Of all the things I am guilty of this is the worst and most obvious. When my children were born, I vowed to be a better spiritual leader than my parents were (hardly any). I had visions of me reading the Bible to them, and eventually have family devotions with them. In some small way I started out right. I prayed with my kids when I put them to bed. Not every night but most nights. They were eager to do it, like clockwork they would ask us to pray when we told them to go to bed. As they got older, the prayer seemed to become an excuse to not go to bed or at least that is what I told myself. Over time the asking faded away, till now it is almost non-existent.
I know that prayer is important and everyday I spend time in prayer. Not always by sitting down and bowing my head but always trying to talk to God in the midst of my life. Unfortunately that hasn't spread to my children. We pray at meals when we think about it. Sad to say, prayer isn't at the forefront of the Probus household, at least not from anything that can be seen. This is horrible to admit and my stomach is churning because I know how wrong it is. I have been convicted over and over about it. When my great kids ask me to pray with them, I should be overjoyed and in awe of their innocence but instead I feel like it is a bother. This is wrong on many levels, but especially wrong when you are a pastor.
As a youth minister, I would pray with any of my students who asked me, but when it comes to my own children, I am an epic failure. Praying with my kids should be the first priority in my life and I should (and will) stop doing everything and pray with them. I shouldn't make excuses or worry about if they are making them.
God has given me three great, beautiful and smart kids. Each of them unique and each have their own personality. I love them all more than anything else and I need to treat them better.
My Challenge to you, don't be like me. Pray with your students & children. Pray with them at least once a day and not always just because of dinner. If they look at you weird, take that as a compliment and keep going. Ask them how you can pray for them. Take prayer requests and joys. Let them pray also. We need to be in prayer for our families and we need to teach our children how to pray. No matter how old your child or student is, praying will help them. Join me in this endeavor.
Prayer: God, help me to raise Godly parents that know that talking to you is like talking to their best friend. Let me lead my children by example, not just rules. Keep the enthusiasm for you in the hearts of my children despite my own faults.
1 comment:
I am in Roy. It is a tough one, I too fail miserably in this area!! Getting better about always praying at meals...need to do more in the regular prayer time with them.
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