ANOINT AND PRAY OVER YOUR CHILDREN

DATE: THURSDAY JULY 24TH 2025

Unlocking Divine Protection and Destiny

MEMORISE:

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” – (Joel 2:28)

READ: 1 SAMUEL 16:12-13 (KJV)

12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

MASSAGE:The Unseen Battle for the Next Generation: Why Parents Must Go Beyond the Physical

Parenting is a monumental task, a sacred stewardship of human lives entrusted to our care. From the moment a child is conceived, parents embark on a journey filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, and boundless love. We meticulously plan for their education, their health, their emotional well-being, their social development, and their future careers. We provide food, shelter, clothing, and countless opportunities. Yet, as parents, we must humbly acknowledge a profound truth: we cannot raise our children all by ourselves.

This isn’t a statement of inadequacy but of spiritual reality. This is because many other factors are involved in a child’s destiny that parents cannot fully control with physical effort alone. Consider just a few of these often-overlooked elements:

The Environment: Children are shaped by their surroundings—schools, neighborhoods, media, and cultural shifts. Even in the most loving homes, external influences can be powerful and sometimes insidious. The rise of social media, digital content, and globalized communication exposes children to ideologies, values, and dangers that parents often struggle to monitor or counteract completely.

The People They Interact With: Friends, teachers, mentors, even casual acquaintances can profoundly impact a child’s choices, beliefs, and trajectory. Peer pressure, negative influences, or even subtle manipulation can steer a child away from the values instilled at home.

Their Genetic Makeup and Innate Temperament: While nurtured by environment, every child comes into the world with a unique personality, strengths, and vulnerabilities, some of which are inherited. Understanding and guiding these innate traits requires wisdom that often transcends human understanding.

Spiritual Forces: This is perhaps the most crucial yet often least recognized factor. We live in a world where spiritual forces are actively at play. There is a spiritual battle raging for the souls and destinies of our children. The enemy, the devil, seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and children are often primary targets because they represent the future and the legacy of faith. These forces surround their entire family and the children in particular, often operating unseen, yet with tangible effects.

This is precisely why, beyond all the immense things that parents do physically to raise their children, they must also pray for them regularly and seek God’s help to raise them correctly. Our physical efforts, no matter how diligent, are simply insufficient for a spiritual battle. We need divine intervention, supernatural wisdom, and heavenly protection. Parents must also anoint and pray over their children regularly to protect them from evil forces. This isn’t a mere ritual; it’s a powerful spiritual act of consecration, intercession, and declaration that invites the very power of God into their lives.

The Enemy’s Subtle Tactics: Disguising Spiritual Attacks as Natural Flaws

In the short time that I have spent on the earth, I have seen the enemy work all manners of evil in the lives of children. One of his most cunning strategies is to make spiritual attacks appear as natural problems or character flaws, leading parents to misdiagnose the issue and therefore apply insufficient solutions.

Many times, some parents heap blames on their children for lacking focus, being unserious, or being lazy when they do not succeed, especially in their academics. They get frustrated that they are spending so much money on them without good results. While laziness or lack of focus can certainly be natural issues that require discipline and training, parents may not always know that there might be forces of darkness that are hindering the child’s progress.

Consider the student who studies diligently, puts in the hours, understands the material, but just blanks out in the examination hall. The knowledge is there, but at the crucial moment, it vanishes, perhaps replaced by crippling anxiety, mental fog, or an inexplicable inability to recall. This isn’t necessarily a failure of intellect or effort; it could be a targeted spiritual attack designed to frustrate, discourage, and derail their destiny.

The story from the University of Lagos provides a vivid example. Some years ago, a young man, right in the examination hall, began to urinate non-stop. This was an undeniable physical manifestation, but it wasn’t a medical issue in the conventional sense. There was some pandemonium, and those around him began to call an ambulance. However, in a moment of spiritual clarity, he told them that this was not a case for the doctor and that they should call his pastor instead. His pastor prayed for him, and he was healed. This powerful testimony underscores that not all problems are purely physical or psychological; some are deeply spiritual, requiring spiritual remedies. Without discerning eyes, parents might have simply rushed him to a hospital, treating the symptom while the root spiritual attack persisted.

The enemy can manifest in various ways:

Academic Blockades: Beyond blanking out, this could include unexplained disinterest, extreme forgetfulness, sudden aversion to learning, or a consistent pattern of failure despite apparent effort.

Behavioral Issues: Uncharacteristic rebellion, sudden fits of rage, persistent disobedience, destructive habits, or a pull towards dangerous activities that seem contrary to their upbringing.

Emotional Turmoil: Persistent sadness, overwhelming fear, anxiety, depression, unexplained mood swings, or a withdrawal from healthy relationships.

Health Challenges: Chronic unexplained illnesses, sleep disturbances, nightmares, or a general sense of being unwell despite medical clearance.

Relational Strife: Constant conflict with siblings, friends, or authority figures, an inability to form healthy bonds, or a pattern of attracting negative influences.

Spiritual Apathy: A sudden disinterest in spiritual things, resistance to church or prayer, or a growing cynicism towards faith.

These are not exhaustive, but they illustrate that parents need spiritual discernment to differentiate between normal developmental challenges and potential spiritual interference. When we only address the surface symptoms, we leave the door open for the enemy to continue his work.

The Power of the Anointing: Setting Apart for Greatness

This brings us to the profound spiritual practice of anointing. The anointing sets a child apart for greatness. It is a symbolic act that recognizes God’s ownership and dedication of an individual for His purposes.

Our foundational text in 1 Samuel 16:12-13 perfectly illustrates this. David, the youngest and seemingly least significant of Jesse’s sons, was chosen by God. He was a simple shepherd boy, overlooked by his own father and the prophet Samuel initially. But God saw his heart. “And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.”

The moment Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the midst of his brethren was not just a ceremonial act. The Bible records the immediate and powerful consequence: “and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.” This was a divine impartation, a spiritual commissioning that activated his destiny. Prior to this, David was a shepherd. After this anointing, the Spirit of the Lord empowered him, preparing him for the throne, endowing him with wisdom, courage, and divine favor.

In the very next chapter, the direct manifestation of this anointing became evident. David, filled with the Spirit, displayed extraordinary faith and courage, killing the Philistine giant, Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48-51). This act instantly transformed him from an unknown shepherd boy into a national hero, a “man of war” (1 Samuel 18:5), and laid the foundation for his ascent to the throne. His destiny, though predestined, did not find its full expression until he was anointed and empowered by the Spirit.

For our children today, anointing with oil (a biblical symbol of the Holy Spirit, consecration, and healing) and prayer is an act of faith that declares:

• Consecration: “I dedicate this child to God’s purposes.”
• Protection: “I invoke God’s protection against all evil.”
• Empowerment: “I pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon this child, guiding them, empowering them, and activating their God-given destiny.
• Ownership: “This child belongs to God; they are His property, untouchable by the enemy.”

Speaking God’s Counsel: Prophetic Declarations Over Your Children

If you are a parent, speak God’s counsel over your children and anoint them regularly. This goes beyond general blessings; it involves specific, faith-filled declarations aligned with God’s Word and His promises for the next generation.

Remember our memory verse, Joel 2:28: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” This is a powerful prophetic promise for the children of God! As parents, we have the authority and responsibility to declare this promise over our sons and daughters. We are calling forth the anointing of God upon them, that they might be recipients of divine Spirit, prophetic insights, and clear visions for their lives.

When you anoint and pray over your children, you are not simply performing a ritual; you are engaging in a spiritual warfare strategy. You are drawing a divine boundary around them, activating God’s protective shield, and releasing His power into their lives. You are telling them, and more importantly, telling the spiritual realm, that they belong to God and that anyone who touches them touches the apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8). This powerful metaphor signifies that they are exceedingly precious to God, guarded with extreme care and sensitivity. To harm them is to provoke the fierce wrath of God Himself.

What kind of counsel can you speak over your children?

• Declarations of Identity: “You are a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made.”
• Declarations of Protection: “The Lord is your shield and your strong tower. No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
• Declarations of Wisdom and Favor: “You have the mind of Christ. You walk in divine wisdom and favor with God and man.
• Declarations of Purpose and Destiny: “You are called for a great purpose. The Spirit of the Lord is upon you to fulfill your divine mandate.”
• Declarations of Health and Wholeness: “By His stripes, you are healed. Sickness and disease have no place in your body.”
• Declarations of Academic Excellence: “You excel in your studies. You have understanding and retention. You are a genius by the Spirit of God.”
• Declarations against Negative Influences: “You are divinely separated from evil associations. No peer pressure can sway you from God’s path.”

These are not just positive affirmations; they are declarations rooted in God’s Word, released with faith through the power of prayer and anointing.

The Practicality of Anointing and Prayer

So, how do parents practically apply this powerful truth?

1. Get Anointing Oil: You can use any pure olive oil. It is a symbol, not a magical potion. The power is in the Holy Spirit and your faith, not the oil itself.
2. Regularity is Key: This isn’t a one-time event. Just as you feed and clothe your children daily, spiritual nourishment and protection should be regular. This could be daily, weekly, or as led by the Holy Spirit, especially during specific challenges (e.g., exams, new school, health issues, behavioral shifts).
3. Lay Hands and Anoint: Gently lay your hands on your child’s head, forehead, or hands. Apply a small amount of oil while you pray. The laying on of hands signifies impartation and transfer of spiritual authority and blessing.
4. Pray Specifically and Corporately:
   • Pray for their spirit, soul, and body: For their spiritual sensitivity, emotional stability, mental clarity, and physical health.
   • Pray for discernment: That they may recognize truth from error, good from evil.
   • Pray for their friends and relationships: That they would be surrounded by godly influences.
   • Pray for their future: Their purpose, career, spouse (if applicable), and ministry.
   • Pray against specific attacks: If you discern a spiritual attack (e.g., laziness, anger, addiction, academic struggle), address it directly in prayer, commanding the forces of darkness to leave in Jesus’ name.
5. Pray with Faith, Not Fear: Don’t pray out of anxiety, but out of a deep conviction that God hears and answers. Your faith activates the power of God.
6. Include Them: As children grow older, involve them in the process. Teach them about the power of anointing and prayer. Let them witness your faith. This empowers them to take ownership of their own spiritual walk.
7. Live a Consecrated Life Yourself: The most powerful example is a parent who lives what they preach. Your own walk with God strengthens the spiritual atmosphere in your home.

The Unseen Promise: God’s Protection and Legacy

I pray that God will protect every child from the attacks of the enemy, in Jesus’ name. This prayer is not just a hopeful wish; it is a confident declaration based on God’s character and His promises. When we activate the spiritual tools He has given us—prayer and anointing—we are partnering with Him to fulfill His will in our children’s lives.

Our children are not just “our” children; they are arrows in the hand of a warrior (Psalm 127:4). They are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They are the next generation, destined to carry the torch of faith, to impact their world for Christ, and to fulfill prophecies like the one in Joel 2:28.

KEY POINT: Anointing and praying over children regularly protects them from the devil’s plans and sets them apart for greatness. This simple yet profound truth is a strategic weapon in every parent’s arsenal. Embrace it, practice it consistently, and watch God move supernaturally in the lives of your beloved children.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ISAIAH 35-37

AUTHOR: PASTOR E A ADEBOYE

HYMNAL: 16 – ‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,Just to take Him at His word;Just to rest upon His promise;Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,

   How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,

   Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!

   O for grace to trust Him more.

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,Just to trust His cleansing blood;Just in simple faith to plunge me,’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.
3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,Just from sin and self to cease;Just from Jesus simply takingLife, and rest, and joy, and peace.
4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;And I know that Thou art with me,Wilt be with me to the end.