As I was writing Prayers for the Mother of the Bride, one thing that struck me was the imperative duty we have as Christian women to affirm each other. It’s no secret that the enemy of our souls bombards us all with fiery arrows intended to damage and destroy self-esteem. Everywhere we turn, our daughters face false images and unrealistic comparisons which erode the firm foundation of confidence we have endeavored to build in their spirits.

Here is a short excerpt from Prayers for the Mother of the Bride, asking God to help your daughter see herself as he does–a beloved child of the King of Kings. If you are struggling with thoughts of self-doubt, pray for yourself as well as your daughter today as you claim God’s promises as his child.

Lord, as my precious girl begins to navigate her way in this world without me at her side, give her healthy beliefs about herself and her role in your kingdom. Forgive me for the times I have not modeled a sense of self-worth in line with my position as your child. Forgive me for words or attitudes of mine which have served to diminish her in any way.

Today, I ask you to silence the voice of the enemy which would tear my daughter down with lies about her appearance, intelligence, worthiness, or even her salvation. May your voice be the one she hears, regardless of her negative feelings, unhealthy thought patterns, or past experiences. May she not look to others for affirmation or approval, but know that you alone are enough. Stamp on her heart these truths:

She has been chosen by God and is holy and beloved: “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son” (John 3:16, The Message).

She is a child of God, a treasured daughter of the King of Kings: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

She is wholly accepted and free from condemnation: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

She has the very mind of Christ: “…but we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

She has a spirit of power, and love, and self-control: “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV).

She is a unique part of the Body of Christ: “Now you (collectively) are Christ’s body, and individually (you are) members of it (each with his own special purpose and function) (1 Corinthians 12:27, AMP).

She is God’s masterpiece: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

May she draw her self-worth from your love and may that confidence spill out into every aspect of her life, to your glory and honor. Amen.

Prayers for the Mother of the Bride and Prayers for the Mother of the Groom are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and other online sellers.