Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV

 ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Even young children have responsibilities, but You have paired every command with a promise - a tactic that most mothers readily learn. This is not bribery but cause and effect; children who obey and honor their parents find family life far more enjoyable than those who don’t. Then You add a second promise that can only come from You: “you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Raising obedient, loving children requires me to show gentleness and patience, not threats and harshness. I pray that you teach me how to soften each correction with the same love I receive from You, who guide and correct me, and may patience and kindness be made visible through my actions.

I thank you in advance, even though I KNOW this prayer was answered in advance.

AMEN.