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Preparing our Children for the Future

They say being a grandparent is a blessing. Truth be told, it is. You get to spend time with grandchildren and when they get tired and grumpy, you give them back!

But there are times when things don’t go as planned and everything we take for granted gets turned upside down. Sometimes life gets complicated. Chaos replaces order. The fear of the unknown replaces hope. This week has been that way for me as our grandson had some health issues.

So what do we do when those times arise? In the midst of the unknown and unexpected, we reach back to the Word of God… to the promises that keep us grounded and hold on to the hope that keeps our vision above the circumstances.

As a parent, we do a lot of things for our children. We care for them and through seasons provide for their needs. But the one thing we can do (and admittedly I probably don’t do enough of) is pray for them.

A number of months ago, I discovered a list of 31 specific things to pray for our children and thought they might be helpful for us/me at this time as a reminder.

Pray that your child will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Pray that your child will have a healthy fear of the Lord.
Pray that your child will have a heart for the lost.
Pray that your child will love obedience.
Pray that your child will develop godly character.
Pray that your child will love and want to live God’s Word.
Pray that your child will recognize God’s voice.
Pray that your child will love learning.
Pray that your child has an appetite for truth.
Pray that your child will love the things God loves.
Pray that your child will hate the things that God hates.
Pray that your child has a good work ethic.
Pray that your child will be protected.
Pray that your child will make godly friends.
Pray that your child will find a godly spouse.
Pray that your child will respect authority.
Pray that your child will want to honor God in his or her activities.
Pray that your child will want to glorify God.
Pray that your child will discover, develop, and practice their spiritual gifts.
Pray that your child will love to serve.
Pray that your child will trust the Lord wholeheartedly.
Pray that your child will be bold in sharing truth.
Pray that your child will be compassionate.
Pray that your child will value humility.
Pray that your child will make healthy choices physically.
Pray that your child will have a strong discernment for good and evil.
Pray that your child will have an eternal perspective.
Pray that your child will daily have worship and praise on their lips.
Pray that your child will pray with a listening ear.
Pray that your child will stand firm, even when the only one standing.
Pray that your child will grow and mature in their walk and devotion to Jesus.

If you are a parent or grandparent, you have a tremendous responsibility, influence and opportunity to impact lives. I want to encourage each of us to make the most of them! You never know how long your children or grandchildren or you will be around.

But maybe you aren’t a parent… you still have the same opportunities to influence the children God places in your life. Nieces, nephews, neighbours, students… each little one can be impacted by God through YOU!

Matthew 19:14, “but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

They say, “Children are our future” but what kind of future will we/they have if we don’t invest in them today?

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