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| (My own photo. Dave and me on Pikes Peak.) |
I
remember the phrase, the family that prays
together, stays together. Yeah, it’s a cliché, but for those families that
truly pray together I believe there’s a bond that unites their hearts in a
special way, no matter what; even when disagreements and family arguments make
their way into our lives.
I
grew up in a Catholic family that prayed together almost every single night
until us kids got to our teen years. My mom had us get on our knees and recite
memorized prayers before a crucifix or a Catholic statue before bed. Some
nights it was hard not to giggle, exchanging glances and wobbling on our knees.
Now
that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Himself, it’s easier to commit
to prayer time because I’m spending that time talking with my very best friend.
And talking is what I do the most. I’m sure He’s pleased with the fact that I’m
learning to listen, too.
Is
it now “nerdy” or “geeky” to pray? Is it too old-fashioned? Or is it merely the
enemy’s plan to rob us of our strength, because united in prayer we’re a strong
force to reckon with?
Some
of my biggest blessings come through my husband laying his hand on my head
every morning and praying over me before he goes to work. Not a complaint
passes through my lips without him praying over whatever has me upset. I’m
honored to be his wife, He loves me with a never-ending love; unconditionally. His
love is without limitations.
We
draw incredible strength from praying, out loud, together. It’s empowering and
draws us even closer, creating more intimacy between us.
A
guest speaker at our church, Pastor Deo from Uganda said, “Prayerlessness means
you believe you can do everything in your own strength, without help from God.
Depend on God!”
Pastor
Deo went on to exhort, “Personal prayer alters have been destroyed, family
prayer alters have been broken down and church prayer alters are formal and
weak.”
Does
this describe your prayer life?
I’d
like to toss out a challenge.
Couples:
etch out a few minutes each morning or evening to pray, out loud, together.
Commit to it for a week and let me know what, if anything, changes in your
lives. Singles: take that same time to commit to prayer everyday and watch for
the results in your day-to-day life, and if you wouldn’t mind, fill me in.
We
need to be entering into communion with the God of the universe; and seeking
His heart on every matter, from our relationship with Him, to our knowledge of
Him and His ways, to what’s on His heart and in His plans. Simply spouting off
a grocery-type list of requests probably yields very little change.
We
can be interceding for our children, our family relationships, our marriages
and the marriages of those around us. The enemy seeks to destroy our children by
hijacking our marriages. Yes, sometimes divorce seems to be the only answer to
marital problems. But, sometimes it’s just the easiest or fastest to come by.
In the long run, it can give Satan and his minions leverage against us, and
our children. If you’re already in a blended family, pray for strength and
unity, and courage to face life’s problems together.
We
can be interceding for the unborn in our world, that the wombs that house them
truly are the safest place they can be. We can come against radical Islam and
witchcraft (which yes, is very much a reality) and against evil powers and the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against wickedness in high places. Our
battle is not with each other, though often it appears so.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” –
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
I
look forward to hearing about what prayer is doing in your life!
