Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most
A wonderful new book I will give away!
When women hear the stories of my two boys, Joel and Nathan, they are amazed and so often think, “How did Sally raise boys who are having such wonderful opportunities? What method of child training did she use? What was her philosophy of education?”
Though all of these might have influenced much of my boy’s souls, it is the Lord who has opened doors for them. God is the only one who we had to commend us. We had no wealth, no great education, no outstanding training–just an understanding that we were to be dependent on Him–the source of all wisdom, strength, help, love, grace. We lived the Lord, spoke of Him, sought Him and worshipped Him.
Joel, composer Nathan, actor, writer
Though the outcome of our boy’s lives so far have had some external fruit–Joel getting into Berklee even though he could not really read music and had little back ground, and then graduating with summa cum laude and composer of the year, and finished in 2 1/2 years– it was totally a miracle, a grace of God. We were on our knees praying every single day. We prayed him through overwhelming moments when his work load was too big, he didn’t have enough money to pay for school, challenges on the learning curve because he did not know all the music that his peers who had studied for all their lives–so Joel worked diligently, by faith, and we prayed and prayed and prayed. And in God’s hands, our little became enough. The process was all by faith and took years, and yet God moved and was faithful and opened doors and blessed. He is the source of blessing, not any works that we could garner without His help.
Same with Nathan–scholarship to New York Film Academy, moving to Hollywood, getting his sag card and having the opportunity to be behind the marketing of Dolphin Tale and writing a book. The boys worked hard, but mainly both boys prayed every day and knew that prayer–trusting in Him, asking Him to guide, looking to Him for wisdom–was the secret. We give our fish and loaves to God and depend on Him–He is enough and more.
Rarely have I met someone who really understood this principle so well at such a young age. Brooke McGlothin is a sweet friend of mine, a young mom of two boys, who has captured this truth so well. Her new ebook is profound and simple–if you want to see God work, you must depend on Him in prayer. He is the source of all blessing, He is the one who must receive the glory for working through normal people in extraordinary ways. I found myself nodding and underlining all the way through her book. I want you to know Brooke’s heart and her blog and have the opportunity to be encouraged by her wonderful book. Brooke has generously offered to give a book away to one of my readers who leaves a comment on my blog. Here is her heart and an article by her:
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| I watch their little faces as we prepare for bedtime prayers. I’m overwhelmed with love for them, overwhelmed with parenting them, these little boys who have stolen my heart and rocked my world. As I write this, my sons are six and four. Already I find myself wondering where the time has gone. I’m running as fast as I can to keep up with every step they take, tucking each moment away in my memory for safekeeping. |
I asked God to give me boys. Even before I was married I knew I wanted boys–to raise men who would be different, respecters of women, lovers of God–to teach little men to work with their hands, take com- mitments seriously and protect the least of these. Warriors, protectors, worshippers, peacemakers and friends–these are the dreams I have for my little ones.
Fast forward twelve years or so, and the present-day circus that is my life often finds me asking this question:
WHAT WAS I THINKING?
I don’t have any clue how to be the mom of boys! They’re rough and tumble. I don’t have an athletic bone in my body. They’re loud and obnoxious. I enjoy peace and quiet. They love dirt and mud and bugs. I’d rather curl up with a good book in my nice cool family room.
Obviously, God has a sense of humor.
If you are the mother of at least one boy you are shaking your head in agreement with me right now. I used to think there was something wrong with my boys, that they were the only ones in the world who ac- ted the way they do. Then the Lord hooked me up with an awesome community of boy moms and I learned that this simply isn’t true! There is something different about boys!
· They’re loud.
· They like to leap from tall buildings with no safety net (a.k.a. jump off the top bunk).
· They like to build forts and hide candy.
· They break toilets and “go” in (and all over) anything BUT the toilet.
· They’re adventurous.
· They’re natural born protectors.
· They like to shoot things (even when there’s nothing actually resembling a gun).
· They shower you with spit when showcasing their sound effects skills.
· They love their mommies and need their daddies.
· They’re made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails (OK, not really. But when I told my oldest that girls were made of sugar and spice and everything nice, he asked if he could lick me!)
I’m afraid that we’re losing the beauty of training up godly men.
The bottom line is this: our boys need strong parents now more than ever. We’re losing them; raising a generation of weak men. Young men who have no idea what it means to be a man are everywhere.
We’ve failed them.
So what, you’re asking, do we do about it? My answer is short and sweetly simple. There are so many books out there today on the topic of parenting that I can’t count them. Nor do I have time to read them all. But even if I did, reading these books, and putting the solid tools in them to work, still doesn’t come with guarantees. Knowing this, it becomes quite clear that there is only one thing we can do.
Plead with God. Pray.
“The fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much” James 5:17.
It’s our hope.
So many of you moms, right this very moment, are kneeling down or lying flat on your face before God, asking Him to help you.
You’re lost, overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed, heartbroken, and seconds away from waving the white flag in defeat. I know where you are. I’ve been there. I’m still there. I have no idea how to make this dream of mine come true. I have no idea how to raise men who will be different: respecters of women, lovers of God. I have no idea how to teach little men to work with their hands, take commitments seriously, and protect the least of these. And I certainly have no idea how to raise warriors, protectors, worshippers, peacemakers, and friends by myself.
But I do know how to get down on my knees and cry out to God on their behalf. I do know that God’s Word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart“ (Hebrews 4:12).
So I pray the Word over my boys daily. Asking the One who has the power to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh to find my boys and make them His.
In spite of me.
Brooke is a mom of two young boys who leave her desperate for God’s grace. Her pursuit of being a better mom has left her at the foot of the cross, knowing that if God doesn’t show up … nothing happens. This dependence upon God to turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh leads her to her knees in prayer. She’s the author of the best-selling eBook Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most (on sale now for just $2.99 as a PDF download!), creator of the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons challenge and co-founder of the well-loved online community for mothers of boys, the M.O.B. Society. She offers hope for change to the hearts of women at her main blog, A Life in Need of Change.
God’s timing always amazes me! I’ve recently been given a nudge from the Lord about the importance of not only praying for my children, but of specifically praying God’s Word over them. I have one boy who is six years old and he just amazes me! You should hear that little one pray at our meal times!
I would love to have a copy of Brooke’s book! And I will certainly be following her blog as well as checking out the 21 days site and the M.O.B. society!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Hey Sally,
I’ve just tried clicking on the Brooke’s links and they are not working…I’m getting a message that says…”the page you are looking for no longer exists”.
I am so excited to check out her site! I would love a copy of her e-book…my little man just turned 2 yesterday!
Sally, this is very timely! I was awake in the night praying and contemplating this very issue of raising boys. I am homeschooling a precious one right now. At times it is overwhelming!! I said to my husband this morning “at times I feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of teaching a boy.” He is so interested in ‘big boy’ games and not crafts etc. (for the most part). Since, I am NOT athletic, I fear I may not be providing him with as much activity as he needs. I felt so moved to be on my knees more about this, and have decided to do just that!! Then I read your post today and it was the AHA moment for me! Thank you for being such a beautiful role model for us younger Moms! Your mentoring and encouragement mean a great deal to me! Blessings today!!
Love following Brooke’s blog. As a mother of 3 boys, it helps me as she speaks honestly of the difference between boys and girls. I often take the scripture she puts on facebook for the day and put it on an index card for my sons, so they know what i am praying for for them. Such a blessing. This ebook would be a wonderful resource.
My little man is almost 4 years old and I can see in his eyes what an amazing man God has called him to be in the future. My prayer is that I can get my selfishness out of the way and let the Lord shine through me into his soul. Thank you for this post!!
Sally: As always, you speak to my heart. I have two sons and can completely understand and agree with you about them being different, but it’s a good different and totally God inspired! Thank you for this wonderful reminder to pray for our sons!
Yes, I am trusting the Lord for the grace to raise four boys!! I am so thankful for a husband who loves the Lord and desires to raise them up for Jesus!!
I have 3 boys – Malachi, 12 Josiah, 10 and Elijah 7 and boy(no pun intended) could I relate with everything written. So glad I have Someone to turn to for help!!
Sally,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, prayers, and life! I am so encouraged and refreshed! As an “older” homeschooling mom now raising two boys, ages 10 and 4, after raising three daughters who are now out and married, I am finding this a timely post!! Sons are definitely different than daughters, and am finding them to be so in ways I hadn’t thought of! Thank you for your recommendations to Brooke’s blogs and her book. Blessings to both of you!
~Tina
I am the mom to 2 girls and one boy – and my son is in no way “typical” like so many describe. Sometimes when moms talk about rambunctious boys I have nothing to add — it’s just not how he is most of the time. He’s only 8 so maybe our day is coming…
I know God has big plans for my young boys. A book geared specifically at praying along with God’s plans for them would be a blessing!
I always thought I’d have no trouble being a Mom to boys, but that I wouldn’t have a clue what to do with a girl. But, I was wrong. The reverse has actually been true for me.
Three boys here…I laughed out loud as read her article. Loved the line about her son asking if he could lick her!! Hahahahahahaha.
I would love this. I have 3 boys and 1 girl. They are all so different. I am off to check out her site now! thanks for the encouragement!
What a a great reminder to pray scripture for our sons! Certainly, our world needs boys who will grow up to be men who will love God with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength and yet Satan seems to attack them to be the very opposite of what God intends for them.
I’m so excited about this book! My dear friend and I have had this very thing on our hearts. We have been praying and fasting for our children and husbands. Oh, God does want to raise up godly men and women and we are so excited to see how God uses this book! I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you so much for sharing the excerpt from Brooke’s book and M.O.B. Society. I have three boys – 9, 7 and 1 – and so frequently feel like I’m drowning in testosterone. I so want to raise godly warriors who aren’t afraid to stand for truth and become the leaders our country need, but sometimes I feel like I’m the victim of the waged war. I know I need to be on my knees more in prayer, but many times when I’m there I don’t know exactly what to pray for. Thank you for the encouragement. I’m heading to the M.O.B. Society right now.
Having two sons, I can completely relate to what Brooke wrote. Would enjoy reading her e-book.
I have one boy, so this is all very inspiring! Thank you so much Sally! I would love to read her e-book!
Sally, each day you encourage my heart to keep pressing on and striving to do my best for the Lord in raising my three sons ages 16, 6 and 5. They are each very different and I find myself wondering many times what do I do with these boys?! Just recently I have learned to relax more and realize they need to be loud, physical and busy with their hands doing things with purpose. (Your stories on Nathan have helped me see this.) Thank you!
Sounds like a great book!
Thank-you for sharing this! I have a boy. I didn’t realize how “desperate” I was for God until I gave birth to our son. I am tempted to waive the white flag of defeat but this story gives me such great hope.
Thank-you again.
Sounds like something I could glean some wisdom from! I am struggling right now with my little man…he is 6. I want to raise him to be all the aforementioned things, but many days latley I just have no clue what I am doing and can get to seeling so helpless.
I would love a copy of this e-book. My little son is only 1 year old and I believe that prayer is vital–to ask God for wisdom for my husband and me in raising him, to lift him up to the Lord to work in his heart even at such a young age.
I would love to read this book. Thank you for sharing this information.
Thank you for this great insight into raising, not only boys, but children! I have a son about to turn 5 and a baby boy due in February. I would love to own a copy of this book to pray for them. I also have two daughters, 3 and 2, and would love to be in prayer through this book for their husbands!
This is very encouraging! Me though being the only parent that prays and fully trusts God sometimes feels impossible. I also pray those words for my husband. I want my children to fully trust God and be lights to those around them.
Life is always an adventure with 3 boys – they are much more ‘busy’ than their 2 sisters : )
This is a great book according to one of my friends who has a house full of boys. I can’t speak from experience as I have only been blessed with girls so far. I know several mom’s of boys who would love to receive the gift of this book. I would love to be able to bless them with this.
As a mother of 2 boys it amazes me how many times I just have to smile and have joy no matter the circumstances. It’s been a crazy month and I am so glad that God has my life in his hands. The
Consider IT all JOY!!
e-book sounds great love advise about boys I need it!!
Reading this post and other comments from moms- I too am excited to have encouragement and support in raising boys. I have two sons (2 and 1 month). We didn’t know what gender we were having until I pushed our kiddo out, and when the nurses yelled, “It’s a boy!” I was thrilled but also thought… really God? You trust me with raising another man?!
I will also pass this link/book along to my mom and siblings, for on my side of the family, there has yet to be a granddaughter… 6 boys and counting:).
I’d love to win Brooke’s book. I have 3 boys and 1 daughter and boys are new for me as I only had 1 sister. So, this would be great.
Sally, First of all thank you for sharing. Every day that I read your blog our heavenly Father has touched me. Thank you for being open and honest. What this new book is about is exactly what God has been telling me over and over these past few weeks. I know that I know prayer is THE KEY! The only thing that works… the only thing that frees us to believe and accept and live the truth of His word wholeheartedly. To commune with the One True God. True prayer humbles us and moves us to accept all as grace and joy that He gives. It is powerful. May the right person receive this wonderful gift of a book and be changed by His word and truth. Love in the Lord, Amanda
I forgot to tell you. I have one boy, the oldest, and three girls. My prayer is also that he will respect women and love the Lord with his whole life! Amanda
Thank you for this post!… As moma to 5 sons (2 grown and married, 3 at home) and Grammy to my daughter’s 2 sons, I appreciate the encouragement!
So thankful for my 3 boys .. wonderful giveaway .. blessings
Thank you for the encourgement! I believe in the power of prayer as I have seen God work in amazing ways – with miracles – in the lives of my children. The best part being that they see God’s power through prayer as well as we pray together. My son is 5 and the little brother to two sisters – ages 7 and 10. My desire and prayer over him is that he will grow to be a Godly man walking in obedience to God’s will every day of his life and under the blessing and protection of God. Thank you!
I would so love to win this book. I too, always wanted to have boys, and then I had one. He is three now and I love him TREMENDOUSLY, but I have no idea how to raise him to be the godly man that I envision him being. He has driven me to my knees praying for him many times over. I would love the guidance that this book offers – specific prayers. Mine seem to be a jumbled up mess sometimes, all that I can piece together in the midst of the craziness. Thank you for the opportunity to win this!
A friend posted a link to your website from Facebook. I’m glad I followed. I have two sons, 12 and 10, and 1 daughter. I’m often nudged by God to be more diligent in my prayers for my children. I look forward to exploring your site and Brooke’s as well. Thank you for your encouragement!
With two sons, ages 6 and 4, I was absolutely nodding my head in agreement!! I have tried raising them ‘on my own’ and know there is only one way to do it right – with God’s grace and my intercession on their behalf…. I just need to get my head on straight! Would love a copy of the book! Thanks for the post!
I love my boys! They add adventure to life.
I would love to win a copy of her book.
In the most-likely event that I’m not the winner of this book I am going to order it anyway! I have a 7-year-old boy that baffles me daily – all that the author said about her boys rings true with mine, and I feel completely ill-equipped to raise him. I so appreciate her encouragement to be coming daily to the Lord on behalf of my precious little ones. I know that’s where my attention should be focused. Thank you for the encouragement!
I’d love a copy of Brooke’s book. I have 3 boys (12, 9, and 7). Oh, and 1 daughter (4). I had to laugh because just a couple days ago, one of my sons jumped from the top bunk onto another bed!
Would Love to read this ebook! The first 5 years of my son’s life were so much easier and these last 4 have been so very hard! After a super hard week, the worst ever actually, I finally came to the realization that I have not been praying enough for my children. I think I have known it for quite some time but I have used the excuse that having 4 kids in 5 years and miscarrying 4 times in between has left me completely exhausted and barely making it through the day. God is good and I thank him for his grace and mercy and for second chances. Thank you, Sally, for your words of wisdom and for your daily encouragement.
This touched my heart! Thank you, Brooke! I am DESPERATELY PRAYING! For my boy, and my girls! I am DESPERATELY SEEKING God and His ways! I am DESPERATELY HOPING for a community to build us up!
What is Brooke’s blog address?
You can find everything at http://www.brookemcglothlin.com Amanda! Thanks for asking!
Sally,
Thanks again for another encouraging post! I love being a mom to boys, I have two boys and then two girls. God is sooo amazing and good. My boys have taught me so many things. I too long to teach them the ways of the Lord and how to walk as He walked. Taking them daily before the throne of God is a MUST daily habit. Brooke’s ebook is on sale and I would love to buy it but I can’t seem to connect through your blog. Blessings to you and your sweet family.
Hi Katie. You can find the sale info here friend:
http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/2011/09/50-off-sale/
So sorry for the link issues…I don’t know what happened!
I am new to your blog. A friend sent me a link bc she knew I’d love this post. I’m a mother of 2 boys who are all boy!! I would L.O.V.E. a copy of the book! Thanks for blessing me!
Sabrina
Oh how I need this book! Even if I won’t win, I’ll be getting it soon. I have 4 kids – 2 boys, 2 girls. Both of my boys have special needs, but both have so many amazing God given qualities. I have been praying especially for the older one, but need to focus prayer on both of them. I can hardly wait to read the book and see God’s work in their lives.
Thanks for offering this giveaway. I’ve been wanting to get Brooke’es e-book as I have been hearing
So much about it in recent months. I’m just two years into this journey of mothering a boy-and it brings me to my knees daily! I would love to receive this great tool to help me stand in the gap for my son.
I’m having the same problem as Jennifer, the second commenter, at the top of the page. When I click on Brooke’s links, I can’t get to them either. Any solution to the problem? Thank you.
As the mother of two daughters and then the surprise gift of a son – I was ill prepared for the mothering a boy would need. God knew though and Benjamin is a special blessing to me. The quote “they love their moms and need their dads” is perfect! I can’t wait to read the book. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for this giveaway! With three boys (and two girls) I am always looking for Godly help and advice!
To trust and pray is the only answer believing God in his goodness. Intrusting to the giftgivers through prayer, wait and see his final gift to us as they grow to fulfill his desire.
With three boys in our mix, and a need to pray– this would be a great resource!
I have one little boy and feel as lost as possible when it comes to raising him, as Brooke described. Prayer really is the best answer of all, yet it seems to be one of the last resorts sometimes instead of the first as it should be. So thankful for God’s grace.
If I’m too late for the giveaway, no problem!!
What a neat post…I love my boys (& girls 
) so much! Boys are a special gift from the Lord!!!
I would love to win this book and pray specifically for my 3 little boys.
I am completely overwhelmed by parenting my boy. This blog post really encouraged and challenged me to be praying for him more often.