As we neared the end of our usual bed time routine of tucking kids in, reading stories, tucking kids back in, getting drinks, and finally tucking kids back into bed again–it was time to pray. As I asked my youngest what she wanted to pray for, Tori Grace responded in her 5 year-old wisdom, “It doesn’t matter mama, you can pray for me.”
Shocked, I said a simple prayer and tucked her in (fingers crossed she would stay in bed) before letting my imagination get away from me. No sane mom could have let this unexpected grenade comment go. Pictures of Tori Grace being 35 and still hanging onto my apron strings for everything–including prayer time exploded in my head.
As my husband talked me off the crazy imaginative ledge I was on, I remembered our “community prayer journal” we did when the kids were super little. It sparked a new challenge in my heart for 2014–for my children’s prayer lives to be real and I’m challenging YOU little mama to get real with prayer with your brood…..unless you like apron strings…. 🙂
Here are two options for you.
Prayer Journals:
1. Each child can have their own prayer journal. Here they can record:
- Personal prayers
- Prayers for others
- Gratitude–what are they thankful for.
Note: For little kids, they can either color a picture or use certain colors like red for being angry, blue because they are thankful for something God did, etc.
2. Community Prayer Journal.
- The entire family uses the same journal. We used this concept when the kids were little, it also allowed me to go back and pray over my husband’s prayers later on.
So I’m challenging moms to have their family use individual prayer journals or a community prayer journal to write out their prayers after reading one scripture verse each day. Each Sunday, I will post a set of new verses to use.
For instructions and accepting the challenge click here: New Years Resolutions for the Whole Family–Prayer Journals
For a printable prayer page, click here: Prayer Journal Page
Scriptures to Read to Your Kids
Week 1:
Monday: Mark 10:13-14
And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Tuesday: James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Wednesday: 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Thursday: Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
Friday: Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Saturday: Proverbs 12: 25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
Click on the picture to for a printable copy!
Heather is a speaker/blogger known as “The Real Mom.” Her mantra for ministry is Real Life, Real Moms, Real Faith, Real Grace. You can find her at on her blog: Falling to Peace(s): Thoughts on grace, letting go, & imperfection. She is the author of Mama Needs a Time Out.
_____________________________________________________________
REGISTER NOW for the
2014 M.O.M. Conference ~ BETTER TOGETHER
July 31st – August 2nd,
Jacksonville, Florida at Trinity Baptist Church
Registration Information, Location, List of Breakout Sessions, Descriptions of Workshops, Conference Speaking Team, Better Together Conference Flyer, Better Together Bulletin Insert (Full Color), Better Together Bulletin Insert (Black & White), Better Together Conference Cards (Postcard Size)
- Ch…ch…ch…CHANGES Are Coming in 2017 for TMI - December 27, 2016
- What New Thing Are You Ready to See God Do in Your Life in 2017? - December 26, 2016
- Heaviness and Newness - December 23, 2016
