The Gift of Prayer

 Summer seems to be passing by ever so quickly.  As I begin to look at the new school year I have been reminded of the power of prayer. To start the new school year off on the right foot, I have been posting scripture prayers on my Facebook page. So far I have posted two.  The first one on bully situations: Hide your loved one (child's name) in the shelter of your presence, safe beneath your hand, safe from all conspiring men Psalm 1:10.   The second one is on wisdom: That (child's name) may hear and be wise, and direct his/her mind in the way (of the Lord). Proverbs 23:19

Many years ago when my daughter, who is now almost twenty two years old, was in 2nd or 3rd grade I heard about Mom's In Touch.  For those who are not familiar with this organization, I encourage you to go to their web site at http://www.momsintouch.org/   

I have had the privilege to lead groups as well as participate in other groups. The whole concept is to get with other parents, grandparents, or guardians and pray for your child, their children, the school, the teachers, and the other students.  You pray for an hour and the time is very structured.  This is not a "fellowship" event.  This is specifically for prayer.  MIT teaches that you pray by:  praising, confessing, thanking, and intercessing.  They also teach you to pray scripturally for your child. Prayer is powerful, especially when you are combining scripture directly to it. Prayer is also one of the best gifts you can give a child.

I don't know about you, but I did not grow up with praying parents. I know my parent's loved me as a child and that they cared for me, but as far as prayer or religious beliefs go, if they had them or practiced them, they did not share openly about them. 


Even if prayer was not a part of your growing up, it can still be a part of your life today.  Some people get intimidated by praying, especially praying out loud.  I look at prayer as a conversation.  It's me and God.  I remember many years ago the first time I prayed out loud in front of others and how nervous I felt.  I use to feel intimidated to pray in front of others, as some people really know how to pray, they pray so eloquently. They sound so confident and strong in their faith.  I quickly got over that feeling because once you realize it's not about measuring up and its not about me praying/talking to the other person...its about me and God, it becomes much easier.  If God knows your heart then He knows what you mean and doesn't matter how you sound to Him. 


I want to encourage you, if you have not started already you can start now by praying for your child (even for  your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousin's, friends, neighbors). Pray for the upcoming school year whether they are in public school, private school, home schooled, or in college.  I also encourage you to let the child or young adult know that you are praying for them for the school year.  Kids and young adults are faced with so much these days, what a valuable gift you can give someone by praying for their school year. 


If an apple a day can keep the doctor away just think what a prayer a day can do! 

"Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart".  

Luke 18:1