Nonna’s kNOWledge Pray Powerful Prayers NOW B Y C A R O LY N J O Y
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s a Mom and Nonna of 16 beautiful smiles, I know the importance of prayer. I grew up in the faith, and although my life hasn’t always been perfect, I have always prayed. This is especially true when it comes to praying for my children and grandchildren. This world is spiraling out of control, and now more than ever, it’s imperative to get on my knees and take the time to cover my family in prayer. God’s Word reminds us in Proverbs 22:6 (ESV), “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I pray for each child by name. I pray for their health, wellbeing, spiritual growth, and sexual purity. While they are young, I pray for what their eyes may see and their ears may hear. I pray they make good friends, friends can be a big influence on their daily choices. I pray that at an early age they understand the importance of prayer and that they themselves will take the time to learn how to pray. My prayer time and the way I pray come in a variety of capacities. Every morning I set a specific time to pray and continue to pray until I have prayed through my prayer list. Sometimes I go for a long, brisk walk. With praise music streaming through my AirPods, I pray for anything and everything that comes to my mind. Prayer is also an ongoing conversation with God. He is always there and readily available. When the Lord brings someone to mind, I begin to pray. I pray when I’m driving and while I’m cooking. I pray at work, while I’m shopping, and even while I’m getting dressed. My sweetest prayer moments are when I’m speaking with one of my dear loved ones, and they just happen to tell me a need. That is the best instance to stop and say, “Can I pray with you right now?”
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Every young person’s future is filled with endless choices and infinite possibilities. We, as parents and grandparents, have a unique opportunity to direct and guide a child’s path. Do not underestimate the power of prayer and do not misjudge the power you hold to direct and guide young hearts and minds toward God. The Bible says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of Jesus Christ for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV) Prayer is something we all have the ability to do, any time of the day or night, any place, and in any circumstance. Our God is a good god, and He wants us to be in fellowship with Him. Our Father is a father who wants us to talk with Him, and He wants to talk with us. He is never too busy, and He will never push us away or walk away. Philippians 4:6 (ESV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” If there was ever a time to pray powerful prayers… it is NOW! Nonna’s chuckles: I was with four of my granddaughters (ages 3, 7, 7, and 9) when my phone beeped a text message with a prayer request from a friend. I told them the prayer request was for a little girl with a brain tumor, and I asked them if they wanted to stop and pray. My three-year-old was the first to volunteer. “Dear Jesus please make her better. Help her to be kind and share her toys and not cry. Help her to sleep through the night, not be scared of monsters and not wake up her mommy and daddy. Amen.” (Sometimes, we pray for others the very things we need for ourselves!)
