RCCG Open Heavens 23 August 2026 Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye – PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Topic: PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Memorise:
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
— Psalm 127:4 (KJV)
Read: 1 Kings 1:15-31 (KJV)
15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.
16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
17 And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the Lord thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.
18 And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:
19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.
20 And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.
21 Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.
22 And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in.
23 And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
24 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?
25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king’s sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.
26 But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called.
27 Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?
28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king.
29 And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,
30 Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.
31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.
RCCG Open Heavens 23 August 2026 Today Message by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
In 1 Kings 1:1-42, one of King David’s sons decided to crown himself king by staging a coup to overthrow his father. Solomon’s mother was informed of the development, so she went to David and reminded him that he had promised that her son would succeed him as king. That same day, Solomon was crowned king, meaning that Israel had three kings on that fateful day: David, Solomon, and the son who decided to make himself king. Solomon might not even have been aware of the events that led to his coronation; however, because his mother rose and entreated the king on his behalf, he was crowned king.
There are certain things that children might miss if their parents don’t rise to pray for them. A child may not know his or her left from right and may not even be qualified for an exalted position; however, his or her parents’ prayers can elevate that child into that position. The authority that parents have over their children, both naturally and spiritually, is great, and they must learn to use it effectively.
Any parent who does not pray for his or her child is like a mother hen who watches as a hawk carries her chick away, leaving the chick to fight for itself. The chick lacks sufficient strength to fight a hawk; however, if its mother joins in the fight, it would have a better chance of being saved. If you are a parent, do not keep quiet over your children’s destiny so that the devil will not tamper with it. Cry out to God to show your children mercy early in their lives.
In Psalm 90:14, Moses prayed that God should satisfy him and the children of Israel early with His mercy so that they would rejoice and be glad all the days of their lives. He knew that the secret to lasting joy and gladness was to start enjoying God’s mercy early in life.
Beloved, if you are a parent, do not neglect your spiritual responsibility over your children. Like Moses, ask God to show your children His mercy early in their lives. Let your prayers position them for opportunities early in life. Your children will begin to enjoy supernatural favour that some people only get to experience as adults if you pray for them now. I pray that God will shower His mercies over you and your household, in Jesus’ name.
Key Point:
Parents should not neglect their spiritual responsibility over their children.
Bible in One Year:
Lamentations 3-5
Hymn 33: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah!
Verse 1:
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more.
Verse 2:
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through;
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my strength and shield.
Verse 3:
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side;
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee.
Open Heavens Devotional 23 August 2026 Commentary
Theme: The Burden Bearer calls parents to pray for their children. Like Bathsheba, you must rise and intercede for your children’s destiny. Your prayers position them for favor, protection, and greatness.
Major Keywords: Pray for your children, parental intercession, Bathsheba and Solomon, early mercy, spiritual responsibility.
Commentary Summary:
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Bathsheba’s Intervention: When Adonijah tried to steal the throne, Bathsheba rose and reminded King David of his promise. Solomon was crowned king that day—not because of his own efforts, but because his mother interceded. Children often don’t know the threats against them; parents must fight in prayer.
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The Authority of Parents: Parents have great spiritual and natural authority over their children. If you do not pray, your children are vulnerable. Like a chick without a mother hen, they cannot fight the enemy alone. Your prayers are their shield and sword.
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Pray for Early Mercy: Psalm 90:14 teaches that God’s mercy early in life brings joy and gladness. Pray that your children experience God’s favor from their youth, positioning them for opportunities others only get later.
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Key Truth: Silence is not an option. If you do not pray, the enemy can tamper with your children’s destiny. Rise like Bathsheba. Intercede. Fight for your children in prayer.
Reference to Theme: This message, PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN, reminds you that your spiritual responsibility as a parent is non-negotiable. Your prayers can secure their future, protect them from the enemy, and position them for greatness. Do not neglect this sacred duty.
Action Steps:
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The Prayer Promise: Commit to pray for your children daily—specifically, not just generally. Write down their names and pray over each one.
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The Early Mercy Declaration: Declare daily: “Lord, show my children Your mercy early. Let them rejoice all their days.”
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The Warrior Parent: When you see challenges coming against your children, rise and fight in prayer. Do not be passive. Be like Bathsheba—intervene immediately.
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