I was going through my book shelves, looking for something, when I came across this book hidden in a back row. I decided it was high time to give it a more prominent place, so that I might actually pick it up and read it.
Citing real life stories, grandmothers, Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock, highlight the treasure of a grandmother's influence and how grandparents, in general, have the connection between the past and present, that can so easily be forgotten. These authors set out to show how prayer is one of the greatest and most lasting gifts a grandparent can give.
Something that a number of the stories brought out is that prayer is something a grandparent can give no matter the distance that separates them and no matter how desperate a situation may look. One grandmother began reading Bible verses, that pertained to a certain blessing, to her grandson over the phone and it did not take many phone calls, and he was asking, "aren't you going to bless me today?"
So what can a grandparent pray for? One author refers to Scripture where "Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature and favor with God and man" and how to apply this to children by asking for the gift of discernment, making wise choices, learning to care for their bodies, seeking God's heart, obeying parents, respecting authority and exhibiting compassion . . . to name a few. We can see where their strengths and weaknesses lie and pray specifically for something that may look like a hardship to be used for good. In a world that is changing so much, our prayers can be the one constant in their lives to help them face pain or joy, knowing we care deeply for them no matter what.
There have been times, when I've put the grandchildren to bed and asked them to say their bed time prayer, only to realize they wanted me to pray. My first instinct was that they should say their own prayer, but after thinking about what I've read, I came to realize that my example and my words are important. If they want me to pray, I want to take the opportunity to bless them with my words spoken on their behalf to our Heavenly Father. The next time I have this opportunity I want to take it a step further and ask them what they would like me to pray for. Developing a relationship in which they can trust me to pray for them in any circumstance is a privilege I do not want to miss.
I think that every grandmother, in fact anyone caring for children, can glean something from the pages in this little book. It is through faith and prayer we gain access to the riches of God's grace and mercy, which He extends to every generation.
10 comments:
Oh, Anneliese, perhaps the greatest thing I miss about my Grammy is knowing that she prayed for me often. It is such a tremendous gift that you can give to your grandchildren. They are blessed to have you.
Thank you for the recommendation. I want to read that book. I believe there is no greater gift that I can give our little ones. You are the best grandma!
My great grandma prayed for me always and encouraged me...She died at 94 and I was 21..When I was young, I didn't realize just how important she was in the lives of her grands and great grands....
Now I have 7 grands ranging from 17 to 2 months and I realize how important we really are to younger people...My daughter and 3 sons were all prayed with and over all their lives...the sons now do their own thing and I am the only one that I know of that pray for all of my family...My hubby of 31 years left me just before our 31 anniversary in June. Knows the Word and taught it but left anyway to clear his head and be happy....So, I know HOW IMPORTANT PRAYER for my family is now...
Thank you for always encouraging others, Anneliese, with your posts...I am so grateful to read them. The Lord told me years ago he would HEAL our family and we would be able to give testimony of HIS GREAT Faithfulness to us and He would be glorified.
I stand on that and HIS WORD.
Again, thank you for your faithfulness to post about the things God does in your life.
Love from NC
On Friday, as I raced home from Abbottsford, desperate to catch the 7 o'clock ferry because our daughter was having contractions, I called my mother from the car. Mum has always prayed for her grandchildren and I knew that she would want to be providing that support and that Lillypad would want to hear that she was. It turned out to be false labour, but your post made me think of the lovely legacy of prayer that my mother has given to our children.
Meaningful thoughts, Anneliese... That sounds like a great book to have and I agree that grandparents have such a great opportunity to touch their grandchildren's lives for this life and eternity!
Thanks, Anneliese...for this post. My grands also always want me to pray at bedtime...and you have me thinking about how I can make those prayers more meaningful for them. Grandparenting is such an awesome responsibility and privilege!
What a wonderful post Anneliese! This little book sounds like a great guide on how to pray for our children and grandchildren. The thing I miss the most about my parents is their prayers for our family!
That is such great encouragement, thanks Anneliese for the reminder !
This is a very important responsibility we as grandparents have and I'm glad you are highlighting it in your post.
I have a monthly chart that I have prayed through countless times, first for my children and now for my grandchildren. It lists the values we covet for them - one for each day. Values such as trust, kindness, gentleness, a heart for missions, Purity, etc. I had praying grand parents and want my precious grands to remember me praying for them. What a privilege it is to pray for them and know it is making a difference in their lives.
What a great reminder....I think I will have to read the book when you are finished with it!
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