My baby turned one a few days ago. Where did the time fly? The more I’m growing as a mom, the more I’m learning the importance of the words we speak, especially over our little ones.

I grew up in an environment where we did not speak positive words often and so I’m learning to change the words I speak everyday. The Bible tells us that “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 (NIV). Research shows how positive words can uplift a child and impact their growth so I’m trying to be more intentional with my words.

I have compiled these declarations and prayers based on scripture to start speaking over my baby. Feel free to personalize them for your child(ren) or add some of your own.

Truths to tell your child often

Remind them of these truths often so you can shape their identity in Christ and what God says about them. When the world tells them otherwise, the Holy Spirit will bring these words to mind.

• You are chosen, loved, and called. (Ephesians 1:4–5; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 8:30)
• You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13–14)
• You are a delight and a joy to be around. (Zephaniah 3:17; Proverbs 17:6)
• You can do hard things because God gives you strength. (Philippians 4:13; Isaiah 41:10)
• You are brave and resilient because God is with you. (Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:6)
• You are never alone. (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20)
• You are a blessing to those around you. (Genesis 12:2; Matthew 5:16)
• God has a good plan and purpose for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:28)
• God will help you and strengthen you. (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 46:1)
• God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9; Psalm 139:7–10)
• You are God’s masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)

You can download the printable version of this card to read together before bedtime, or keep as a reminder in their Bible.

Biblical declarations to speak over your child

No matter how life unfolds, we can declare God’s word in faith and hold onto hope that our words will bring forth life.

(Child’s name) will…

• …grow in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke 2:52)
• …be taught by the Lord, and great will be his/her peace. (Isaiah 54:13)
• …know God deeply and be known by Him. (John 17:3; Galatians 4:9)
• …be generous, kind, and compassionate toward others. (Ephesians 4:32; Proverbs 11:25)
• …lend to many and borrow from none. (Deuteronomy 28:12)
• …be the head and not the tail. (Deuteronomy 28:13)
• …love and study the Scriptures, and God’s Word will be more precious to him/her than silver or gold. (Psalm 19:10; Psalm 119:72; Joshua 1:8)
• …shine the light of Christ wherever he/she goes. (Matthew 5:14–16; Philippians 2:15)
• …be a man/woman of God and walk closely with Him all the days of his/her life. (1 Timothy 6:11; James 2:23; Micah 6:8)
• …speak with wisdom, and faithful instruction will always be on his/her lips. (Proverbs 31:26; Colossians 4:6)
• …have a heart to serve, even from a young age. (1 Samuel 2:18; 1 Timothy 4:12; Mark 10:45)
• …trust in the Lord and not be afraid. (Isaiah 41:10; Proverbs 3:5–6; Psalm 56:3–4)
• …be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)
• …forgive freely and love even those who have hurt him/her. (Luke 6:27–28; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)
• …become all that God has called him/her to be and live a life worthy of that calling. (Ephesians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:9; Philippians 1:6)
• …live a long life and leave a legacy of faith for generations to come. (Psalm 91:16; Proverbs 3:1–2; 2 Timothy 1:5)
• …not grow weary in doing good, but persevere faithfully. (Galatians 6:9)
• …be blessed when he/she comes in and blessed when he/she goes out. (Deuteronomy 28:6)
• …learn from failures and mistakes, rise again with perseverance, and never lose hope or the vision God has given him/her. (Proverbs 24:16; Romans 5:3–5; Philippians 3:13–14)

Prayers to pray for your child

Some prayer points to pray for your children in your personal time trusting God hears our prayers.

Lord,

• Give my child a heart that seeks You above everything else.
• May he/she love your word above all else.
• Draw my child to You from an early age.
• Bless his/her heart, mind, and body. May her strength equal her days.
• Fill my child with the Holy Spirit.
• Give my child discernment to recognize truth and the courage to stand for truth.
• Surround my child with people who will encourage him/her, give him/her godly friendships and wise mentors.
• Help my child discover the gifts and talents You have given him/her.
• Teach my child to love others as you have loved him/her.
• Grant my child peace in every season.
• Give my child courage to stand firm when following You is difficult.
• Keep my child humble in success and faithful in hardship.
• May my child walk closely with You all the days of his/her life.
• Let my child’s life bring glory to You.

You can download the printable version of this card to keep in your Bible or prayer journal and use it as a guide during your personal prayer time. You can even print this to give to a new mom! I’m sure they’ll love having some help to pray over their baby.

I hope this was helpful for you as much as it was for me as I compiled it!