I have been reading more recently on prayer. You might say, “I hope you are practicing it, too.” Well, I do and I am. I have become more intentional about what, when, and how I pray. Some of the books I have read lead me to consider the intentionality with which I pray, which brings me to my point. Prayer takes you on a journey with God and those for whom you pray and for what you are praying.
I am sure you have heard stories of how God has worked in the lives of families because of the prayers of past generations. That leads me to consider the prayers I offer on behalf of others. Continually, I want to ask God to show me how I need to pray so that I can be intentional.
For Parents
Do you pray for the future of your children? For their friends now and in the future? For their life choices and their relationship with God? I would venture to say you do! May God give you strength to pray consistently, continually, and intentionally for your children. What blessings will unfold because of your prayers!
For Teachers
Do you pray for the children in your class? For the children that visit your class? Do you pray as you prepare? Do you pray that God leads you to an activity that might allow you to share more about God, Jesus, the Bible and the Church?
Continue to build relationships with the families represented in your class. Perhaps the relationships you build now will allow you to minister more effectively when you are needed by the family.
For All
In a recent seminar, the speaker encouraged a way we can make our prayer time fresh, memorable, and meaningful. He encouraged us to pray through a psalm. The book of Psalms contains 150 songs and prayers of praise.
1. Pray through a psalm a day.
2. Incorporate those for whom you pray throughout the psalm.
3. Use your own name as you pray through the psalm.
Try journaling prayers. Create opportunities to go back and see how God has answered your prayers. Perhaps you can share these with children later.
Find joy in the relationship you develop with God through prayer and thankfulness in His answers.