Perseverance in Prayer and Practice: A 3-Day Parenting Planنموونە

Praying for Keeps

"Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)

My (Dr. Dobson) grandmother prayed for her six children throughout their formative years, but her youngest son—my father—was a particularly headstrong young man. For seven years following his high school graduation, he rejected the teachings of the church. Yet my grandmother never stopped praying.

One evening my Uncle Willis, who loved Jesus passionately, went looking for my dad (who was visiting his parents’ home) as the family prepared to go to church. “Jim,” he said, “aren’t you going with us to the service tonight?” “No, Willis,” my dad said. “I’m through with all of that. I don’t plan to ever go back again.” Willis said nothing. But as my father sat looking at the floor, he saw big tears splashing on his brother’s shoes. I’ll go, my dad thought, just because it means that much to him.

At the service that evening, James Dobson Sr. invited Jesus Christ into his heart—a decision he never wavered from the rest of his life. God answered the prayers of my grandmother by placing a key person at a critical crossroads. If you pray with persistence and confidence, He will do as much for your children, too.

Questions for Today . . .

• Do you pray for your kids with persistence and confidence?
• How have your prayers already changed the lives of your children?

Prayer . . .

Lord Jesus, You have taught to “pray always and not give up.” Strengthen me, Lord, to do this for my children. As long as You give us breath, help me to pray for the special lives You have entrusted me with, and to never give up or let up until we are all together in Your presence. Amen.

(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Parents. Used with permission.)

Bonus Content: Power for Generations

When a child of God prays, Scripture tells us it’s “powerful and effective.” This is especially meaningful when we pray for our children. Brenen and Morgan Beeler encourage you to make prayer the first and greatest priority in your day. By doing so, you open the door for you and your children to thoroughly enjoy an intimate relationship with God.