“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV
A few months ago, we had a valued guest pastor at church. Dr. Richard Ross previously served as a student pastor for over 30 years, still volunteers with youth and their parents in his home church, and is a seminary professor who is teaching the next generation of pastors. His powerful message shed light on the truth of God’s Word regarding the importance of godly parenting. Dr. Ross said: “You can’t outsource your children’s spiritual development to the church; it is pointless. Parents must shape spiritual moments in the home, with the church coming alongside to help. Your child’s most important purpose for being on the earth is to live for the glory of God. Wanting them to have an education, play sports, stay busy with activities, become successful adults, be kind to others, etc., is great. There’s nothing wrong with those things. But, again, your child’s most important purpose for being on the earth is to live for the glory of God. All else is secondary.”
By the time the message was over, I was shedding tears for family members who are currently not living for the glory of God. I thought about what we, as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, can do to help shape our moments with these precious ones God has given us. More than anything else, I believe our most significant responsibility is to pray unceasingly for them. This responsibility is not to be taken lightly, but it is a commitment we must uphold with all our hearts. Prayer is powerful! We can always have confidence in God’s Word and know He hears and answers each one we lay at His feet.
Every Saturday morning, I meet with some sisters in Christ who are faithful prayer warriors. One of the prayer points we have is for our grandchildren. From preschool to college, these young ones are in our hearts and minds daily as they head off to school. Today, as I reflect on these prayer points, I continue to pray that their mind, body, and spirit will always be protected under the umbrella of God’s love and guidance. The very BEST we can do is to cover them in our daily prayers, continue showing them unconditional love, and always strive to be good examples and spiritual role models for them.
Following is what my sisters in Christ and I have been praying together for over a year:
- Pray for their physical, spiritual, and emotional health
- Pray that they will be successful in all academics at school
- Pray that God will put good people in their paths and they will choose godly friends
- Pray that they will have successful interactions with all teachers and students
- Pray against the schemes of the enemy, such as bullying and unhealthy relationships
- Pray that by their actions, they will shine for Jesus in their classrooms
- Pray that their parents will teach biblical principles in their home, that faith in Christ will result, that they will understand they are here on earth to live for the glory of God, and that they will ALWAYS look at life’s decisions through the spiritual lens of God’s Holy Word
Based on the thoughts from Dr. Ross’s message, I have added #7 to the prayer points above. Perhaps many of you will want to begin praying fervently for your children and grandchildren. Maybe you’ll develop your own prayer points for those special ones in your life. If you have already been doing this, please do not give up or stop! One thing I know for sure is that we will never go wrong by praying. We serve a Heavenly Father who loves us more than we can imagine. His is a BIG kind of love, and He has a good plan for us and our family.
I pray that each of you will shape the moments you spend with your family for the glory of God. We all need a loving relationship with Jesus. Some have found it sooner than others, but by no means will we ever give up on their salvation. Nothing is impossible with God. Until our prayers are answered on their behalf, we will keep knocking on Heaven’s door.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, there is none like You! You are big enough to rule this mighty universe yet small enough to live within our hearts. We continue to hear about miracles of salvation through Christ, and our hearts are overjoyed. Nothing is impossible for You! We petition You on behalf of our family members who do not know You. Please help them lay aside the things of this world that blind them to the truth of Your Word. If only they could understand what love and peace You bring. Today, we humbly ask that You save them before it is too late. We know You can do it, but they must make the choice. Stir their hearts to seek Your truth. Thank You for loving us and allowing us to come before You anytime, day or night. We have full assurance that You hear us and are answering in Your timing and for Your glory. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
