“He and all his family were devout and God-fearing…
he prayed to God regularly.”
Acts 10:2
This past Christmas, Joshua and Gabrielle wrapped gifts for us (Daddy and Mommy) and put them under the tree. Our sweet cherubs had gone through their rooms and wrapped things they thought we would like to receive. “Re-gifting” is not yet in their understanding or purview, so their innocent delight in giving was truly a joy. (Call it the low-budget, frugal Christmas!)
One (re-) gift Gabrielle gave to me was a journal from the Dollar Tree that I had given to her previously. She was so excited as I was unwrapping this gift because she knows I love to keep journals at my Bible study/devotional spot at our dining room table. “Mommy, what are you going to use that journal for?!?!?” She asked me this question for several weeks after Christmas.
Because I knew she was so excited to give me this (re-) gift of a journal, I wanted to use it for something very special. I wanted to honor her back and fill its pages with something eternally meaningful. After several weeks of prayer and waiting on the Lord for His direction, I knew I should use this journal as a “Family Prayer Journal”.
In the margin of my Bible (which I have had for over 20 years) I have written “FP” next to certain scriptures that I lift up as prayers to God as “Family Prayers”. Truths from His Word that I desire for our family. Now, I write these Family Prayer scriptures in my Family Prayer Journal given to me by Gabrielle. While the (re-) gift of this journal originally came from The Dollar Tree (I love dollar stores!), the prayers penned on its pages are priceless to me and worth far more than precious jewels to this wife and mommy’s heart.
God is so good. I “just happen” to be reading The One-Year NIV Chronological Bible (click here) this year, along with Wendy Pope (click here) and hundreds of others around the country. So, by the end of 2009, this precious Family Prayer Journal will be filled from Genesis to Revelation with scriptures I am lifting up as prayers for me and my family. I am so excited to see all that He will do! “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Col. 4:2
Here are just a few scriptures that I have recorded in my Family Prayer Journal. These are scriptures that represent my heart prayers for my family. In the front of my FPJ, I wrote this little prayer: Dear Lord, please look upon these truths from scripture and receive them as my heart’s prayers for my family to You. I lift them up to You. I love you. Sharon”
“I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly”. Joshua 14:8
“Joshua read all the words of the law…” Joshua 8:34
“…to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.” Joshua 22:5
“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on Your laws. I hold fast to Your statues, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:30-32
“…future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim His righteousness for a people yet unborn — for He has done it.” Psalm 22:30-31
“…zeal for Your house consumes me.” Psalm 69:9
“Teach me Your ways, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name.” Psalm 68:11
Please share with us some things you are praying for your family!
“So Your servant has found courage to offer You this prayer. O Sovereign LORD, You are God! Your words are trustworthy, and You have promised these good things to Your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever in Your sight; for You, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with Your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”
2 Samuel 7:27-29
Unknown says
What a great idea Sharon!
I love it!
What a beautiful legacy to pass down to your children.
Hugs precious friend! I’ll email next week to set up some summer play dates!!!
Jill
Jim Sloan says
Most excellent, honey. Thank you for your prayers for our family, and for all the creative ways in which you allow the Lord to lead you.
Fields of gold says
Precious! What a thoughtful wife, mom and daughter of the King you are! Though I’m not married/no kids yet, the Lord prompted me years ago to begin building my husband and kids up in prayer. Job 22:21-30 (in the amplified is neat), and Psalm 16 are two that I pray often. Thanks for sharing your family’s traditions!
Unknown says
I love the sweet & geniune heart of a child.
Heather says
SHARON! What a great idea and what a sweet tribute to the beautiful hearts of your children. They are learning the truth through your example, what a blessing!
I love this post and the magnificent idea you have now passed along.
Love,
Heather
Joyful says
What a beautiful gift from your daughter and what a precious gift you are 're-gifting' to her and all your family as you continue in prayer.
No gift can be better than to know someone is praying for you.
Hugs,
Joy