Praying for Your Love
I’ve just returned from the store, bags full of chocolates, boxes of cards, sweet trinkets and loads of sugar. I’m baking sugar heart cookies and sprinkling rose petals around the house while I think of those I love. Most of the gifts in my bag will go to my children. They are certainly at the center of my heart: I would do anything for them and so much of my time each day is dedicated to their well-being.
But there is a special valentine at the bottom of my bag that is for one set of eyes only: my sweetheart. He isn’t as impressed by trinkets and sugar, but I’ve figured out what speaks to him most.
Chocolates and cards are nice ways to express our love this time of year, but there is one way we can love each other that we often miss.
When my kids are struggling with difficult relationships at school or personal insecurities, I wish I could do something to help….
When my husband is dealing with stress at work, tough financial decisions, conflict at church, I want to help, but I’m not sure how…
And then it comes to me: there is one way to love my family that will never fail. I can’t fix their problems like I wish I could, but I can bring them to the Lord. So, I’ve begun (again) a prayer committment – taking time each day to pray very specifically for the needs of my family.
Of course, I have always “prayed” for them. Quick, little one sentence prayers for God to bless them or protect them, but not the in-depth, heartfelt prayers that really show my love. I’m writing out prayers for each of them, thinking about how I can apply God’s word to their lives and how to join my love with God’s love for them.
The sincere deep richness of heart to heart intercession with God shows the type of LOVE I have for my husband and children. I want them to know I am committed to bringing them before God every day, because it’s the best way I can love them.
Heather
Amen.
What a beautiful way to show your love for your family, Heather. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.