Hearts of the Fathers

“A key to decreasing the shocking statistics of commercial sexual exploitation is stronger family bonds. Strong, healthy, family bonds, mean fewer vulnerabilities in youth. 

“Science tells us that the relationship between a father and child deeply impacts a child’s long-term development in critical ways. Children with involved fathers are less likely to experience depression, teen pregnancy, risky behaviors, such as substance use, and more. When vulnerabilities are decreased, the risk of being exploited becomes less. 

“Parents must fight for their children in prayer and by example of right living more than the culture that seeks to sexualize and exploit them. The good news that provokes responsibility is that there is a clear distinction between what is righteous and what is wicked, found in the living and active Word of God. 

“In the book of Malachi, the prophet declares, ‘He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers . . .’ (Malachi 4:6a). The spirit of Elijah, by the Holy Spirit, causes not only honor to God the Father, but between generations. This is so important that the prophet goes on to say that God will strike the land with destruction if hearts do not turn. Now is the time for men of character, strength, and honor to rise up! As a result of their own hearts turned to God the Father, they will raise up healthy children through their godly character and example.” (Danielle Freitag, Action 169)1

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!’” (Judges 6:12; NKJV)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

• Decree a hunger for the Word of God to rise up within the Body of Christ. (See Hebrews 4:12.)
• Pray for the hearts of the parents to turn toward their children and the hearts of the children to turn towards their parents. (See Malachi 4:6.) 
• Pray for more mighty men of valor to rise up by turning their hearts to the one good Father. (See Judges 6:12.) 

A prayer you can pray:

Father, put a hunger for Your Word in us. We must have it deep inside of us. We must not know of it, but we must be deep wells of the Word of God, for in those words are light and life. They are a revelation of You. They are our constant reminder of You, Your ways, and Your love and relationship with us. It is the first line of defense against the enemy’s seeking to steal, kill, destroy, and devour. Your promises in that Word are yes and amen to us. 

One of those key promises is that You will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their parents. We know that the stability of the family unit is stronger when strong fathers are in the home. Children long for relationships with their fathers. They hunger for their father’s encouragement and words of affirmation. They show all the signs of emotional health and security when they have it. We know the enemy hates that and has worked hard to remove the influence of fathers from their children. Father, gift Christian dads a grace to be present for their children, raising them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Let their children thrive under this love and care, desiring You and not what the world has to offer. Let their emotional and spiritual strength keep them from suffering the destruction of their lives by the enemy of their souls. Thank You for these promises in Your Word, Jesus. Amen.

Today’s decree:

In this generation, the hearts of the fathers are turning toward the children, and the hearts of the children are turning to their fathers.

1 – 2020 | By Danielle Freitag, LADC, Author of The Garden Keys, Action169 Executive Director