We are living in challenging times shaken by the unrest in the world around us. It seems like our world is sinking further into moral and spiritual depravity as we listen to the news. As grandparents, we fear for our grandchildren. The media-driven culture is trying to desensitize them and many of their role models are disappointing them. God is being pushed to the perimeter of our culture at the time when we really need Him. Our grandchildren need us to stand in the gap with our prayers for them.

The GRAND magazine statistics show there are over 70 million grandparents in the United States. Can you imagine the effect we would have if all of us were praying diligently and deliberately for our grandchildren? We could make an impact on their generation.

When you get discouraged after listening to the daily events on the newscast, have you thought about how to respond? Do you worry and complain or do you pray for those whom it affects?

God has given us prayer as the best weapon against the evil in our world today. The power of God is the only thing big enough in the world to help us rise above the economic, hostile conditions of our world and the difficult things we face in life. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10, 11, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” As grandparents, we need to be in the Word and growing in our walk with the Lord. When we demonstrate a strong faith in the Lord, we will be an example to our families.

As we begin this new year of 2009, ask God how He would like you to pray for your grandchildren. During this past year, I have shared many prayer suggestions for you to use to pray more effectively for your grandchildren. I am sure that many of you have some great ideas God has given you. I would appreciate it very much if you would share those ideas and suggestions with me. I think we as grandparents need to work together so we can do the best job possible to stand in the gap for our dear grandchildren in these difficult days. I would love to hear from you. Please email me at la.penner@hotmail.com.