Parents Who Pray

Read: Matthew 19:13-15

Little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray. --- Matthew 19:13

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 13-14

A young mother sent these lines to a magazine: "I wish I could wrap my children in bubble wrap to protect them from the big, bad world outside."

Author Stormie Omartian understands how that mother feels. In her book The Power Of A Praying Parent, she writes, "One day I cried out to God, saying, 'Lord, this is too much for me. I can't keep a 24-hours-a-day, moment-by-moment watch on my son. How can I ever have peace?

God responded by leading Stormie and her husband to become praying parents. They began to intercede for their son daily, mentioning the details of his life in prayer.

The desire to wrap our children in bubble wrap to protect them is rooted in fear, a common tendency, especially among mothers. Wrapping them in prayer, as Jesus did [Matthew 19:13-15], is a powerful alternative. He cares more about our children than we do, so we can release them into His hands by praying for them. He doesn't promise us that nothing bad will happen to them. But as we pray, He will give us the peace we long for [Philippians 4:6-7].

This challenge is for all parents --- even those whose children have grown up: Don't ever stop wrapping your children in prayer! --- Joanie Yoder

If we but take the time to pray,
And seek God's guidance every day,
He'll give us strength and wisdom too,
To help our child grow strong and true. --- Garka

EVERY CHILD NEEDS A PRAYING PARENT.