friends/Spouse - The Bible is clear on what type of person a believer should marry - another believer.  2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, "be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers."  Pray that your children will value God-fearing friends, that the Father will pave their way with faithful Christians, and that they'll eventually find their way to godly mates, as the Lord intends.  Also pray for their future spouses' upbringing.  Pray that your future sons and daughters in law will keep themselves pure for marriage, that their parents will create a godly environment in which to raise them, that they'll understand the Lord's perfect plan for marriage and for their lives, and that they'll grow into the man and woman God designed each one to be. 
• For Respect Toward Authority - If this generation had a slogan, it would be "No Fear."  Our children are conditioned by TV, movies, and songs not to respect parents, teachers, school administrators, police officers, or government officials.  To many of them, to be "rude" is cool.  Yet, Romans 13:1 tells us that everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  Pray that your kids will have proper respect for everyone from the president to the boss at their job, and the appropriate fear toward God.

It's never too late to pray for your children.  Whether you're in the footie-jammies-and sippy cup phase or your world is filled with prom dresses and drivers' permits, remember that Philippians 4:6-7 tells us parents, "be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."