Families Praying Together

 
“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.”  2 Timothy 1:3
 
Children benefit from the rich faith handed to them by their parents.  Did you know that 75% of the kids who go to church while in high school drop out of organized church activities during their first year away from home? 
 
In order to “own” their faith, our children need personal encounters with the living God.  If they only hear stories from scripture or other believer’s, then they may wonder if God cares to listen to their prayers, or to get involved in their lives. 
 
Prayer journaling as a family can open the door for kids to realize God’s powerful presence at work in our world today.  It can provide personal experiences between a child and the living Lord.  Try one of these ideas for a family prayer journal, or share with us what you have found useful!

• Simple notebook – Share prayer requests as a family, and write them down in a notebook.  Then, periodically, go back and record a change or answer to those prayers.  Then offer a prayer of thanksgiving together for what God has done. 
• Daily prayer list – In a similar notebook, designate sections for each day of the week.  Spread out family members, friends and neighbors, missionaries, church or national leaders, and others onto the various pages.  Then look over that page before dinner-time prayer and ask the Lord to bless them. 
• Fridge list – Just like having a grocery list on the refrigerator, put a prayer list on it as well.  Record prayer requests with dry erase markers where everyone can see and remember what you are bringing before the Lord.  Once a prayer request has come to pass, thank the Lord as you erase it. 

By keeping prayer requests – and prayers answered – in front of your kids, they will grow to understand that their journey of faith is personal.  God will answer your son or daughter’s prayer just like he does the prayer of an adult.  When he or she leaves home, the habit of personal prayer will go with them. 
 
What does your family use to share and remember prayers?  What are you going to try in your home?  Chime in and let us learn together! 

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Camper Corner 
God loves YOU.  That message is not just for your parents or only for you when you grow up.  God listens to your prayers.  He has a heart and will to respond to your prayers.  What, or who, are you praying for today?