A couple of years ago we started having biblestudy and prayer time before school. We've mostly read through a chapter of Proverbs each day. Other times we did specific studies on subjects such as humility and obedience. We focused on the love chapter of Corinthians for weeks until most every child had memorized it. Recently, we've been discussing a verse of two from my personal quiet time. I think it's especially helpful to the children for us to really apply one verse, rather than reading many verses quickly.
At the end, we each take turns praying for whomever comes to mind. I often give reminders about new situations that we should lift up in prayer. We have many family members that we aren't sure are saved so we always mention them. Rather than talking about them amongst ourselves, we agreed that praying for them daily was ideal. We never know the effect of our prayers on each person's daily life. But it is exciting to talk and dream about how God might choose to bless them.
Recently, I realized that one of our daily prayers had been answered in a surprising way. I do not want to forget how incredibly humbling and wonderful it was to know that someone's life has been dramatically changed! We haven't discussed this with the person/people for whom we are praying, but within our family we were able to praise God for His kindness towards us and them. In praying we aren't asking for a better relationship, or anything that would be a reward for us, that is what is so amazing.
We will definitely continue to be fervent in prayer for our loved ones and neighbors. We hope that we can be the answer to someone else's prayers for their loved one.
Prayer works. And we can never guess how. God is awesome!
