(This post was written by Gina McClain, Director of Children’s Ministries)

A young father of a toddler asks, “My child is so little.  What can I do for them now that will invest spiritually in their future?”

A divorced dad of tweens asks, “My kids spend more time away from me than with me.  Moments with them are brief.  What can I do that will make the most impact?”

A step-dad of a blended family asks, “They’re not mine.  But I love them just the same.  What can I do that will invest in them without appearing as if I’m trying to replace their father?”

These are great questions.  And there are some things I would recommend specific to each circumstance.  But there is one habit I recommend that transcends each of these life-situations and is applicable and effective in each.

The Blessing

Call it church-y.  Call it cheesy.  Slap a manlier term on it.  It’s still the same.  A Blessing from a father to their child.  It’s one of the greatest gifts a father can give because you are voicing expectation and encouragement over them.  You are taking an emotional, mental and spiritual “bar” and setting it high.  Your kids will surprise you with how they strive to jump over it. 

The Blessing is simply prayer calling upon God’s power for the benefit of your child.  The most common blessing found in scripture is in Numbers 6:22-27 where God equips Aaron with the following words to speak over Israel:

“The Lord bless you, and keep you;
 The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,  And give you peace.”

Whether a father or mother, step-dad or step-mom, and even grandparents… this is a habit you can instill as you interact with your child that will benefit them as they grow.  Make it part of your morning routine as a way to start their day or a bedtime routine as the final words they hear before falling asleep at night.  Invoke the power of God’s word into their hearts and watch how they grow.

Check out the fpKIDS Facebook Fan Page here for more scriptures to use this week when you pray over your kids!