Examining Prayer Connections

 

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16b

 

An old neighbor saw me across a parking lot with my granddaughter. When he could reach me, we had a brief conversation about grandchildren vs. children. He was saying that he feels as responsible to influence the next generation, as he did for the first. He mentioned praying for their safety a couple of times.

We both had to move on quickly. I have been wondering about his words off and on all day. I rarely pray for the safety of my grandchildren (they are still a little young to be in dangerous situations). As I examined my own prayers for them, I realized how much influence our own life experiences have on our prayer life.

I don’t know if this man was hurt as a child, or if his children were, so I cannot speak to the reason he is concerned about safety. As I thought about my own prayers, I saw some clear connections.

I did not come to faith in Christ until I was in my late thirties. I pray for God to reveal Himself to my grandchildren in an undeniable way, at a much earlier age.

Studying the Bible early on was helpful for me in the growth of my faith and understanding of God’s sovereignty. It brings me peace in difficult circumstances. I pray for Him to teach my grandchildren, through His Holy Spirit.

I pray regularly that God would protect the joy I see now in my “grands,” that He would guard their hearts in contrast to many women I’ve met with who have been abused as children. Its effect on them as adults is great, especially in their ability to trust God.

When I left the conversation today I was feeling a little guilty that I do not pray for safety of any of the dearest people in my life. Yet, as I thought about it, I expect that we will all have hard things happen to us and I do not expect that my family will be immune from these “unsafe” situations. I am sure I will pray about them when they happen.

The Bible has much to say about prayer. David wrote prayers when he was in difficult situations, often for salvation, or to be delivered from his circumstances. He also asked the Lord to contend (Psalm 35:1) with those who were contending with him. I don’t look forward to a situation where this one is appropriate, but, if they (or I) need it, I would.

When Jesus taught the disciples how to pray, He included praying for their daily bread and protection from evil. This one hit me. Spiritual safety is what I want for my family. I will add that to the list.

Looks like the more we study, the longer our prayers will get for those we love. I guess I also need to examine that “righteous prayer” requirement that James makes (top of the post).

Is there a connection between our own fears and the way we pray? Is there anything you need to add – or subtract from your prayers?