Parents, Children & Prayer
Redeemer Parents,
Your children look to you to be an example in life and faith. They see what you value, how you spend your time and they learn from watching what you do…and what you don’t do. At a recent youth meeting time, the youth and I were discussing Pastor Tony’s sermon on prayer as a means of grace. During that time I was surprised to learn that only a small number of our parents pray with their children outside of blessing a meal. My hope and prayer is that every Redeemer parent would be actively involved in discipling their children to pursue Christ in all aspects of life. To that end I encourage us all to consider how we are using prayer as a means of grace in our families. If it is not currently a regular activity in your family then instituting regular prayer together can be a bit awkward, but the reward is too great to let awkwardness stand in the way. Here are a few suggestions to begin incorporating prayer in your home:
Meals: Before you eat, have one family member lead the others in a prayer thanking God for the food and other blessings from the day. It can be helpful to take turns with a different person saying the prayer at each meal.
Bedtime Together: Gather the whole family together, share what you desire to pray to God about for the coming day and pray.
Parent and Individual Children: Go to each child’s room before bed and see what you can pray for with them, share what they can pray for you and then pray together.
Discipline: When your son or daughter has sinned and needs Godly discipline explain to them that discipline is from love (Hebrews 12:5-6 & Proverbs 13:24) then pray with them according to the situation.
In Conversation: When you learn of information take a moment to say a short prayer together. If you learn Grandma’s sickness has gone away, pray a short prayer thanking God for it.
Family Worship: Gather your family together for a time of family worship. I know your lives are very busy so if not daily perhaps weekly. Share and discuss Scripture or work through a devotional together. Spend time in prayer as one aspect of your family worship.
Our goal as always is to encourage and equip parents to disciple their children within the covenant family at Redeemer. If you have any questions or desire more resources please contact me any time.
Brian
