In Prayer, In Parenthood

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, January 21, 2016

In Prayer, In Parenthood

I considered parenthood tonight. Partly because of something I read, and partly because of something I watched on television this evening.

Parenthood is such a multi-faceted thing. I know I’ve been a parent for several decades. (Truly.) I know my shortcomings all too well. I suspect I’ve been a good parent, by and large. My children and I have never had this sort of discussion before. Good parent? Bad parent? Indifferent parent? I don’t think I’ve ever asked.

However, I can pray that I will continue to be a good mom, and pray for my children. I pray for several friends, too. I ask for them to be kind, considerate, and warm. In fact, there is no time like the present.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your excellent work at being a Parent. A loving, engaged, caring Parent. I pray for all those who are reading this, who have had less than loving parents. God, help those of us with children still under our care to be patient, loving, and encouraging in the care of those children. Pour out an extra helping of mercy, wisdom and Godly judgment on each one who is a parent, or acting as one. Lord, help explain each mistake. Lord, provide for our shortcomings, and bring others into our lives who will make up for whatever we need assistance with. Dear Lord, in Your mercy, hear us. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

Freedom From Fear

matterofprayer blog post for Saturday, January 11, 2014

crocuses in Portland

Freedom from Fear

Among other things, I’m a mom. Although I am also a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend, I have begotten four children. I go through cycles where I feel the urge to pray for other things and other people. However, sometimes God instructs me to pray specifically for my children. During the past few weeks, I felt that instruction. So, I did—on a fairly regular basis.

I know there are many ways to pray for loved ones. However, I have been using a wonderful book by Stormie Omartian called The Power of a Praying Parent for years when I pray for my children. On and off, I mean. I do not hold myself up as any paragon of prayer, by any means. (Not like Stormie! And not like my former prayer partner, Zhou Hui, either! Both are awesome women of prayer.)

Today, I was reminded of a chapter in this book where Stormie gives some pointers on how to pray against fear in our children’s lives. Some days ago, I prayed through this chapter. I petitioned God on my children’s behalf, asking among other things that God give them wisdom from above, protect them from evil influences, and bless them in all they do. I prayed for this wonderful prayer of Stormie’s to be applicable in my husband’s life and in mine, too.

Today, I remembered the acronym for FEAR, False Evidence Appearing Real, and how fear could blindside me when I least expected it. I remembered that I had prayed to be free from fear. Today, this freedom from fear touched me, too, in a very deep way. Honestly, I have not had the easiest last few months. Some significant challenges have come my way. But, I have met them with the help of God, the love of my family, the help and fellowship from my friends, prayer, and the readings in some very helpful books.

I quote again one of my all-time favorite hymns—thanks for God’s promise from the Hebrew Scriptures, Isaiah 41:10. “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed/For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.”  These words give me comfort, and give me a place to run to. My God has promised not to leave me, nor forsake me. Whether from the Hebrew Scriptures or from the New Testament, God’s promises will not fail. I don’t need to fear. And neither do my children.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your Word. Thanks for Your promise to hear us and deliver us from all of our fears. God, forgive me for doubting You. Forgive me for running away from all Your blessings. Show me the way to You, God, so that I may take my fears and anxieties to You and receive freedom from fear. Remembering Your goodness and faithfulness to me and my family, new every morning, Amen.

@chaplaineliza