I talk to God about you
And even haven't met you yet
Everybody is waiting on you here
I can't wait to feel Your heartbeat
When I lay You on my chest
Am already holding back my tears
I wonna be the dad that my dad was
I hope that I won't mess all this thing up
I pray that you love like your daddy
And you forgive just like he does
'Cause when this life knocks you down
I hope you get down on your knees
'Cause that is what I do, that is what I do
When I pray for you
I know you gonna grow up someday
But don't forget to take your time
To take a time to come back home
It ain't always gonna be easy
It ain't always gonna be fair
I know you ain't always gonna need me
I promise I will always be there
I pray that you love like your daddy
And you forgive just like he does
'Cause when this life knocks you down
I hope you get down on your knees
'Cause that is what I do, that is what I do
When I pray for you
I talk to God about You
When everything around me breaks
I look up and hear him say
Love like your mama
Forgive just like she does
'Cause when this life knocks you down
I hope you get down on your knees
'Cause that is what I do, that is what I do
When I pray for you
When I pray for you
When I pray for you
When I Pray For You
When I Pray For You Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "When I Pray For You" by Caleb + Kelsey, released on October 10, 2019, offers a beautifully simple yet profound expression of a parent's heart poured out in prayer for their child. At its core, the song is a prayer, not just recited, but lived; it captures the quiet, constant act of bringing a beloved life before the Creator. It speaks to the hopes, dreams, and protective instincts God places within parents, transforming them into intercession. The song doesn't narrate a specific story but rather embodies the ongoing conversation a parent has with God about the life they are stewarding, reflecting the truth found in Philippians 4:6, which encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving.
This prayer covers various aspects of a child's journey, from seeking safety and wisdom to praying for their future choices and even the person they will eventually marry. This comprehensive covering in prayer resonates deeply with the biblical mandate for parents to train up a child in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6) and to impress God's commands upon them, speaking of them at home and away (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). The desire expressed in the song for the child to walk in truth aligns perfectly with the Apostle John's joy, stating, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4). The prayer for wisdom and discernment echoes James 1:5, promising that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Furthermore, extending this prayer to encompass their future spouse speaks to entrusting the child's entire life, including significant relationships, into God's sovereign plan, trusting that He works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Caleb + Kelsey deliver this message with a tender sincerity that makes the song feel deeply personal and universally relatable to anyone who has ever prayed for a younger generation. Their vocal performance is gentle yet full of conviction, carrying the weight of a parent's love and faith. The musical arrangement is understated, allowing the prayerful lyrics and genuine emotion to take center stage. It creates an atmosphere conducive to reflection and connecting with the divine, much like finding a quiet moment to kneel in prayer. The song serves as a musical reminder and encouragement that prayer is a powerful, active force in shaping lives and futures, not based on our own strength or ability, but on the faithfulness of the One to whom we pray. It inspires others to engage in consistent, specific prayer for the children in their lives, trusting that God hears and answers according to His perfect will, just as Psalm 102:18 suggests writing things down for a future generation so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.
