Disclosure: Thanks to Bethany House and Revell Publishing for providing these books to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

My husband and I were blessed with two children. I’ll never forget the moment 10 years ago when the ultrasound technician told us we were having a girl. The look on my husband’s face was one of absolute shock because I had felt that we were having a boy. I thought he was disappointed; my heart skipped a beat. He turned to me and said, “I’ll never have a moment’s peace again.” He was already thinking ahead to the dating years, the worry of her safety for the rest of her life. My daughter has learned to play both sides of the fence in her 10 years. She comes to me for girl stuff but she knows that she has her daddy wrapped around her finger. The two of them go on “daddy – daughter dates” and love spending time together. This weekend, they took a long walk together and discussed college (which will be here in a few short years). This time is precious and I’m so grateful that my husband realizes the need to spend it with his children.

When I received A Dad’s Prayers for His Daughter to review, I knew my husband would want to read it. The book is exactly what it says — a book of prayers. Very specific and articulate, the prayers beseech God to walk with your daughter through her relationships, her words, and her growth into womanhood. It’s never too early to start praying for your child, just as it’s never too late to do so. The book also includes firsthand stories from dads who raised daughters and lived to tell about it. Authors Rob and Joanna Teigen really cover their bases with the situations girls might encounter along their journey through life.

I do want to mention that if you’re a single mom, you should still consider reading this book. Don’t let the title deter you. Single moms often have the unique responsibility to serve as both parents. Your daughter will still face the same tough issues in life but she may do so without the benefit of a godly male role model. You need to arm her with the faith and love that her Heavenly Father offers. Take these prayers and modify them to be your own words. You have nothing to lose, but your daughter has everything to gain.

Mothers of boys, you have a different book to read. I love Praying for Boys – Asking God for the Things They Need Most by Brooke McGlothlin. This is more of a guide for raising boys, with a few individual stories thrown in. What I liked about this book was that each prayer has a blank so I remember to fill it in with my son’s name. This makes the book so personal. The questions at the end of each section are very devotional-like. They’re very specific and ask you to reflect upon your son’s behavior, your actions, and so on. It’s not a breeze-through book, but it’s well worth the effort.

When I found out I was expecting a boy, one of my friends told me that boys love their mamas like nothing else. I smiled and went about my day, but that comment stayed with me. And it’s so very true. One day while my sister was visiting, she was holding my son across the room. I looked up and caught his gaze. He was looking on me with such love and devotion (at only a few months old) that it took my breath away. Even now, at almost five years old, he loves his mom with a fierce protectiveness. Praying for Boys has taught me how to ask God to protect my little boy’s heart so that he’ll always know how to take care of the people in his life. Right now it’s me and his sister, but someday he’ll have his own family to love. By building him up now in these formative years, I’m doing what I can to prepare him for a life of loving leadership. Praying for Boys asks God to bestow the fruits of the spirit, to temper my son’s emotions, and to guide him to salvation. There’s a section at the end for small groups and Bible studies, which is a lovely way to include your friends in a prayer chain.

If you have children in your life, consider taking a moment to pray for them today.

I received these books to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.