IMPRESS: A Parent's Guide to Passing on FaithНамуна

The “P” of IMPRESS is for Prayer.

We cannot pass on faith to our kids without an absolute and wholehearted devotion to prayer.

As parents, we face countless challenges and uncertainties in raising our children today. Amid the busyness and chaos of daily life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious about the future. When our kids make choices we disagree with or wander from the path we had hoped for them, anxiety can quickly take hold.

But the apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians that we can find peace and strength through prayer. This is one of my favourite passages of Scripture!

Here are three takeaways from this passage as we consider what it means to pass on faith to our children:

1. Let your gentleness be evident to all
Paul encourages us to show gentleness, rooted in the knowledge that God is close to us. This gentleness flows from our trust in God's constant presence and provision. When we live in light of His nearness, it reshapes our outlook and helps us approach parenting with grace and patience.

2. Bring everything to God in prayer
Paul urges us not to be anxious about anything but to pray about everything. Whether it’s challenges with our children’s behaviour, decisions about their education, or worries about their future - we are invited to bring it all before God. Through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we can present our requests, trusting His wisdom and faithfulness.

3. Receive the peace of God
Paul assures us that as we pray, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7 NIV) will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace isn’t tied to circumstances - it flows from a deep relationship with God. It’s a supernatural calm that sustains us in life’s storms.

As parents, let’s commit to being people of prayer - bringing our joys, concerns, hopes, and fears before God. Let’s cultivate a habit of seeking His guidance and strength in every aspect of parenting, confident that He hears and answers our prayers according to His will.

Action

For You

Set aside some time today to pray specifically for your children and your role as a parent. Bring to God your current concerns and challenges, as well as your dreams for their future. Thank Him for His faithfulness, and ask Him to fill you with His peace as you entrust your children into His loving care.

With Your Kids

Make prayer a regular and natural part of family life. Find time each day to pray with your children, whether at bedtime, around the dinner table, or on the way to school. Model a life of dependence on God through prayer.