I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy talking with my kids (mostly—sometimes it can be hard to pay attention when they are going on and on (and on and on) about Paw Patrol or PJ Mask). But even though we don’t usually share the same interests, it is really wonderful to hear their take on things and it’s important to answer their thousands of daily questions. As their mom, my desire is to encourage them to talk to me about anything and everything; to have open communication.
I often forget that our heavenly Father wants the same for us. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul tells us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Not only does He want us to talk to Him about ourselves, but He desires us to talk to Him about our friends and family. I pray for my children daily, especially that they will walk with the Lord and love Him more than I ever could. This parallel between what God wants for us and what I want for my children is so important. Of course I want my kids to talk to me all the time about anything, but more importantly, I need to teach them to do the same with Jesus.
We are told to “pray without ceasing,” to be in constant communion with God. I try to encourage my children to pray as they fall asleep, and recently, my six year old son told me that he prays each night for a few certain kids in his class to be nicer to him, and to ultimately, become friends with him. As we were talking, he said those kids were starting to be nicer to him! He realized that God was answering his prayers, but he still has to wait to see if he will become friends with these boys. Sometimes we get the answer we want, sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes we just have to wait. It’s so wonderful to hear my children pray, and see how the Lord answers their prayers. Pray with your children, teach them to pray, and encourage them to pray on their own. It’s a valuable lesson to learn young, to turn to the Lord in all things, to give thanks to Him, and to ask Him for help.
Love,
Emily
