Over the past 20 years, increased attention has been given to the importance of grandparents as part of the village it takes to raise children. This emphasis is not new to minority, extended families where patterns of nurturing and support have traditionally been respected.
One of the gifts of growing older is the gift of grandparenting. Many of us will not have material fortunes to leave our grandchildren, but we can leave legacies of faith, love and dedication to God. One of the most powerful ways we can influence their lives is through our prayers for them.
In a recent presentation to the Ladies Bible Class on prayer, sister Wanda Buffins referred us to several Biblical examples of prayers made on the behalf of children. These include:
· Abraham for Ishmael-Genesis 17:18,21:12
· Job for his children-Job 1:5
· David for his child's life-II Samuel 12:16
· David for Solomon-I Chron. 29:19
· The Father for the demoniac- Matt. 17:15; and,
· The Syrophoenician mother in Mark 7:26.
We are admonished in I Thess, 5:17 to PRAY without ceasing, and in Colossians 4:2 to be constant in prayer. Sister Gwen Ramzy challenged our ladies to engage in:
SEVEN DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN
1. Sunday - Pray they will learn God's word and not stray from it
2. Monday - Pray they will love, honor and respect their caretakers
3. Tuesday - Pray for their good health and soundness of mind
4. Wednesday - Pray for their protection from the corruptions of society
5. Thursday - Pray they will live in obedience to God
6. Friday - Pray they will be raised in a secure environment
7. Saturday - Pray they will have wisdom in making choices
God has created each of our grandchildren with unique talents and gifts. Our prayer is that they will be encouraged and motivated to live in such a way as to bring glory and honor to their families and to God. As grandparents we will pray strategically and deliberately for our grandchildren, remembering the promise God made in Isaiah 44:3, "I will pour out my Spirit and my blessing on your descendents."
Praying For Our Children and Grandchildren - January 2009 by Phyllis Davis