Month: May 2017

Praying through the Ten Commandments gets a little weird when we bump up against this one. We have no real concept of Sabbath- Gentiles, living in the “New law.” But kids, never forget that God, Giver of all good things, has given us the gift of rest. He didn’t require a day to take a break, but he modeled it for us, and emphasized, “Sabbath was made for man.”

We can follow God’s example on this one.  Take a break from the doing, stand back and look at it, find the good stuff and say, “this is good.” You might find some things you want to do differently, but don’t overlook the good. It is pure joy to see what you have done and thank God for the opportunities, the resources, the gifts and talents that allow you to participate in his powerful work in his beautiful world.

And then, rest in the presence of the one who loves you. The one who cares enough, pays enough attention to you to think about the number of hairs on your head.  The one who delights in you, who didn’t want heaven- without you.  The beautiful, wonderful, powerful name of Jesus, God our Father, Comforter and Friend.

Father, I pray my children will find their rest in you. I pray that they would work in your strength and in your will so that they can look at what you have done in them and say, “it is good.” And Father, I pray that they would rest in your love, that they would know and enjoy the love you have for them individually, uniquely, and completely.

Women who love children don’t always get to raise them, or birth them. My mom didn’t birth me, but she mommed me so well. I can think of others in my life, and in the life of my children, who have helped to mother me and my kids in precious and beautiful ways. So what I have to say- I have to think it’s true of all these moms.

I love being a mom. I am amazed by the fact that I get to raise these kids, and that these four fabulous humans call me “mom”. I love that because of them, I get to hang out with lots of other amazing kids. Mostly, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and wonder at the gift of motherhood.

But.

Being a mom brings all the feelings. Worry, guilt, fear- no, terror. Surprise, exhilaration (“Look! They were kind!”) Anger and frustration. Pride and joy. Loss, sorrow. Hope. Fatigue- no, exhaustion. Back to guilt. All. The. Feelings.

And Mother’s Day- it can be hard. It can be wonderful and joyful, and it can be full of sorrow and mourning. So my prayer today is for God’s presence and comfort in the lives of all the moms, regardless of which feelings are carrying the day.

Father, thank you for all the moms- the birth-moms, raising-moms, aunt-moms, friend-moms- all the beautiful women who love your children so well. Pour out your presence and comfort on all of us today. Overwhelm us with the reality of your love, your wisdom, and the strength you provide. May we find joy in being your servants.

Words matter, and the name of God matters the most.  Maybe we understand this in the South, where adults need to be Mr or Mrs even if kids call them by their first name; it’s a simple reminder to show respect.  And how often does a respectful attitude begin with respectful language?

So when God states, “Don’t misuse my name,” we really need to take the time to think through this.  Does my language reveal a lack in any way? A lack of reverence, fear, honor? Yes, I want my children to know the intimate, fatherly love of God. But the wonder and power of His love can only begin to be understood when we stand in awe of his majesty, when we know we will never truly know the extent of his power.

Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.  May your name forever hold a sacred, cherished place of dominion in the hearts and minds of my children. I pray that their habits of speech would form and be formed by a love that grows deeper and truer every day. #prayersformychildren

When we use the word idol, it seems so old fashioned, outdated.  No one worships idols anymore.  No, never idols.  But schedules, plans, priorities? Or careers, hobbies,  sports? How often does our focus slowly, imperceptibly shift from listening and following to pursuing our own agenda? Friends, though these prayers are “for my children” this is a battle we all fight.

Satan is so very clever- or if you prefer- we are so easily distracted.

Sometimes, what eventually takes God’s place starts out as a way to worship or serve. It’s tragic, but it’s common.  We gradually shift our focus away from the God who created and sustains us to ourselves, our own goals or desires, so that instead of glorifying God we glorify our project, or even ourselves.

Father, there is no God like you, but we so easily allow others to take your place. Please reveal to us when we do, so that we can repent and return to worship only you, in spirit and in truth. #prayersformychildren