I have a habit of calling movie stars by their first names. I am a big fan of the Mission Impossible movies and sometimes I forget that I really don’t know Tom Cruise. For example, I will be chatting with my wife and say “Man wasn’t that a crazy stunt Tom did?” She will be like, “Who are you talking about?”
In today’s popular culture, entertainment shows, celebrity websites and Google can tell you a lot about a person’s life. But if you don’t talk to someone, there is no way you can really know them. That’s especially true with God. If you want your child to know God personally, you have to have a relationship with God and lead them in their spirit walk. Prayer, as part of your family life, is a huge step in the direction of moving past surface level.
Prayer is an investment
Consider this scripture:
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every moment.” Colossians 4:2-5
It’s important as families that we make the most of every moment. We have to make sure those moments include prayer. What if you could see your future? If you could make decisions now that would set you on the right path for the dreams and desires you want to achieve, how would that affect your future and how would that affect your decision making? The truth is we can’t see our future. However, there is someone that can – God. Unfortunately, most of the time, we remove him from the equation of life and the equation of our decision making. One of the reasons we don’t pray is because we don’t realize the value of prayer. It’s the easiest investment you will ever make. What if I told you that you would have everything you need (according to God’s will) just by asking? You can. Your children will have what they need, your children’s children and it keeps going. Someone once said, “Behind every successful person is a praying Grandmother.” I don’t know if there is theology support that, but I do know that God listens and will never forget the investment you are making. Your investment will pay off. God promises.
Prayer and your child’s future
Finding time to make the investment can be tough, but you can do it. My hope is that you understand the urgency of prayer being a part of your family’s life. When times get tough, our faith will be the only thing we have to hold on to. Prayer is a faith builder. Truth Flash: PRAYER WORKS. The sooner your child realizes that the better. Imagine your child is going through something tough and the first thing they do is pray. Our future is determined by the decisions we make now. Teach your child to pray and his future will be bright.
Take the time to teach your children how to pray. When you do, you are making a huge investment into your child’s life. Teach them to know Christ now and their future will be bright as the Son is bright.