RUN LIKE A CHAMPION

Many people pray for their families, but few pray with them. Yet, one of the greatest blessings a parent or spouse can experience is praying with their children and/or spouse.
My wife and I began our marriage praying with one another, and it’s continued for half a century. We’ve wept, laughed and worshipped together in prayer. We’ve seen God answer, and we’ve also learned to wait upon Him for an answer. Perhaps, the greatest blessing has been praying with our children.
When our children were small, we normally had an evening devotional time before we put them to bed. Those moments became occasions to tell Bible stories, share testimonies, and find out what was taking place in their lives. They were some of the most special times we had as a family.
Both our children dealt with issues in life that drove them to see their need for Jesus. A friend of our daughter died at a very young age. After our time of prayer and Bible stories, Renee asked one evening, “Can I talk to you?” She had drawn a picture of a little girl separated from God. She told us that she was afraid to die and wanted to have Jesus in her life. We prayed together, and God worked deeply in her heart. Our son went through a different kind of trial. He, also, asked to pray with us at the conclusion of one of those family prayer times. Those were precious moments for our family.
Praying with your family enriches your lives in several ways. First, it provides an opportunity for each member to share the difficulties and joys of life and bring those circumstances to God. It is easy for our lives to become so busy that we lose intimate communication with one another.
Second, it ushers us into the deepest and most meaningful moments. It may sound strange, but I’ve developed great friendships by praying with people. Prayer drives us to share the deepest needs of our hearts with God. As we pray with one another, it produces a level of authenticity. Genuine prayer demands transparent hearts. That kind of heart will experience the grace of God at the deepest level.
Finally, it sets an example for future generations. The greatest legacy that we can leave with our children and grandchildren is the prayers we have prayed for and with them. They may forget the material possessions we’ve given them, but the image of a praying mother or father will not be forgotten.
I had never met my grandmother or grandfather on my dad’s side of the family. They died before I was born. However, one day I learned that my grandmother was a great woman of prayer. She had a place in the forest where she sought God’s face. I wanted to see that place. Therefore, I contacted some older cousins who knew where it was.
They took me to the spot, and, for me, it was holy ground. I had an artist draw a painting of my grandmother praying as it had been described. I gave a copy of the painting to my son and daughter. I don’t want them to ever forget the wonderful heritage that we have as a family. Our greatest legacy will be praying for and with our children.