Prime Times: Prayer Time

By Devin Dummel

We all know time is a limited resource.  This truth is one you discover quickly as a parent.  One moment you’re holding your bundle of joy wrapped tightly in your arms, the next you are helping them unpack for college.  As we say a lot around here, “It’s just a phase, so don’t miss it”.

Over the next few weeks, it’s our goal to help you capitalize on the time that you have to positively impact the lives of your children and the Next Generation.   In our next set of posts we will highlight some key times in your normal routine that when used strategically and wisely will ensure the future success of your child. 

The first strategic or “prime time” you can utilize is: Prayer Time.

Now later on we will talk about praying with your children.  But in this post we want to discuss how valuable it is to spend time in prayer FOR your children. 

Prayer is an important spiritual discipline and it can be easier for some than for others.  You may have a rich tradition of prayer in your family, or the extent to which your family prays right now might be to say grace before a meal.  Whatever your circumstance – it’s important to know that prayer is a crucial element to the life of a believer.

Through prayer God stretches us and grows us.  Prayer is our connection directly to God.  While He knows our thoughts and our hearts, He wants nothing more than to hear directly from us.  Put simply prayer is a conversation with God.

Scripture tells us that:

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  (1 John 5:14)

No matter if you feel like you are “good” at prayer or if you are just struggling your way through - the beautiful truth is God hears our prayers.  And the important thing isn’t how you pray – because there is not a “right” and a “wrong” way to talk to God. 

You can pray first thing in the morning.  You can pray on your drive to work (please keep your eyes open if you choose to do this).  You can pray for long periods of time or you can pray one sentence at a time.  You could even use the monthly Prayer Calendar tool that we’ve developed (CLICK HERE).  It doesn’t matter how you pray – what matters is that you choose to pray.

If you are anything like us, than most of what concerns you or worries you has to do with your children.  My wife spends time worrying about if they’ve had too much “screen time” or if they’ve eaten enough vegetables.    We discuss if they should be doing swim lessons or if they are ready to have a sleep over.  I even catch myself daily praying, “God, please don’t let me screw these kids up!”

If you are looking for one way that you can immediately make a difference in the life of your child, or in your family – taking advantage of the power of prayer could be just the thing you can do right now to make a big impact.

Paul told the believers in Philippi:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7)

Time is a limited resource, free yourself and your family from the burden of worry and anxiety.  Spend time in prayer, talking to the Father about everything you are worried about.  Pray for your children – their current choices and their future decisions.  Leverage the prayer time in your life and let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind.