Standing in the Gap: Interceding for Our Children
By Werner May
Interceding for others is a powerful form of prayer. When we pray on someone’s behalf, we bring their concerns before God as if they were our own. This can be done whether the person is aware of our prayers or not.
A striking biblical example of intercession is found in Nehemiah’s prayer for the Israelites:
“Do not close your eyes and ears when I plead with you! Day and night I pray to you for the lives of the Israelites. You are our Lord. I confess to you that we, including me and my relatives, have sinned against you. We all bear heavy guilt. We did not keep the commandments and instructions that your servant Moses received from you.” (Nehemiah 1:6-7)
Nehemiah’s prayer illustrates a key aspect of interceding for others: he not only identifies with the struggles of his people but also acknowledges their collective guilt, including his own.
Praying on Behalf of Our Children
Praying for our children in this way follows the same pattern as Nehemiah’s prayer:
Advocating for their needs
Children face many challenges, and as parents or guardians, we must discern the specific situations that burden them and bring these before God. Sometimes, others may have wronged them. Other times, we ourselves may have contributed to their struggles.
Naming sin honestly—whether theirs, ours, or others’
Praying on their behalf is not about assigning blame or cultivating guilt. Rather, it is an act of humility—acknowledging before God the sins or wounds that affect our children and seeking His forgiveness and healing. Since young children may not yet have the ability to process these matters in prayer, we stand in the gap for them, trusting in God’s grace.
Seeking forgiveness for their sin patterns
Furthermore, pain and injustice can shape a child’s attitudes and behaviors in unhealthy ways. If our children have developed harmful patterns in response to wounds—whether inflicted by others or by us—this, too, can be brought before God in prayer.
Not a Formula, But a Path to Transformation
Interceding for our children is not a mechanical solution or a guaranteed fix for every struggle. Every family’s journey is unique. Yet, as we entrust our children to God in this way, we can trust Him to work in their lives—whether by changing circumstances, transforming our own perspective, or moving in their hearts.
Above all, this kind of prayer fosters a deeper bond between parent and child. It cultivates an atmosphere of grace, healing, and spiritual connection—laying a strong foundation for their growth and well-being.
Werner May, a German psychologist, served as the Chair of the IGNIS Academy for Christian Psychology in Kitzingen, Germany, from 1986 to 2012. During his tenure, he was instrumental in managing the academy and spearheading projects in Christian psychology. His teaching on the fundamental aspects of Christian psychology and counseling has reached diverse Christian communities and denominations, both nationally and internationally. A central focus of his ministry has been promoting unity within the body of Christ through the development of Christian psychology. For more information, visit the IGNIS Academy.
