Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren
When I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God,
Till I declare your power to the next generation. Psalm 71:18
This week I would like to share the story one of my friends shared with me how her grandparents influenced her life, even though her parents did not influence her spiritually. She said, “I grew up in a non-Christian home. My father’s father was a minister and his mother was a devoted Christian. My mother’s parents were also church-going people. However, my parents rebelled against God and the church, even though they both grew up in Christian homes.
However, my grandparents took their responsibility very serious and my spiritual influence was a high priority for them. I remember hearing my father’s father pray for me when I was a young child visiting in their home. Although, my father’s parents died while I was a child I respected them very much.
My mother’s parents often told me, “We are praying for you”. As a young child, my neighbors invited me to go to church with them and as a result, I did ask Jesus into my heart. My grandparents were thankful to know their prayers were answered before they passed away, even though my parents did not teach me about Jesus or take me to church. It means so much to me that both sets of my grandparents let me know they prayed for me.
I strongly believe the prayers of my grandparents led me and my future generations to invite Jesus Christ into my lives, marry a Christian, and be actively involved in my church. My parents never did go to church. I only remember them going to church with me one time and that was many years after I was married. However, because of my praying grandparents, my children and my grandchildren have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and carrying on the faith.”
Even though my friend’s parents did not influence her spiritually, the intentional prayers of her grandparents passed their heritage of faith to the future generations.
Question: Are you faithful and deliberate in praying for your grandchildren’s faith in Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Lord, give me grace to be faithful prayer warrior for my grandchildren and their parents. Guard their hearts from the deception of the enemy who is trying to steal them away. May they love you and walk with you all the days of their lives. In Jesus name.
By Lillian Penner
©2015 Lillian Penner
Very encouraging.!!!. To all grandparents out there ,never quit praying for our dear grandchildren and great grandchildren. God is listening. I do this everyday and vowed to keep doing it till the Lord calls me home.
Loved this! Beautiful testimony of changed lives through the prayers of grandparents!
This is why grandchildren are our crowing jewels of old age! Sometimes you just need to fill in the gaps created by their parents and by example, prayer, and blessing them, it all works out as intended.
Yes, I am old, tired and have raised my children, but God has called me to be in my grandchildren’s life for a reason. Afterall, it is His plan for our life, not our plan for our life. Sometimes my house is strewn with toys, too many crumbs on the floor, more boo boos than I prefer to handle, but I consistently remind myself that this is His plan for me in my later years. I am grateful for everyday I get to spend with them, regardless of how tired and arthritic I am. God and the Holy Spirit gives me the strength to do what needs to be done. Nothing is more precious than a child, after all, it was Jesus who said, “Let the little ones come to me.” By coming to us, we are truly acting as Jesus would.
Dear Debbie,
Thank you for sharing your passion for praying and teaching your grandchildren about Jesus. Yes, I believe that God is giving us the opportunity to stand in the gap for o0ur grandchildren. May God bless you richly as you grandparent with a purpose.
Lillian