A GUIDE TO HOSTING AN EVENT

by the Prayer Ministry Team, Christian Grandparenting Network

On Sunday, September 8, 2024, Christian grandparents everywhere will be asked to stand in the gap together for our grandchildren just as Esther stood in the gap for her people during a desperate time. Together we will link arms with other grandparents in prayer for the sake of the next generations.

The purpose of gathering on this day is simple…we come together to pray. There can be no denying we live in a desperate moral and spiritual climate. Our grandchildren must navigate in a world that is increasingly hostile to truth. Satan has launched an aggressive attack on all fronts, whether the media, technology, education, social influences, and political pressures, to desensitize and cloud the boundaries of truth and righteousness that holds nations and families together.

The information in this blog will help you organize and implement a Grandparent’s Day of Prayer (GDOP) event at your church, school or neighborhood. YOU can make GDOP a reality in your church and community.

HISTORY

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a Senate proclamation, declaring the second Sunday of September as the national Grandparent’s Day. They cited the purpose of this day: “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

In the Spirit of this proclamation, Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN) has used this day as a call for grandparents to pray. Under the leadership of Lillian Penner, Christian Grandparenting Network declared the second Sunday of each September as a global Grandparent’s Day of Prayer. Perhaps at no other time in human history has a call to prayer been more urgently needed than today.

GLOBAL GRANDPARENT’S DAY OF PRAYER

As a grandparent, God has entrusted you with a sacred responsibility to impress upon another generation the message of God’s faithfulness and grace, and to stand in the gap on their behalf through prayer and the power of Christ living through you. Assuming this responsibility means taking seriously the effectiveness of prayer to keep their hearts and minds from falling captive to the enemy’s deception. 

Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons. The strongest weapon in our arsenal is prayer.  We need to get on our knees, humble ourselves, seek God’s face, repent of our sin, and intercede on behalf of our children, and grandchildren. Then, having done all, we must stand firm in our faith that God has heard and will answer our prayers according to His will.

Scripture tells us…

“Do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed . . .  for the battle is not yours but God’s,”
(2 Chronicle 20:15).

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them,” (Matthew 18:20).

HOSTING A GDOP EVENT

Prayer is urgently required. This is why we gather for this event. As grandparents or other members of Christ’s body, we stand in the gap on behalf of, not only our own grandchildren, but also all the children of our city (church), their families, those who teach them, and our nation.

Thank you for joining us for this critical cause for the sake of the next generations. We hope these suggestions will be helpful, although you can create your own ideas. We want to make this process as simple as possible so that you and others in your church or community can gather numbers of grandparents together for a Day of Prayer. Here is a quick summary of the steps you can take for a successful event:

PRIOR TO THE EVENT

1. Speak to your pastor or adult ministry leader about hosting a Grandparent’s Day of Prayer at your church.
2. Recruit a core group to help you plan this event.
3. Schedule a meeting place and time on September 8. 
4. Promote this event in the church newsletter. Create a promotional flier or postcard to invite grandparents from your church as well as those grandparents you know who do not attend your church.
5. Ask your pastor to announce this event during Sunday worship.

DURING THE EVENT

1. Use the information provided here as a guide for your time of prayer.
2. Make prayer a priority on this special day.
3. Optional: you may want to ask grandparents to bring pictures of their grandchildren for a visual as you pray. Another idea is to have everyone list the names of their grandchildren on a poster board or banner before you begin to pray.
4. Be respectful by running on time.

FOLLOWING THE EVENT

1. Build on this Day of Prayer to start a Grandparents@Prayer (G@P) group or promote an on-going one. For more information about G@P, please visit Grandparents@Prayer – Christian Grandparenting Network
2. Sign up to receive the 52 Weeks of Prayer, newly updated by Christian Grandparenting Network. Free Resources – Christian Grandparenting Network  (scroll past the Scripture cards)
3. Regularly contact your grandchildren and let them know you are praying for them.

SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENTS

Your Grandparent’s Day of Prayer celebration can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Your options are limitless. Here are some ideas you can consider:

• Senior’s Breakfast before church
• Church Luncheon
• Afternoon tea for grandmothers and their granddaughters
• Potluck dinner
• Chili party
• Grilling out in a grandparent’s backyard
• “Share Your Grandmother’s Favorite Recipe” dinner
• Homemade Ice Cream and Dessert gathering
• Gathering at a coffee shop, restaurant, or ice cream parlor

Note: Some churches don’t want an elaborate celebration. In this case, we suggest that you ask your pastor to celebrate Grandparent’s Day of Prayer by recognizing the grandparents (biological and surrogate) in the congregation and setting aside time during the service for grandparents to pray for their grandchildren.  

For those interested in hosting an event at church or in your home, we suggest the following program:

• Opening Prayer
  In just a moment, we will open in prayer. _________________________ (name of person) will lead us in that prayer. Next, we will then read a few passages of Scripture. Finally, we will break into groups of 5-6 grandparents (if feasible) and pray corporately. A guide has been included in your program to assist each group as they pray. Group leaders have already been designated to lead your group. We will gather together one last time for a song and final Benediction/Blessing.
• Suggested Scripture Readings (ESV version links below)

      Reader 1: Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39, 9-10; 6:4-9

      Reader 2: Jeremiah 2:5, 11-13, 19; 4:22; 6:16

      Reader 3: Philippians. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:17-19a 

• Corporate Prayer (see below)
• Song and Final Benediction (You may choose any song you want. Steve Green’s “Find Us Faithful” can be found on YouTube.

GUIDANCE FOR CORPORATE PRAYER

1. Pray for grandchildren’s protection from Evil One

2. Pray for military and grieving families

3. Pray for wisdom to represent Christ well in our example

4. Pray for teachers, youth leaders, parents

5. Pray for restoration of truth and moral foundations

PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS:

Dear God,

Thank you for grandparents everywhere who selflessly offer their time, resources, and hearts to their grandchildren.

Help them be the best grandparents they can be. Give them wisdom and discernment, as they strive to find a balance between being too strict or lenient.  Help them navigate time constraints, financial worries and difficult family dynamics, in order to build long-lasting relationships with their grandchildren. Show them how to love their children and grandchildren as you love them, unconditionally and without reservation or restraint. 

Let these dedicated grandparents give you thanks for the indescribable joy their grandchildren bring to this season of their lives. And please let them hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

In Jesus’ Name, we pray.

Amen

PRAYER FOR GRANDCHILDREN:

Abba Father,

We humbly pray you deliver our grandchildren from spiritual darkness. Bring them into the kingdom of your Son where they will discover light and life, redemption and restoration. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” please let them proclaim, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16).

We pray that our grandchildren, having received the gift of salvation, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing him in every way. May they bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. May they be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit with patience and endurance, especially during times of trials and tribulations. And may they give thanks for the spiritual inheritance that they share with all the saints, including us, their grandparents. (Colossians 1:9-14, paraphrased)

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.