“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” – Deuteronomy 4:9, NIV
Connie had tucked away her prayer journal in the back of her closet. She brought it out frequently to add updates and notes. When God answered a prayer, she noted the day He did that. When God said “no” to a prayer, she noted that, too.
Over the years, Connie’s journal began to fall apart. She chose a new journal and began filling it with prayers, too. But one day as she was reading in her Bible, she came across Deuteronomy 4.
She hadn’t thought to share her prayers and God’s responses with her kids. But now, it was all she could think about. A few days later, the family dog was lost. Instead of retreating into her prayer closet alone, Connie gathered her three young children into it with her.
Together, they prayed for the safety of their dog. Then Connie went and began calling local animal shelters, but no one had brought the dog in. The next day, Connie took her kids into the closet and again prayed for the dog.
Finally, on the sixth morning, there was a knock on the door. Connie opened it to discover a stranger holding the beloved family pet. “He’d been hit by a car and needed medical attention,” the elderly man explained. “I brought him back the moment the vet released him.”
Praying with your kids can be a wonderful way for them to learn about God’s loving nature. If God doesn’t answer your child’s prayer right away, encourage them to keep praying and waiting.
God, thank You for all the prayers You answer! You never forget or ignore a request. Now, please grant my children faith. Let them come to know You in a real and life-changing way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
