Praying for Your Children’s Future: A 5-Day Devotional for Parents & Guardians by Tola Olabiyiਨਮੂਨਾ

Preparing the Soil – Cultivating a Heart for God

Scripture: Matthew 13:3-8 (NIV)

“Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no roots. Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Planting good seeds is important, but the condition of the soil determines whether those seeds will truly flourish. In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains that seeds can be scattered on different types of ground—rocky, thorny, or good soil. Only in good soil does the seed produce a bountiful harvest.

Our children’s hearts are like soil. They can either be prepared to receive God’s Word, or they can become hardened by experiencing trauma, distractions, hurts, or worldly influences. As a parent, I pray, “Lord, make my child's heart receptive to Your Word; soften my child’s heart and make it good soil.” I recognize that it’s not just about giving them Bible verses—it’s about fostering an environment where their hearts are open to the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, I wonder if my children are truly grasping the lessons I’m teaching. But I’ve seen moments of genuine curiosity and spiritual hunger that remind me the soil is being cultivated. To cultivate good soil, I strive to create consistent spiritual routines—prayer before meals, studying the Word, worship music at home, open conversations about life’s challenges, and encouraging them to serve in church or community. I also realize that my actions speak louder than words. If I say, “Trust in God,” but consistently live in fear or anxiety, I’m sending mixed messages.

Preparing the soil also involves acknowledging that my children have their own free will. Eventually, they must choose to follow God. While I can guide and pray, I cannot force them to love Jesus. Yet, this truth frees me from feeling like a failure if they make mistakes. It reminds me that my role is to model Christ, teach the Bible, and pray, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the rest.

Just as a farmer removes rocks or thorns that might hinder growth, I also ask God to remove anything in my children’s environment that could harden their hearts. This could mean limiting certain media or addressing toxic relationships. By doing so, I’m helping ensure their hearts remain receptive to God’s truth.

• Reflection: How can you better prepare the “soil” of your children’s hearts for God’s Word? Are there routines or habits you can establish to cultivate faith in God?
• Prayer: “Lord, I pray for each child in my care. Make their hearts good soil for Your Word, free from distractions or hardened attitudes. Let every seed of truth I plant take root and flourish. May Your Word be planted continually and take deep root in their hearts.”