A Grandmother’s Prayer
By Jan Gabrielse
Almighty God, loving Father,
Thank you for trusting your precious children and grandchildren to our care.
We are grateful for the privilege of influencing young lives for your glory.
Thank you for your promises to give us all things we need for life and godliness.
Equip us with all the love, wisdom, and patience needed to raise them in the fear and love of the Lord.
Use us to exemplify trust in you as our provider.
May we encourage and support them to discover the talents and gifts you have hidden within them, and to develop them for your glory.
Give them eyes to see your creative power in the beauty of the butterflies and flowers, ears to hear your power in the storms and the still small voice to guide us.
Give us the courage to speak the truth in love, to correct and discipline them, and train them in godly conduct and self-control.
As we nurture these seedling and saplings, may we see evidence of the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
May we tell them of your marvelous deeds and declare your power to the next generation.
Psalm 45:17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
Psalm 71: 16-18 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Psalm 78:2-4 I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.
When they stray from the narrow path and chase trivial pursuits, remind us of your covenant promises to be a God to us and our children. Good Shepherd, when your children become entangled in false teachings or worldly lifestyles, lift them up, free them from addictions, and carry them tenderly back to the security of your presence and the support of your family.
May we pass on to future generations a legacy of knowing, loving, and serving you.
