Many of us were able to spend some time with our dear grandchildren over the holidays. Now when we long for those hugs and kisses, and think of how much we miss them, it’s a good time to say a prayer for them.

Our grandchildren are growing up and being educated in a time of uncertainty. They are subject to pressures and temptations we did not experience in our youth.  However, we can pray they will be protected from the deception of the world and that their eyes will be blind to the temptation’s they face. The enemy is determined to keep our children from walking with God.  In John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all it is fullness.” We, however, are not without weapons of warfare; namely, our prayers for their protection from the enemy and to experience the fullness of the Lord.

We need to stay in touch with them in order for us to pray for the specifics going on in their lives.  Helen Kooiman Hosier writes in her book “Living the Lois Legacy”, “Praying about the details keeps us on our toes so that we will know what to pray about, what their needs, hopes, dreams, frustrations, anxieties, fears, concerns, joys and expectations actually are. Their knowing that we do this kind of praying is a reminder to them to keep in touch.” ¹

As our grandchildren enter their teenage years, they may only tolerate us instead of adoring us. Nevertheless, it is important that we maintain a connection with them during this fragile and exciting time in their life. This is a time when we should focus on their hearts not their clothing or hair or tattoos.

Valentines Day is an excellent time to express our love to our grandchildren and communicate to them how special they are to the Lord and us. You may even include a short prayer in the Valentine you send to them. This month each week I will be sharing on this prayer link Prayer Suggestions from scriptures dealing with the heart on this website I hope you will find helpful in praying for the hearts of your grandchildren.

In this electronic age, our ability to stay in touch with our grandchildren is enhanced.  We can send them a text message, call on the phone, send an email, or send cards or an e-card to keep in touch.  However, the younger grandchildren especially enjoy receiving mail from the mail carrier.

Praying deliberately for our grandchildren is a daily discipline. Communication between grandparents and grandchildren is unique and powerful.  When we take the time to connect with our grandchildren with our love, our prayers, and our example our lives will be enriched and filled with blessing.

Prayer requests:
Ask God to give you opportunities and creative ideas to connect with your grandchildren.
Ask God to give you unconditional love for your grandchildren.
Ask God to protect your grandchildren from the deception of the evil one who is trying to steal them from the Lord.

1. Helen Kooiman Hosier, Living the Lois Legacy (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2002), p. 108-109. A Focus on the Family Book  
© Lillian Penner