And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. ~ Ephesians 6:18
The other night my husband was talking to our son about a concern he had regarding our son's friends. Things started getting heated - as our son wanted to be treated like the grown-up he wishes to be, rather than the child he is.
Been there?
Listening to the two of them arguing, part of me wanted to jump in and add my two cent's worth. I wanted to tell my son about the many times I thought my parents didn't know what they were talking about. Then I would have added that now - as an adult – I understand what they were saying, and I wish they had provided more guidance for me to make wise choices as a teen.
But, listening to the two of them arguing, I knew my son was in no way ready to listen to my two cent's worth. Not even one of them!
Instead of opening my mouth, I opened my heart and began praying. I prayed for my husband and asked God to direct his words. I prayed for my son and asked God to give him ears to hear. I prayed this situation would ultimately have a good ending.
As I sat there praying, it occurred to me how valuable it would be for parents to have in-the-moment prayer partners. When you're "in the middle of it" with one of your children, wouldn't you like to know someone is holding you before God in prayer, asking Him to give you wisdom and work in your situation?
How about asking your spouse to pray for you in those moments?
Are you willing to do the same?
If you aren't married, or your spouse isn't a believer, is there someone else you can ask to fill that role? Someone you can text in the middle of the battle - simply saying, PRAY- and trust them to take it from there?
This parenting thing is tough stuff, and we need all the help we can get. Let's pray for each other!
~Karen
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Karen, this is so good. Now that school is back in, I began yesterday to lament to myself that I just can't seem to train my kids in some very elementary things and let them go with it. I am micro-managing them (ages 10,12,14). I immediately started thinking about strategies when the Holy Spirit reminded me that this is something I should take to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteVery cool idea! enjoyed the post!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so bad at doing this. What an eye opening picture of how easy it would be to give this situation to Jesus. I am going to practice this, because everytime I jump in when My husband is having a situation with one of the girls, it never helps.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Stacey - It's an elementary thing for us, too, isn't it? Taking everything to the Lord. First!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize our kids were so similar in age...Mine are "on the verge" of 10, 12, and 14. *grin*
Mamajil - Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
O Mom - Awesome! God is good, and I'm delighted that He is moving your heart with this idea.
~Karen
i appreciated this story...been there...i could always use extra prayers and look forward to implementing prayer partners...thank you!
ReplyDeleteDenise - That's super! It will be so much better to "be there" when you know someone is praying for you! *grin*
ReplyDelete~Karen