Intentional parenting

Tag: God

  • Praying mothers

    Praying for yourself as a mother can be a profound way to seek God’s guidance, strength, and wisdom. Pray for your friends too that they thrive in their mothering journey. Pray that they will be a source of support, encouragement, companionship and more.

    Here are some specific prayers, each accompanied by relevant Bible verses to inspire and guide you:

    1. For Wisdom and Guidance:
    • Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask for Your wisdom to raise my children according to Your will. Guide my decisions and actions as I nurture and teach them.
    • Verse: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
    • 2-For Patience and Understanding:
    • Prayer: Lord, grant me patience and understanding as I face the challenges of motherhood. Help me to respond with love and kindness in every situation.
    • Verse: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

    3-For Strength and Endurance:

    • Prayer: Father, give me the strength to meet the demands of each day. When I am weary, renew my energy and spirit.
    • Verse: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

    4-For Peace and Calm:

    • Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with Your peace. Calm my anxieties and worries, and help me to trust in Your perfect plan for my family.
    • Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

    5-For Love and Compassion:

    • Prayer: Jesus, help me to love my children with the unconditional love that You have shown me. Let compassion and empathy guide my interactions with them.
    • Verse: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

    6-For Protection and Safety:

    • Prayer: Lord, I pray for Your protection over my children. Keep them safe from harm and guide them in Your ways.
    • Verse: “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8).

    7-For Faith and Spiritual Growth:

    • Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to grow in my faith and to be a spiritual example for my children. Guide me in teaching them Your truths.
    • Verse: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

    8-For Joy and Gratitude:

    • Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with joy and gratitude for the blessing of motherhood. Help me to cherish each moment with my children.
    • Verse: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).

    By incorporating these prayers and verses into your daily routine, you can seek God’s guidance and strength in your journey as a mother, trusting in His presence and provision for you and your family.

    I hope you find these helpful. Let me know in comments.

    For all things intentiona parenting, check out other blog posts

    Why not join our growing community? Check out our socials for an opportunity to see us in action 😍, click here

    Every blessing.

    Fadzai 🌱

  • Intentional prayers

    The prayer of the righteous avail much so my prayers as a parent establish Gods word in my life and loved ones.

    Thank you Lord for the gifts and talents you have deposited in my children. We Impress these upon their hearts and minds so that they may fulfil them.

    Teach us as parents to be great stewards and custodians of what our children carry.

    • I arise today in my authority as a parent to declare the promises of God concerning my children. You said that the Words that I speak are life, so I open my mouth to speak into my child/ren’s life. I pronounce the blessing of the Lord that makes one rich and add no sorrow. I stand before heaven and earth to declare that Your Word is alive and active in my life and my family. I testify that ALL your promises are yes and amen in You. I paralyse every demonic force that rises to silence me. I denounce every evil word or intent that has been pronounced concerning me and my family. I sever every generational curse, confusion, and misalignment.
    • I declare that I am a generational blesser. I am called for such a time as this. I arise in the anointing and gifting of Esther that changes situations and circumstance. I declare that my children will recognise my voice as a voice of CLARITY, COUNSEL, LOVE & Authority. I am attentive to the workings and dealings of the spirit as I have the anointing of the Holy One, to know all things {1John 2:20} I operate under the mantle of Deborah for leadership. I am a mother in Zion. My heart and mind is ignited with greater passion to effect the next generation.
    • Thank you that in calling upon Your name, you are revealing mysteries and deeper things that I do not know {Jeremiah 33:3}. Thank you that I am a witness for Christ. Thank you for equipping me for this great purpose in Christ Jesus.
    • Thank you Lord for the community of praying parents. You said where two or three are gathered in Your name, You are in the midst of them. I declare that You hear and answer prayer. Thank you for destiny helpers. As we join our faith, Lord establish Your purpose in us. Remember our children and our households.
    • Amen

  • Five tips for demonstrating love to your children as a Christian parent:

    1. Spend Quality Time Together:
    • Tip: Dedicate undivided attention to your children by engaging in activities they enjoy and creating meaningful memories together.
    • Example: Have regular family devotionals, play games, go on nature walks, or simply listen to them share about their day.

    2-Model Christlike Behavior:

    • Tip: Exhibit the qualities of Jesus in your daily interactions with your children, including patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness.
    • Example: Apologize when you make a mistake, show patience during stressful times, and speak kindly and respectfully.

    3-Teach and Live Out Biblical Principles:

    • Tip: Incorporate biblical teachings into your family life and make Scripture a central part of your home.
    • Example: Read Bible stories together, pray as a family, and discuss how biblical principles can be applied in everyday situations. Show love, affection, compassion and forgiveness. As Christian parents we are called to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit, read Galatians 5:22

    4-Encourage and Affirm:

    • Tip: Regularly encourage and affirm your children, highlighting their strengths and expressing confidence in their abilities.
    • Example: Praise their efforts in school, sports, or hobbies, and affirm their unique qualities and God-given talents. You can look at our affirmations challenge here
    • 5- Show Unconditional Love and Grace:
    • Tip: Demonstrate unconditional love and grace, mirroring God’s love for us, by loving your children without conditions or expectations.
    • Example: Offer forgiveness freely, reassure them of your love even when they make mistakes, and support them through their challenges without judgment. Love for children is spelt as TIME. Spend quality time with your children away from distractions. Create family traditions and memories.

    What else can you add to this? Would love to hear from you.

    Remain intentional

    Yours

    Fadzai x

  • Hello August

    August represents the peak of summer, warmth, fun and long summer days.

    Here in the UK it’s right at the peak of school summer break. A time to make memories, rest and bond with children. It can also be a very stressful time to sort childcare. I pray that you have an awesome summer.

    Let us pray:

    Heavenly Father,

    We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of this summer season. As we enter the month of August, we ask for Your blessings and guidance in all our activities and endeavors.

    Lord, Your Word says, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:24-25). We pray that Your blessing and protection surround our family throughout this month. Keep us safe in our travels, adventures, and daily activities.

    As we enjoy the beauty of summer, we remember Your creation and give thanks. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Help us to appreciate the wonders of nature and spend quality time together, making lasting memories.

    Lord, we seek Your wisdom in our decisions and plans. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Grant us discernment to make choices that honor You and bring joy to our family.

    May our home be filled with love, peace, and harmony. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Help us to support and encourage one another, growing closer as a family.

    We pray for opportunities to rest and rejuvenate. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Let this summer be a time of refreshment for our bodies, minds, and spirits.

    Father, we also ask for Your provision and care. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Meet our needs and bless us with Your abundance, so we may share with others and be a light in our community.

    Thank You, Lord, for Your unending love and faithfulness. We place this month of August into Your hands, trusting in Your perfect plan for our family.

    As we spend together as families, grant us the grace to make memories that last a lifetime.

    In Jesus’ name, we pray,

    Amen.

    Remain blessed

    Yours,

    Fadzai

  • Dear son/ daughter in law

    I am praying for you. Yes I know it will be a while before we meet you. However I am excited and expectant at the prospect of you joining our family. I also want you to know that I am doing the ground work in your future spouse. I am praying and having lots of introspective conversations.

    It is my prayer that you both thrive in this. Below is my prayer for you. I will be praying this over you now and always.

    Lord I thank you for my future son/ daughter in law.

    I come before You today with a heart full of hope and trust in Your perfect plans. I lift up in prayer the future spouse of my child. I ask for Your guidance and blessing upon their life even now, as they journey towards the time when they will meet and join our family.

    Lord, I pray for their character:

    “Create in them a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within them” (Psalm 51:10). May they grow in integrity, kindness, and love, reflecting Your nature in all they do.

    Guide their steps, Lord

    “I ask that they trust in You with all your heart and lean not on their own understanding; in all thier ways submit to You, and You will make their paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Direct their choices and lead them on a path of righteousness.

    Bless their relationships:

    “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Surround them with friendships that encourage and uplift, and help them to grow in love and understanding.

    Strengthen their faith:

    “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Draw them close to You, that their faith may be firm and their trust in You unshakeable.

    Prepare their hearts for marriage:

    “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Teach them the true meaning of love and equip them with the qualities that will make them a wonderful spouse.

    Grant them wisdom and discernment:

    “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Help them to make wise decisions that honor You and bless their future marriage.

    Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. I trust in Your timing and Your plans, and I look forward to the day when we will welcome this special person into our family.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    If you have prayed or are praying, do share in comment section below. I want to join my faith with your regarding the future of our children.

    God bless you.

  • Praying for our sons and sons in law

    power of praying mum

    Praying for your son/ son in law is a meaningful practice rooted in biblical principles and examples. Here are seven reasons why it is important:

    1. For Wisdom and Guidance:
    • Example: King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead his people, and God granted his request (1 Kings 3:9-12). Praying for your sons to receive wisdom and guidance helps them make godly decisions throughout their lives.
    • 2-Protection:
    • Example: Psalm 91 is a powerful prayer for protection, where the psalmist speaks of God’s protection over those who trust in Him (Psalm 91:1-2, 9-11). Praying for your sons’ protection is essential for their physical, emotional, and spiritual safety.

    3-For Strength and Courage:

    • Example: Joshua was encouraged by God to be strong and courageous as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:9). Praying for your sons to have strength and courage enables them to face challenges and overcome obstacles with faith.

    4-For Faith and Spiritual Growth:

    • Example: Timothy’s faith was nurtured by his mother and grandmother, and Paul commended their influence on him (2 Timothy 1:5). Praying for your sons’ faith and spiritual growth ensures they develop a strong, personal relationship with God.

    5-For Character and Integrity:

    • Example: Daniel maintained his integrity and faithfulness to God even in a foreign land and under pressure (Daniel 6:4-5, 10). Praying for your sons’ character and integrity helps them to be honest, trustworthy, and morally upright.

    6-For God’s Favor and Success:

    • Example: Joseph found favor with God and man, leading to success even in difficult circumstances (Genesis 39:2-4, 21-23). Praying for God’s favor on your sons can open doors of opportunity and bless their endeavors.

    7-For Their Future and Purpose:

    • Example: Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God’s plans for a hopeful future. Praying for your sons’ future and purpose aligns them with God’s will and helps them fulfill their God-given destinies.

    Each of these reasons highlights the importance of seeking God’s intervention and blessings in various aspects of your sons’ lives, grounding them in biblical truth and spiritual strength.

    Look forward to you joining us on this journey.

    Here is to standing in the gap for our sons

    Details to join are via this link

    Love and blessings

    Fadzi xx

  • Self acceptance

    Today our journal reading was on Self acceptance.

    Self-acceptance is a crucial aspect of mental and emotional well-being. Here are some strategies for fostering self-acceptance, along with relevant Bible verses for spiritual encouragement:

    1. Practice Self-Compassion

    Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend.

    • Bible Verse: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

    2. Focus on Your Strengths

    Identify and celebrate your strengths and achievements, rather than dwelling on weaknesses or failures.

    • Bible Verse: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

    3. Embrace Your Uniqueness

    Recognize that you are unique and that your individuality is a gift.

    • Bible Verse: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14

    4. Forgive Yourself

    Let go of past mistakes and forgive yourself, understanding that everyone makes errors.

    • Bible Verse: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

    5. Practice Gratitude

    Regularly reflect on and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life.

    • Bible Verse: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

    6. Set Realistic Goals

    Set achievable goals and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

    • Bible Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

    7. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

    Build a community of friends and family who uplift and encourage you. Our intentional parenting whatsapp group is a community of hardworking, committed mothers who are willing to build a village.

    • Bible Verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

    8. Take Care of Your Body

    Engage in activities that promote physical health, as this can enhance your mental and emotional well-being. This may we have embarked on #10kintentionalwalk challenge in aid of our mental health.

    • Bible Verse: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19

    9. Engage in Mindfulness and Prayer

    Practice mindfulness and prayer to center yourself and connect with your spirituality. Our 6am club is a cornerstone and safe space to start the day. We do prayers Monday- Friday 6am-6:30am.

    • Bible Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

    10. Accept God’s Unconditional Love

    Remember that God’s love for you is unconditional and everlasting.

    • Bible Verse: “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:39

    By integrating these strategies and reflecting on these Bible verses, you can nurture a sense of self-acceptance that is rooted in both personal growth and spiritual understanding.

    Hope this helps.

    stay blessed

    stay intentional 🌱

  • Fruit of the Spirit

    At intentional parenting we run a 6am club where we share the WORD and encourage one another to walk in its TRUTH, demonstrating the love of God to those near and dear to us. One of the ways we do this is through studying the books of the Bible. This October, November and December we are in the book of Colossians.

    We are continuing reading and praying through the book of colossians. As Christian parents we are encouraged to live a life that honours God, in our conduct and actions with our children.


    Below is an inventory I have drafted taken from the fruits of the spirit scripture in Galatians 5:22. These fruits demonstrate to us as Christian parents that we are in union with the Spirit.

    I am inviting you to take stock/ inventory. Of these fruits which ones are you strong in? Which ones do you need to develop some stamina?

    You may find that there are seasons and moments when you are able to demonstrate these. Reflect on those seasons, what is happening? Why do you think you are able to be kind, patient and loving to your children sometimes and struggle in others? Jot these down under notes section.

    Below are tips/ways to develop and cultivate these qualities in your life:

    1. Prayer and Reflection: Regularly pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in developing these virtues. Reflect on your actions and attitudes in light of the fruit of the Spirit. Have someone hold you accountable to your growth.
    2. Study Scripture: Delve into the Bible to understand the teachings and examples that embody the fruit of the Spirit. Seek wisdom from scripture to apply these principles in your daily life. The Intentional Parenting monthly bible study through the 6am club will help you with this. You can join the whatsapp group via this link
    3. Embrace Love: Actively practice love by showing kindness, forgiveness, and empathy toward others especially your children. Love is foundational to the other fruits of the Spirit. Demonstrate this with your children. Let the sisterhood of faith hold you accountable in walking in love. Love compels us to look out for each other in prayer, sharing of tips/ knowledge and ideas. Join our facebook community via think facebook page
    4. Cultivate Joy: Focus on gratitude and find joy in your relationship with God. Choose to rejoice in both good and challenging circumstances, trusting in God’s plan. The gratitude jar is also a wonderful concept. Have you tried it before?
    5. Pursue Peace: Strive to be a peacemaker in your relationships with your children. Seek resolution rather than conflict and trust God’s peace to guide your decisions. Apologise to your children when you have gotten things wrong.
    6. Exercise Patience: Develop patience by understanding that God’s timing may differ from your own. Exercise restraint in difficult situations and trust God’s plan to unfold.
    7. Practice Kindness and Goodness: Actively look for opportunities to be kind and do good to others. Let your actions reflect the kindness and goodness that God has shown you. Extend this to your children. Our whatsapp and networking community offers opportunity to interact and grow with other mothers, giving you a safe space to grow.
    8. Be Faithful: Demonstrate faithfulness by staying committed to your relationship with God, your promises, and your responsibilities. Trust in God’s faithfulness as your example. I cannot over emphasise this. There is such a rise in social isolation in our generation as people develop mis-trusting relationships. As parents of faith, loving and fellowshipping with other believers is highly commended. We believe and strive to do that in our pursuit of intentionalparenting.Why don’t you join us at the next networking event. Join our Facebook page to kept up to date
    9. Cultivate Gentleness: Approach others with gentleness and humility. Avoid harsh judgment and strive to understand different perspectives.
    10. Exercise Self-Control: Practice self-discipline in your thoughts, actions, and emotions. Seek the Holy Spirit’s help to overcome temptations and cultivate self-control.

    Remember that developing the fruit of the Spirit is a lifelong process. Continually seek God’s guidance and rely on His strength to grow in these virtues, knowing that it’s through a relationship with Him that these qualities can flourish in your life.

    Remain intentional 🌱

  • Praying through Colossians

    For the next months of October, November and December we will be praying, reflecting and meditating on this book. It promises to be an incredible time of feasting on the WORD, growing your knowledge muscle and exercising your faith.

    More details here

  • Praying for sons

    What a promise we have in God as we continue to hope and trust Him with our families and children!

    Rise and occupy your place as a praying parent. Believe in the power of your prayers and God’s faithfulness to answer prayer.

    June has been a phenomenal month, standing in the gap for the male child. As we draw to a close, Thursday 30th at 6am will be a time of praise and thanksgiving for what the Lord has done.

    Tomorrow again at 6am we are praying for his future. What vision has God given you concerning your child/ ren’s future?

    “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.”
    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭GNT‬‬

    His same WORD encourages us that
    ‘The people who KNOW their God shall be mighty and do exploits’

    There has never been a greater season to be mighty and do great things as parents.

    May the Lord hear you when you call. May He answer you from heaven.

    May you lift your voice and declare:

    ‘I would have lost heart, have I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

    Remain blessed and anchored. 💕