Philemon 4 “I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,”

BURDENS

I just finished praying for my family and for some missionary friends who are facing a hurricane today or tomorrow. I am burdened for their safety and the safety of others in the path of the storm. So this verse was so appropriate for today for me. I am constantly amazed at the timing of God’s Word in my life.

For whom do you pray? Are you so focused on your own needs that you fail to lift others before the throne? Are you so self-centered in your prayer life that all God ever hears from you is your wish list of blessings? Beloved, the joy of prayer is praying for others.

Don’t get me wrong. I do send my own requests to the Father. But they aren’t my focus. I have learned through years of praying that when I focus on others’ needs, God burdens others for me. I have been told so many times, from someone I have prayed for, that they have been praying for me. What a blessing!

TEACHING MOMENT

Now, how do you teach your children that? Make a list with them of people they want to pray for. Now be prepared to make a long list. Lol. Children love to pray. Let them decide for whom to pray. Once that list is made, divide it into days of the week or days of the month, depending on the number of people listed. Keep that list handy. Put it on their bedroom mirror or beside their bed. Each night pray for those on that list for that day. Your children will learn the joy of praying for others.

Let the people know you are praying for them. That will bless their socks off. And when a specific prayer request is answered, make sure your child knows that. What a reassurance from the Father! Answered prayers elicit praise! But it also spurs us on to continued prayers.

Now, I need to go do some more praying! Dear Father…..