Father, I ask that my children and grandchildren be led by common sense and discernment.  May they hang on to them as they would hang on to something of great value.  Put something within them that keeps them from having to learn everything the hard way.  Instead, let wisdom, common sense, discernment and observation be their teachers. 

Proverbs 3:21-26

21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, 22 for they will refresh your soul.  They are like jewels on a necklace.

23 They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.  24 You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. 25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26 for the LORD is your security.  He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Thank you for enabling them to discover the incredible peace that comes from walking with common sense and discernment.  Thank you for the sound sleep they will enjoy, and the lack of fear they will experience because they place a high value upon wisdom.  Thank you that they will not be caught in the traps of fools who do what is right in their own eyes and then stumble in many ways.  They will not find themselves trapped by poor choices, but they will walk into the many blessings and opportunities that emerge as a result of wise choices. 

 Even with so many influences clamoring for attention in their lives, may our children and grandchildren hear the voice of Wisdom calling to them.  May they hear and listen to the voice of your Holy Spirit beckoning them to follow.

Proverbs 8

1 Listen as Wisdom calls out!
  Hear as understanding raises her voice!  2 On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads.  3 By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud,

4 “I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people.  5 You simple people, use good judgment.  You foolish people, show some understanding.

6 Listen to me!  For I have important things to tell you.  Everything I say is right, 7 for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception.  8 My advice is wholesome.  There is nothing devious or crooked in it.”

Ears to hear, Lord.  Give them ears to hear.  And thank you for helping them choose the path of good judgment.  Thank you for enabling them to walk in understanding and truth.  May they discern the truth and detest deception just as Wisdom does.    

9 My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge.  10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.  11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.  Nothing you desire can compare with it.

O Father, let my children and grandchildren decide that instruction and knowledge are truly more valuable than popularity and material gain.  May they decide that wisdom is far better than having to experience everything for themselves. 

Thank you that they choose you, the one who is Wisdom, above all.  And as they do, they will find an abundance of good judgment, knowledge and discernment.

12 I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.  I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. 

13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil.  Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. 14 Common sense and success belong to me.  Insight and strength are mine.

Finally Lord, since “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” I pray that my children and grandchildren live in fear of you, hating evil, detesting corruption and impurity, shunning perverse speech and quenching pride and arrogance.  Common sense and success will be theirs!  Insight and strength will be theirs!  Knowledge, understanding and discernment will be theirs.  Security and safety will be theirs.  Peace will be theirs!  Thank you, Father!