To be honest, when I first learned I would be the mother of a baby girl, a little fear crept into the corners of my heart. I was excited, don’t get me wrong, elated actually, as my journey to that moment looked nothing like I had planned. But somewhere underneath the wide smile and celebratory phone calls, a bit of worry hung in the shadows, barely noticeable, but setting up camp, just the same.

I don’t remember that being there with my son, my firstborn. Maybe it is because we raise boys a bit differently. We seek to raise warriors and defenders, we focus on different natural strengths and weaknesses.

Or maybe it was because the thought of raising a girl hit a little closer to home.

I remember what it was like to be a little girl. I have so many sweet and beautiful memories of those growing years. But there are hard ones as well - mean girls, hard friendships, jockeying for some sort of position, wanting to be known and seen and loved, emotions that make no sense. It’s not easy and I don’t have to think too hard to remember it all. Do you?

As I held that ultrasound film in my hand, I wondered. How I would help this girl of mine? How could I make the hard easier? How could I make it hurt less? How could I help her know all the things I didn’t?

And sometimes, I’m still wondering.

But instead of just wondering, I’m praying. Instead of just worrying, I’m praying. Instead of just planning or hoping, preparing or dreaming, I’m praying.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

I believe God’s promises are true and if so, it means I need some skin in the game. I need to be on my knees.

I know what it’s like to be a little girl, I get it. And what a gift, really, because my prayers for my girls become all the more specific and dynamic as I remember exactly what they are up against. I know the words, I know the hurt, and it’s my job to lay it all down before the One who loves my girls even more than I do.

I’ve neglected this opportunity more often than I care to admit. I’ve chosen worry over faith. I’ve chosen planning over prayer. I’ve chose everything, over Christ. But this time, this year, I’ve staked out my spot and have chosen to be intentional about prayer.

I’m choosing offense, rather than defense. I am determined to develop a habit of intentionally, purposefully and faithfully praying for my girls (and my boys!) as they enter this school year. I want to help them armor up and equip them for the year ahead. I’m challenging myself to pray my children into this new school year. If you’d like to join me in this challenge, you can do so here. Terri Lynne also offers beautiful encouragement at Prayers for Girls.

The tools you need are right in front of you, moms. The one thing your daughter really needs this school year is faithful and consistent prayer. Let’s take on this year boldly, bravely, by covering our girls in prayer every step of the way.