Author’s note: I’m pretty stoked. September 30 marks the release of my second book, Deliver Us from Meltdowns: And Other Real-World Prayers for Parents; if you’d like, get it on pre-order now!
It’s been a fun project. A mix of theology, emotional health, and a good dose of humor, these sixty prayers are for moments hectic and holy–at least they are in my house.
I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing like parenting to bring me to my knees.
I’ll drip out a few of these prayers around the release date, and here’s the second–on picking your battles so you don’t lose the war.
Pick Your Battles (and Find the Spoons)
To Our Peacemaker,
Whether it’s screen time, the state of this child’s hazmat-level bedroom, what they’re wearing to school, when to do homework—I appreciate the reminder there’s compromise to be had (on my child’s side, right?).
Regarding the room: Considering the dozen pair of scissors and five open boxes of cereal under this kid’s bed, I would at least ask they return all the spoons.
Still—You approach me not as merely a servant to be governed but as a person in Your image. Help me extend that kind of dignity, even when faced with this child’s (impressively witty) snark or competition-worthy eye-rolling.
Show me how to draw the line on the respect I must teach, while demonstrating respect in return. This may require Your help to suppress my sass.
Don’t tell my kids, but sometimes I’m less flexible than I could be . . . because I’m so exhausted. Or what they want is so stinkin’ inconvenient. Or I’m afraid of appearances. Or it’s just not the proper way (mashed potatoes aren’t paint!).
But I guess I could let them wear kid underwear backward so they can see the picture. (Something tells me they’ll get it on the right way someday.)
You reach toward us, offering dignity and an ear to our desires—and yet managing to forbid, reorder, and reform desires that hurt us.
Self-discipline is so often learned by discipline applied to us. Does that mean I’m off the hook with the request for only fruit snacks and barbecue potato chips for lunch?
You want Your people to consider others more than themselves. So I’m guessing sometimes I model this by bending toward my child, and other times shape that kind of character in them. Maybe it would actually celebrate childhood a little if this kid wore fairy wings to the doctor’s office. But I do know entitlement looks tacky on pretty much everyone. This world doesn’t need any more divas.
I see You responding to Abraham’s plea with compromise. (Tell the truth: Would You have bargained if it were about curfew?) You beg us, “Come now, let us reason together.” And You remind me that wisdom that comes from You is both peaceable and reasonable. So maybe I don’t allow them to start a campfire in the yard, but I do help set up a tent in the living room?
Yet You’re pretty clear on what not to compromise on—Your ways. We want to love You with everything.
Would that include building a life-sized castle of marshmallows? Inquiring minds want to know.
Amen.
*Source Scripture references: Ephesians 6:2–3; Psalm 38:9–10, 89:46; Proverbs 13:12; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:3–4, Genesis 18:16–33, Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 22:37–39, James 3:17.
(C) 2025 Hollan Publishing. Used with permission.
