TEACH US TO PRAY
There are many things we teach our children. From the first time we hold our newborn, we begin our important role as “teacher”. We teach them to trust the sound of our voice. We hope that hearing our voice will enable them to feel calm. We teach them to make eye contact. We teach them to listen, laugh, and love. As they grow we begin to teach them to walk, talk, have good manners, be obedient…but one of the most important things you can teach your child….is to pray.
When our little grandsons come for a spend the night visit it is an honor and privilege to listen to them and to help them begin having conversations with the Father. Sometimes they pray long…sometimes very short. The length is not important…the conversation is. Prayer is key to faith. We want them to have faith and believe in God–to know that when we talk to the Father—HE LISTENS. We want them to know that nothing in this life will ever be too great or too small to take to the Lord in prayer..
I remember last year taking Zackary home to catch the bus after a sleep over and visit with us. I was in a hurry and didn’t get a chance for prayer before we left. So, as I drove through town I asked him if I could pray for him. He said I could, and I laid my hand on his head as I drove. I asked the Lord to protect him, give him wisdom, help him to be obedient and kind and for a healing touch in his body (he was sick with a cold). I could feel Zackary watching me as I prayed and drove. I don’t think he had experienced the “praying driver” before. When I finished my prayer I squeezed his hand and said “Amen!” He looked me in the eye and with all seriousness said, “What did Jesus say?”
This caught me off guard for a brief second, but I quickly replied, “He said, Okay.” This satisified him completely. He needed to know that somehow I felt God speak to my heart. And I do.
I won’t say that I feel something from heaven everytime I pray. There have been times that my prayers have seemed to hit the ceiling and bounce back. I have felt such a heavy heart, especially in the hard days before Wanda passed away, as she was beginning to retain fluids again—and we were continually on our face before the Father for her healing. We pray expecting—believing—that the outcome of our conversation with HIM will be what is according to HIS plan for our lives. When the outcome is NOT what WE HAD PLANNED—we sometimes are tempted to doubt. But we must not lose heart, we must not give in to that feeling, we must keep on believing that He is answering—and that HE has a plan that is perfect—and we need to TRUST HIM.
2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” We may not “see” prayers being answered today or tomorrow, but sister, I do not doubt for one single minute that they are being heard. So, I will not cease to pray. I will persevere. I will carry on for the cause of Christ.
I fix my eyes not on what I see, but rather on what I don’t see. For what I see is only temporary. It won’t last long. As mother quotes rather regularly, “this too shall pass”. So I fix my gaze on what is unseen. For it is eternal. You may think that is an unusual statement, to “gaze on the unseen”. It is not my “physical eyes” that need to see. It is my “spiritual eyes“. As long as my focus is clear spiritually, I can face what my physical eyes must see.
When the outward circumstances of our lives become literally unbearable and our human resources are completely exhausted….God’s resources can come in and expand our faith by whatever means He chooses. God will never forsake His beloved children. “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5(b)
Teach them to pray. Teach them faith. Teach them hope, love, believing in and having full confidence in Christ. Teach them by example. It’s never to late to start.
Trusting Him,
Amen my friend, Amen.
It is important that we remember to pray…always. Throughout the day, in times of good and bad. To give it all to God.
Harvest blessings. -me-(Mommy of two little blessings)
That’s awesome Angie! The more you talk to your grandchildren about God in everyday conversation the more they will integrate it into their lives too.
Oh Amen, Angie! This is so crucial. And as grandparents, we have an amazing opportunity to set the example. It’s a long running kingdom assignment!
Your box arrived today. I love living in a small community! The mailman knew I would be at our ministry house so he delivered it there instead of leaving a note in my box to come to the PO to get it! I haven’t unpacked it yet to take a look, but the box arrived just fine. I’ll do that tonight.
Love you bunches!
Our kids will follow our lead. If we want to have kids that pray – we have to be praying adults. Thanks for sharing today. -Blessings, Laurie
Thanks for sharing. Our example as parents is so important. Those little eyes are always watching.
Thanks for reminding me to pray with my graddaughters. Such an easy thing, but sometimes we think we are to busy.
Oh Angie…what a precious post!!! I read the first few lines and saw the picture of Zackary and knew that this was from you. You inspire me and minister to me, dear sister!! Thank you so much for the time and preparation I know that it takes for these posts.
You touch my heart!
Love you,
Susan
Thanks for writing your thoughts so beautifully. What an inspiring post and a great reminder of the importance of prayer.
Many sweet blessings!
So, I will not cease to pray. I will persevere. I will carry on for the cause of Christ…
Ah Angie, I so needed this post. I am teading a new path of faith in a way never before. I popped over here to read and the words, Trust Him were just for me. I had just left another post….. same words.
Okay, I am listening Jesus. I will trust!!
Thank you Angie. Love you girl. Praying for you this week. Hugs.