<h1>”I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me.  They have clung to my life.”  Abraham Lincoln</h1>
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With the starting of the new school year, my thoughts are focused on <a title=”teaching intimacy with God to our children” href=”https://candygibbs.com/help-teen-cultivate-intimacy-with-go” target=”_blank”>equipping my kids</a>.  I am wondering what are your thoughts?  I want you to know that as I sit down to write my posts, I think of you.  I imagine what your quiet morning hours look like.  I wonder what you see on your drive to school each day.  Do you listen to music with your kids or do you have some share time in route?  Do your children play sports? Who’s your favorite Bible study teacher? What kind of issues are you dealing with in your home?  Are you close to your extended family, in distance and relationship?  What are your stresses?  What brings you peace?  What is your calling?  How do you worship?  What do you enjoy?  What makes you laugh?
<h3>As the body of Christ, we are family and I consider you.</h3>
Yesterday was the start of our second week of school here in the great state of Texas.  With that, I am always thoughtful and deliberate of the things that I want to see in my kids this upcoming school year.   Brian and I spend much time discussing these things and sometimes it can be overwhelming.  As parents,  we feel so responsible to say the right things, have them involved in the right activities and draw the most out of them.

I can overwhelm myself with the pressure.  This morning the Lord reminded me of these two scriptures.
<h3>“…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”  James 5:16</h3>
<h3>“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer…” 1 Peter 3:12</h3>
These scriptures prompted a question, “Do I spend as much time praying about my thoughts and concerns as I do talking to a friend or family member about them?  Or maybe even just thinking about it?”

What I realized is that we can talk to the Father in the same way we would our friends or our spouses.

Something like, “Lord, I want them to be wise decision makers.  I don’t want the words of peers or authority figures to wound them.  I don’t want to rescue them, but to teach them how to be over-comers through your power.  When the tough times come, Lord, help me to be strong and allow them to struggle…not to fail but to build their strength…”

Our prayers, as parents,  are powerful and effective!  We must be authentic when we pray.  Pray specifically.  Trust that God’s plans for our kids are always good and He is working his plan.

One of my dear friends recently told me, “The battle for our children is fought and won on our knees.”

Comment below and tell me what do you pray for your children when you get on your knees.  I would love to hear what you say.

I’m hitting mine as we speak…join me?

Candy