Prayer 2

Prayer 2

I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.

Psalm 88:13, NIV

While preparing to speak to a moms’ group on the topic of spiritual nurturing, I asked my sons to help me remember some of the ways I had nurtured them during their growing-up years. One of Jordan’s responses was, “Through your prayers.” He explained, “I remember how nervous I was the first day of kindergarten, so I was thankful that we stood by the back door and prayed before we walked to school.” I smiled, and then I asked him if he remembered what happened right after that. When he looked at me quizzically, I was thankful that he’d forgotten.

That morning Chad had started high school, Nate had started junior high, and Jordan was about to start kindergarten. I wanted to give each boy a good send-off, so before 7:00 a.m., I made breakfast for Chad, prayed with him, and drove him to school. Before 8:00 a.m., I made breakfast for Nate, prayed with him, and drove him to school. Thinking that I was doing a good job of sending them all off, I stood at the back door and prayed with Jordan. But as soon as I finished praying and said, “Let’s walk to school!” Jordan said, “Mommy, don’t I get any breakfast?”

In spite of all my preparations, I had forgotten to feed the little fella. I wanted to cry, but instead I grabbed a granola bar and a juice box on our way out the door. I think I did have a good cry when I returned home, but I laugh about the story now.

I’m thankful that Jordan remembers my prayer and not my forgetfulness. And you know what? We still pray each morning—in the car on the way to high school.

Father,

Thanks for shared moments of prayer with our kids. We all need your help throughout each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.