31 Days of Prayer: Godly Grandparents
Through the month of January, EGM is sharing 31 ways to pray for children around the world. On day 15, we prayed that God provide wisdom, knowledge and understanding to children.
Gladys Watts was my grandmother, and she had an enormous effect on my life.
When I was a young boy, my grandmother told me that she knew from my birth (on Christmas Day) that God had a special plan for my life. As a rebellious teenager, she told me that she was aware of “the way I was living,” but still knew that God had a plan for my life.
When I sat at her bedside shortly before she went to be with the LORD, I was preparing to leave with my family to serve God in Poland. I had just preached in her church the Sunday before. She told me that God answered her prayers for my life. I later discovered that she had these conversations with all her grandchildren, and like me, she made them feel like they were her favorite.
The profound effect of grandparents
The effect of grandparents on children is not to be underestimated. This is evident in Timothy’s life as a young leader in the early church.
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 NIV
Apparently, his grandmother Lois was a woman of faith and this trust and confidence was a legacy passed down through generations. Faith is believing in the goodness of God and trusting that He has only the best for us. The life of Lois was apparently characterized this way and it was a legacy that impacted Timothy.
The blessing of extended family
In American culture, the extended family has been diminished by mobility, technology and the emphasis on the nuclear family. However, I believe that grand-parenting is on the rebound! In most countries around the world, the extended family is the family. Extended families regularly live together, giving grandparents even more significant roles in the lives of children.
Join me in praying that children would have the blessing of godly grandparents who love God, live a life of faith and set a legacy of Christ-likeness for their children and grandchildren.
My people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
things we have heard and known,
things our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their descendants;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
Psalm 78:1-4