Psalm 128:1, 3b

1. As olive trees were esteemed as a profitable source and sign of wealth, so children bring profit to one who fears the Lord and are a sign of God's blessing....I'm reminded of the story of the rich man and the poor man. The rich man looked at all the poor man's children and said, "These are what make rich men poor!" But the poor man quickly answered, "No, sir, these are what make poor men rich!"

Lord, thank-You for the riches you've given me in my children.

2. The olive was regarded as a symbol of strength and divine blessing, and children also are a blessing from God and add to a man's strength. Psalm 127 says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

Thank-you, Lord for each of my children. Please give me wisdom to sharpen and prepare each one as arrows for You.

3. An olive tree develops slowly, taking about 10 years to bear fruit and 25-30 to reach maturity. It can then live for over 10000 years. Children, too, take time to grow and develop. They need to hear the same things over many, many times before they incorporate them into their lives. They don't bear fruit for eternity "overnight", but it takes years of patient, consistent teaching and example. They mature gradually, over a long time, but this maturity can contribute to a long, fruitful life on earth, and, by the grace of God, be carried on into eternity.

Help me, Lord, not to be "weary in well-doing..."

4. When an olive tree is cut down, new shoots grow up from the root that is left. Even as it takes the death of one tree to see new shoots grow up, so I must die to myself and my own way in order to raise children who will bring glory to God.

Lord, it is only in dying to self and living for you that I can raise up children who are valuable and an asset to my life. The diligence, selflessness, perseverence, and all that is required to raise wise children does not come naturally. Please help me to die daily, even moment by moment, so that I can please You and raise up the godly seed you desisre by Your grace.

5. Even as a wild olive tree cannot yield useful fruit unless new, good branches are grafted onto it, children can only yield fruit for God if He gives them new life in Christ and they bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Lord, I pray for my children's salvation and growth in Christ. Even if I do a wonderful job in building positive character into them, unless You are pleased to call them out, set them apart for salvation, and fill them with Your Spirit, my efforts will only count for this life. Eternal fruit is what I desire in their lives and "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it." (Ps. 127:1) Without Your work in them, my labor will be in vain. Please save my children! Turn their hearts to Yourself and bring each one to repentance and submission to You. Enable me to teach them to fear You and to seek You, to love You and hate sin. Save them and sanctify them for Your glory. Amen.

6. Olive groves were valued for their oil resources, shelter from the sun, and as places to meditate. When children mature and live righteously, they will bring forth fruit for both material and spiritual benefit, they will care for aging parents, and they will give peace to their parents' souls.

Lord, the hard work required to raise godly children, as You add Your blessing, will be rewarded someday. You will give me blessings of prosperity, provision, and peace through my children. Thank-You for Your promises and that my labour will not be in vain. But, please help me to fear You and to teach my children to fear You. Grant them wisdom by Your mercy and grace. I fall so far short of raising them right. Please work in me for Your glory and their benefit. Amen!