The Open Heavens 23 August 2026 devotional for today is PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVENS 23 AUGUST 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
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
READ: 1 Kings 1:15-31
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
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
Open Heavens HYMN 33: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!
OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 23 AUGUST 2026 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: Psalm 127:4
“As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.”
Children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior. An arrow does not determine its own direction or target—the archer does. Parents have the authority and responsibility to aim their children toward God’s purpose through prayer and guidance.
BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 1:15-31
This passage records Bathsheba’s intervention on behalf of her son Solomon. She reminded King David of his oath that Solomon would succeed him. David responded immediately, declaring that Solomon would be king that very day. A mother’s timely intervention secured her son’s destiny. Without her voice, the throne would have been usurped.
The Power of a Mother’s Intercession
“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.”
| The Threat | The Response |
|---|---|
| Another son crowned himself king | Bathsheba went to David |
| Solomon’s destiny was at risk | She reminded David of his promise |
| The enemy tried to steal the throne | A mother intervened |
“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.”
| Three Kings | The Outcome |
|---|---|
| David (the rightful king) | He declared Solomon’s succession |
| Solomon (the chosen heir) | He was crowned that day |
| The usurper (self-appointed) | His coup failed |
“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.”
| What Solomon Did | What His Mother Did |
|---|---|
| He may not have known the threat | She rose and interceded |
| He was unaware of the coup | She secured his destiny |
| He did not fight for the throne | She fought for him |
The Parent’s Prayer: A Shield and a Sword
“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.”
| Without Parental Prayer | With Parental Prayer |
|---|---|
| Children miss their destiny | They are positioned for greatness |
| They are exposed to the enemy | They are protected and elevated |
| They lack the strength to fight | Parental prayer fights for them |
“The authority that parents have over their children, both naturally and spiritually, is great, and they must learn to use it effectively.”
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
| Parental Authority | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Natural (over the household) | Instruct, discipline, guide |
| Spiritual (over destiny) | Pray, intercede, cover |
The Mother Hen and the Hawk
“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.”
| The Chick Alone | The Chick with the Mother Hen |
|---|---|
| Weak and vulnerable | Protected and strengthened |
| No chance against the hawk | A fighting chance |
| Easily snatched away | Delivered from the enemy |
“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.”
| Parental Silence | Parental Cry |
|---|---|
| The devil tamper with their destiny | God protects and guides them |
| They miss their opportunities | They are positioned early |
| They struggle through life | They enjoy favor from youth |
Pray for Mercy Early (Psalm 90:14)
“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.”
Psalm 90:14 – “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
| Praying for Early Mercy | The Result |
|---|---|
| Children experience God’s favor from youth | They rejoice all their days |
| They are positioned early | They walk in destiny |
| They avoid the struggles of the unprepared | They enjoy supernatural advancement |
How to Pray for Your Children (Practical Steps)
Based on Daddy Adeboye’s teaching, here is how to intercede for your children effectively:
1. Rise and Intercede Like Bathsheba
Do not be silent when your child’s destiny is threatened. Rise up. Go to the King. Remind Him of His promises over your children. Pray with urgency.
2. Pray Early
Do not wait until your children are grown and struggling. Pray for them from infancy. Ask God to show them mercy early in their lives.
3. Pray Specifically
Do not pray general prayers. Pray for their protection, their destiny, their marriages, their careers, their spiritual growth. Be specific.
4. Fight for Them in Prayer
When the hawk comes, do not watch helplessly. Join the fight. Pray against the enemy’s plans. Declare God’s protection over your children.
5. Teach Them to Pray
Do not only pray for your children; pray with them. Teach them to pray for themselves. Raise up a generation that knows how to access God’s mercy.
Warning: Silence Is Not an Option
Daddy Adeboye’s devotional carries an urgent warning: if you remain silent, your children’s destiny is at risk.
| If You Do Not Pray | The Result |
|---|---|
| The enemy can tamper with their destiny | They may miss their calling |
| They lack covering | They are exposed to attacks |
| They struggle alone | They fall where they could have stood |
Conclusion: Your Prayer for Your Children
Daddy Adeboye closes with a prayer that God will shower His mercies over you and your household. Do not neglect your spiritual responsibility. Pray for your children.
Pray this:
“Lord Jesus, I rise like Bathsheba to intercede for my children. I will not be silent while the enemy tries to steal their destiny. I pray for Your mercy over them—early, early in their lives. Satisfy them with Your goodness from their youth. Protect them from the plans of the enemy. Position them for greatness. Let them not miss the opportunities You have prepared for them. I fight for them in prayer. I will not watch helplessly as the hawk comes. I declare that my children are arrows in my hand, aimed at Your purpose. In Jesus’ mighty name.”
Action Steps:
- The Prayer Promise: Commit to pray for your children daily—specifically, not just generally. Write down their names and pray over each one.
- The Early Mercy Declaration: Declare daily: “Lord, show my children Your mercy early. Let them rejoice all their days.”
- 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.
Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow
Download Open Heavens 23 August 2026 Devotional PDF
Leave a Reply