Saturday, April 10, 2010

Prayers and Promises for My Little Boy

It’s a book written by Stomie Omartian. I came across it in Cracker Barrel and immediately thought of Ray. It was near his birthday and we were unsure if his peoples’ were having a get-to-gether for him so we decided to do so. But solely based on this book.

You see, in my line of work, I’ve come across some interesting young (and older) people. I’ve heard rather disturbing stories, from molestation by family members, to prostitution, to engaging in same sex practices with multiples partners (at one time); all while being only 10 years old! It’s a shame, but it also took me to my knees. It reminded me of the NEED of prayer for children. Children are up against ALOT. Whether it’s their family, the media or their friends. The devil really is seeking to kill and destroy them. So, I wanted to pray. But not just for Ray, for all of my friends children and  the children I encounter on a daily basis. So we set out to have a “Prayer Party”.

Ray was turning 3  around the time so it seemed appropriate to invite his friends over for playtime and the adults indulge in prayer. It seemed to go along pretty well in my head, that is, until the day actually hit.

It was Saturday, March 13th. The Saturday it rained like no other! I was told umbrellas didn’t work and the roads were pretty dangerous. I prayed that the weather wouldn’t mess up our afternoon because I knew bad weather kept people home, but it kindda did.

Needless to say 3 families invited attended and actually prayed with us. (YES, we still prayed, rain and all! The devil wasn’t getting that one!) One person even came later that evening, in the rain, on the bus!!! She insisted on being there because she knew this was something needed! (That really spoke of her heart and determination!) THANK YOU to those dedicated few!

But aside from the rain, I charge you to drown your children in prayer. I encourage you to get the book (and yes they have one for little girls, too); read it and pray those prayers over your children. Make a commitment to pray always for your children. They need it!

Below are the prayers we prayed and scripture to go along with them:

Commitment to God:
Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things and revive me in Your way. Establish your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You. Psalm 119:36-38

Prayer for Wisdom and Understanding:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10

Prayer for Peace and Acceptance:
All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace. Isaiah 54:13

Prayer for Safety and Security:
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Prayer for Confidence in the Lord:
We also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Prayer for Strong Family Relationships:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Prayer for Compassion for Others:
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Prayer for Good, Godly Friendships:
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Prayer for the Ability to Lead:
Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. 2 Peter 1:10

Prayer for Health and Healing:
Confess your tresses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

Prayer for Gifting and Purpose:
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6

Prayer for the Desire to Learn:
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. Psalm 119:66-67

Prayer for Thoughts and Words:
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what I good for necessary edification, that is may impact grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29

Prayer for Passion for Holiness:
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Prayer for Faith in God’s Word:
Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

Prayer for a Spirit of Joy:
Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11

Prayer for a Sense of What’s Right:
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

Prayer for Direction in Life:
My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be graceful ornaments on your head, and chains about your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9

Prayer for Trust in God:
Faith is the substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen. Hebrews: 11:1

Prayer for Life and Future:
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. Psalm 103:17-18

 

And of course PICTURES!!!

 IMG_0747 IMG_0748 IMG_0772

Story time! I read the book “God, Can You Hear Me?”, by Justine Simmons as a seg-way into prayer for the little ones.

IMG_0788

 

Everyone was able to decorate their very own cupcake. What a mess!

IMG_0792 IMG_0793 IMG_0799 IMG_0803 IMG_0812

IMG_0821

 

Overall, we had a great time. The one thing I want you to walk away with more than anything, is to really  take time to pray for your children! They are so precious!

1 comment:

J. Nicole said...

So, so true!!! Those that were meant to be there were there!!! That's such a great idea and should be done on a regular basis! You followed your heart.