A–Z: All the Things I Pray for My One-Year-Old Granddaughter, Sophia

Sophia is one year old.

One.

And yet somehow she already runs the household, negotiates snack treaties, and delivers stand-up comedy routines without speaking full sentences.

She is wildly smart. She is extremely funny. She is 30% cheeks, 40% curiosity, and 100% answered prayer.

So here is my A–Z list of everything I pray over her sweet life.

A – Audacious Faith

I pray she believes God for big things.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1

May she ask boldly. Dream wildly. And pray like someone who knows her Father owns the universe.

B – Boldness

Even now she walks into rooms like she owns them (because technically, she owns all of us).

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

May she never shrink back from who God made her to be.

C – Curiosity

She already inspects everything like a tiny scientist with chubby hands.

I pray she keeps asking why, how, and “what’s that?” for the rest of her life.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3

D – Discernment

Because someday those big, sparkling eyes will need wisdom to match.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5

May she know truth from nonsense. (Especially on the internet.)

E – Empathy

May she pat faces when someone pretends to cry.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another.” — Ephesians 4:32

May she keep that tender heart.

F – Fearlessness

Currently, she fearlessly climbs furniture like a mountain goat in pajamas.

I pray her courage always points her toward purpose — not danger.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” — Psalm 27:1

G – Giggles

Oh, the giggles.

The deep belly laughs over absolutely nothing. The dramatic fake laugh when she wants attention.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” — Proverbs 17:22

May her joy heal rooms.

H – Humility

Even though she is clearly a baby genius.

“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” — 1 Peter 5:5

May she shine without needing applause.

I – Integrity

Even when no one is watching (which is rare, because we are all watching).

“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!” — Proverbs 20:7

J – Joy

Not the temporary kind. The deep, anchored kind.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

May joy be her superpower.

K – Kindness

To siblings, friends, strangers… and future in-laws.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

L – Leadership

She already points and we follow.

I pray she leads with grace, not ego.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” — Matthew 20:26

M – Mercy

Because we all need it.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” — Matthew 5:7

N – Nerve (Holy Confidence)

Not sass. Not stubbornness.

But holy confidence rooted in knowing who she belongs to.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

O – Obedience

A prayer for toddler years. And teenage years. And beyond.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” — Ephesians 6:1

(We’re claiming this one early.)

P – Purpose

Before the world tells her who she should be, may she know whose she is.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. — Jeremiah 29:11

Q – Quick Forgiveness

Because someday someone will take her toy. Or her parking spot.

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13

R – Resilience

When she falls (off furniture or in life), may she rise again.

“The righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16

S – Strength

Physical. Emotional. Spiritual.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

Also: strength to resist touching things labeled “Do Not Touch.”

T – Truth

In a loud world, may she recognize God’s voice.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32

U – Understanding

Of people. Of herself. Of God’s Word.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” — Proverbs 3:5

V – Vision

Not just eyesight (though that’s important when locating snacks).

But vision for what matters eternally.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18

W – Wisdom

Because being smart is wonderful.

But being wise? That’s powerful.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10

X – eXtraordinary Love

Yes, I cheated on the X.

But I pray she lives an extraordinary life marked by extraordinary love.

“Above all, love each other deeply.” — 1 Peter 4:8

Y – Yes to God

When He calls.
When He nudges.
When He whispers.

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9

Z – Zeal

Passion. Fire. Energy for what is good.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor.” — Romans 12:11

And Above All…

I pray she always knows this:

She is loved beyond measure.
She is covered in prayer.
She is surrounded by people who think the sun rises and sets on her smiles.

And long before she was funny…
Long before she was smart…
Long before she stole all of our hearts…

God called her His.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord.” — Psalm 127:3

Sophia, you are our joy. Our laughter. Our answered prayer.

And Grammy is praying big things for you. Always. 💛