My friend, Peggy Powell sent me the following story in her “Praying Grandmothers” mailing.

“Some years ago my friend, Sandy shared a prayer story that greatly encouraged me. Sandy prayed diligently for her son, Jim, all of his life, but as his teen years began to
bud, she found herself travailing, even begging the Lord for Jim’s protection—especially since Sandy didn’t know his new circle of Jr. High friends, nor their parents. Fears crept in. Doubts about their good influence, much less, their godly influence on Jim, appeared in Sandy’s mind.

One day on her knees, Sandy was imploring the Lord to protect her son from any bad influences of his friends. Suddenly she stopped. She asked herself, “Why don’t I pray for Jim’s seven new friends?” So one by one, she regularly called their names before the Father, praying that they come to know Christ personally and grow in their faith, living lives that honored the Lord.

Within a few months, one of the seven became a Christian. In the next year, two more received Christ and by the time Jim finished high school six of the seven were walking with the Lord.

Sandy continued to pray for each of the boys, especially the seventh one. Years went by. One day in a grocery store, Sandy was chatting with a young woman who went to high school with her son, Jim. She asked Sandy, “Have you heard the good news about Bud?” (Bud was the seventh of Sandy’s “boys”). “He recently became a Christian and is enthusiastically participating in a men’s Bible study!” Happy tears flooded Sandy’s eyes as she heard the joyful news and prayed right there in the grocery store “Thank You, Lord, that’s all of my boys!”

Where are they now? Every one of Jim’s friends is walking with the Lord. One is a pastor. When Sandy recently visited his church, she had a big surprise. Knowing she’d be there all six of “her other boys” came too. The sweet reunion was truly a celebration of God’s faithfulness of her prayers over the many years.”?

Our grandchildren have many influences in their lives, especially as they enter the preteen, teen, and young adult years. These influences often have a greater influence than their parents do or their grandparents. Let’s pray specifically for their peers during this school year.

Like Sandy, we can call their names before our Father, praying that each one will come to know Christ personally and grow into spiritual maturity, becoming people who will make a difference for Christ in their generation. Ask your grandchildren for the names of their friends and pray for them.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You know how easily my grandchildren can be influenced by their friends----the fashions, music, their passions and problems. I ask You to protect___________. I also ask that you would draw each of___________ friends unto Yourself. May Your Presence in my grandchildren’s lives be a clear and consistent witness of Your redeeming power to their friends. In Jesus name, amen.

Christian Grandparenting Network has provided the opportunity for you to comment on the Devotionals and Prayer Suggestion on the website. I would appreciate your comments. I invite you to share some of the things that you have found helpful in praying for your grandchildren in the comments. Thank you for your participation.

“Praying Grandmothers” fall 2009, Peggy Powell