Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 2 Timothy 1:4-5

Three generations of believers making a difference; a godly grandmother, a loving mother, and a young man. Grandmother Lois and Mother Eunice poured into young Timothy’s spiritual life strengthening his walk with God. Timothy would become a close companion of Paul and a leader of the growing church. The influence of parents and grandparents can never be underestimated on the generations to follow.

A West Virginian grandmother felt a similar burden to publicly acknowledge the role of grandparents in the next generation. Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade became passionate about honoring seniors as she spent time with residents in nursing homes. Realizing the importance and impact on families, she began a campaign to establish Grandparents Day eventually witnessing President Jimmy Carter sign the proclamation on Aug 3, 1978. Part of the proclamation stated:

“Each American family is similarly shaped and guided by its forbears. Just as a nation learns and is strengthened by its history, so a family learns and is strengthened by its understanding of preceding generations. As Americans live longer, more and more families are enriched by their shared experiences with grandparents and great-grandparents.”

Mrs. McQuade, President Carter, and all grandparents fully understand the importance of providing a godly influence on the next generation. Some of the greatest societal impact you can have is praying, teaching, and modeling a Christ-centered life on the next generation. We can encourage our children and grandchildren as Paul did with these words; “For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7

I am thankful that the first Sunday after Labor Day is officially designated Grandparents Day. However, it is the other 364 days of the year that will truly impact our children and children’s children to walk faithfully and steady for God. I find it hard to believe that I am old enough to be in the category of being a grandparent, yet I am. It is my prayer that I may influence my grandchildren through the same manner of godly influence that Lois and Eunice had on their Timothy.

I never knew my paternal grandparents, and my maternal grandfather only briefly, but I was blessed to have many years with my maternal grandmother. She was a woman of practical wisdom who made a difference in my life.

Together let us pray for our children, grandchildren and young children everywhere to walk in “a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”  On Grandparents Day I shared this prayer for my grandchildren:

Father, you have greatly blessed me as a father and now as a grandfather. I pray Lord for my grandchildren today that You would: –

Grant them tender hearts that seek You daily and are always open to know You.

Grant them discernment in an age of confusion, distortion and lies.

Grant them eyes to see a person’s heart first and not the color of skin, nationality, material things nor anything external.

Grant them ears to listen before their mouths speak.

Grant them a country to live in that doesn’t make you a motto, but a nation that places you first.

Grant them a passion to touch their world for You.

Grant them a tender soul that never grows hard or bitter because of the evil they see in this world.

Grant them courage when they must face difficulty, suffering or pain.

Grant them wisdom to use their skills, abilities and knowledge for Your glory.

Grant them joy that flows from being with You and use them to encourage others.

Grant them perseverance to run the race You have set before them.

Though they will lose the innocence of childhood, may they always look at life with faith, hope and love.

I know I can’t make their world easy, solve their problems or protect them forever, but I know I can pray for them.

Amen

God is great,

Pastor Lynn