My story of Grandparents@Prayer

Guest blog by Terri Sherrow

I was at a crossroads with my prayer life. I felt my prayers were lacking and that I was praying the same thing every day, especially for my daughter and grandson. While I prayed for them daily, I felt I needed to be bolder, to pray God’s promises and be an intercessor through the Holy Spirit for them. I knew God deserved more from me and that I could do better. I just had to figure out “how”. To back up several months prior to this, I was being led to lead a new Bible study. I searched our local Christian bookstore and online but couldn’t find anything I felt was right or that I was being led to do. Feeling disappointed I stopped searching.

Then in February 2019, I was reading a daily devotional from iBelieve.com. The article was titled “Four Incredible Reasons to Pray for Our Grandchildren Daily” by Lillian Penner. I felt a voice in my ear whisper “This is it”. I knew what I was supposed to do! I was to lead a ministry for grandparents and to specifically pray for our grandchildren. I was so excited! But I wasn’t sure how to accomplish this but knew the Lord would lead me. I started praying Ephesians 6 for the Armor of God to protect me because I was going strong and going bold. I also prayed two of my favorite scriptures, Psalm 46:10 “He says, Be still, and know that I am God….” so that I would listen for Him and Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” so when His Word came I would know.

Not sure as to how to organize a ministry for grandparents I looked on the internet for some ideas. If I just had a little start, I knew I would be able to begin putting it together. Unbeknown to me, I would find so much more than I was hoping for. I immediately found Christian Grandparenting Network and Grandparents at Prayer. I filled out the online request on the website and received a response from Sherry Schumann. I was delighted to discover that Lillian Penner, the author of the article I read, was also a contact for Grandparents at Prayer. Sherry and Lillian gave me advice, tips, and encouragement for our church’s G@P Ministry.

It has been over a year since we began the G@P ministry at my church. We meet monthly and have six faithful members who attend regularly. We have one or two that join us as their schedule allows. Everyone is committed to be an intercessor prayer warrior, to stand in the gap for their grandchildren (and children). We have a short devotion or lesson, then we talk, we laugh, we cry, we encourage, we support, and most importantly, we pray. We keep in touch between meetings with additional scripture to keep us on track and focused. Our group is small, but we represent 38 grandchildren in our prayers. There are no words to describe how amazing this has been and what a life change G@P has been for us. We all have seen answers to our prayers. Most often in ways we never imagined. God is good. All the time.

Our goal, on behalf of our grandchildren, is that of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians. In Colossians 1:10, Paul states the purpose of his prayers is “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,”.

Christian Grandparents Network saw the need and has encouraged Grandparents @ Prayer (G@P) groups to provide a safe environment for two or more grandparents to gather and pray for their grandchildren. Most groups schedule their meetings weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. Meetings last approximately one hour.  G@P groups consist of small or large groups of people meeting once or twice a month at a designated location for 1 to 1 ½ hour of prayer and fellowship.

If you would like to learn more go to https://christiangrandparenting.net/grandparents-at-pray and complete the form and we will connect with you.

Terri Sherrow has written this blog; she is part of the Prayer Team ministry for Christian Grandparenting Network. The picture is of her with her grandson.