Katie had a hard time adjusting to first grade. Kindergarten was great. It was half-day and she thrived. But first grade was exhausting. Katie was the youngest in her class with a late August birthday. The full day taxed her in every way.

I was concerned and shared my concern with a more experienced mom. She challenged me, “Every time you drive by her school during the day pray for her.”

I had never thought of the idea of praying throughout the day for my kids. Immediately I put her advice into practice. I have never stopped. To this day I pray for my kids constantly. It’s part of my parenting.

What brought my practice of prayer to mind? Today I started working on my annual gift to my kids of a list of answered prayer requests. I write the list in a letter to the kids. I give the letters to them at Christmas Eve dinner. As soon as they get their letter they open it and silently devour the words.

The girls keep their letters in a binder I gave them years ago. This book is an ongoing testimony that God is at work on their behalf. Looking back to see how God has been working is a powerful gift that will strengthen their faith and draw them closer to God. God created us to be encouraged by what He’s done in the past. Countless times in the Old Testament God instructs His people to recall and celebrate all He had done for them. The act of remembering God’s faithfulness in the hard times builds faith.

While I will never know all the answers to the thousands of prayers I’ve prayed for my kids, these annual lists remind the kids and me that God is working in their lives.

This Christmas give your kids the gift of praying for them throughout the day and the year. Record what you pray for and how God answers your prayers. Not only will you see big changes in your kids throughout the year; you’ll also see their faith grow when you share their lists with them next year.

It’s one small action that brings big change in your kids.

Do you think you could start a prayer list for your child–either written or on your computer,tablet, or phone? I’d love to hear about your experience.

 

 

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.