How do I prepare myself spiritually to adopt?

by Kent Brand

Emotional Education Spiritual Financial Psychological Why Face to Face

Since HOPE for Children is a Christian adoption service, we believe in the basic tools of guidance given by God: Bible study and prayer.

As you approach your adoption, I believe that several Bible studies would enhance your understanding of adoption:

1. What the Bible says about the “fatherless,”
   
2. What the Bible says about parenting,
   
3. What the book of Proverbs says about God’s guidance.

Often the great King David (as well as Jesus) would not know what to do next; the Bible says that they asked God to show them the path they should take; invariably God would show them the exact path to take. As you approach adoption, please seriously pray if this is God’s will for you or not and then wait for His answer. If the answer is “yes,” I believe there are many prayers to pray in your adoption journey:

1. wisdom to find the next and proper steps of adoption;
   
2. strength to remain calm when adoption seems overwhelming either before or after you receive the child;
   
3. specifics about the child;
   
4. the child’s birth parents, the country and the child’s health;
   
5. wisdom to teach the child about Jesus; and
   
6. HOPE for Children and orphanage staff (or foster parents).

In short, “commit your plans to the Lord and they will succeed.”