I was blessed to have two great fathers, my late biological dad whom I love and miss so much, and my stepdad. I called both Daddy. I lived with my stepdad. I have vivid memories of prayer circles with my stepdad, mom, brother, and sister. We stood in the living room of our home surrounded by burnt orange-brown, late 70’s style furniture. Daddy would push back the matching wood center piece to our couch that boasted the famous log cabin and fall-leaves theme. I know you know that couch! We would all join hands in the center of the room to form a circle, bow our heads and pray.  Typically, Daddy would lead the prayer. His voice was strong, and the words rolled off his lips with the melody of an old-school gospel song. I remember Daddy as being a musical gift. He could sing, play the guitar, drums, and piano. My mom would join in as a witness to the goodness of God’s glory with a heartfelt “Amen” or “Glory be to God.”  Although we were grade school kids at the time, Daddy would pray that our destiny and purpose would be fulfilled. He prayed that God would guide us and keep us in good health and that God would also do the same for our future children – all in Jesus’s name. In hindsight, I realize that my parents knew we would stray and would need a solid foundation to fall back on.

Although we were grade school kids at the time, my dad would pray that our destiny and purpose would be fulfilled.

Those prayers stood the test of time and molded me into the woman that I am today.  Those same prayers that were sent up to heaven when I was just a kid comforted me in my teens when my circumstances made me feel all alone. They rescued me in my twenties when I fell victim to domestic violence.  I always found myself with my arms outstretched in church when I was confronted with mountains that could not be moved by me alone. My parent’s prayers led me to church.  Prayer led me to powerful mentors, positive relationships and to my best friend. 

Today as an adult, I hear my mom in her war room (spiritual command center, situation room, prayer room), praying for us and our families. As her mother did, our late beloved “Big Momma” whom we miss dearly, she spends countless nights down on her knees in prayer. Her prayers helped sustain me. Prayer lifted me and guided me on a brand-new career path when I lost my job years ago. Prayer gave me strength and power to endure when death and loss of loved ones hit me like a flood. Prayer uplifted me when my pain turned to anger, and the anger turned to bitterness. Prayer pulled me out of darkness when I internalized and digested my bitterness and poisoned myself to the point where I felt lifeless. Depression. Prayer helped breathe life into me when the anxiety was unbearable.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” – Matthew 6:6-8

My mom’s prayers pulled me out of darkness when I internalized and digested my bitterness and poisoned myself to the point where I felt lifeless.

I believe that collective generational prayers beyond my own understanding reached God. I too pray for my children and family. I am not a perfect woman. I am a sinner saved by grace. My parents were not perfect people, but they were prayer warriors. My parents knew the power of prayer and faith. Following in my mom’s footsteps, I have created my own war room and place of private worship. I kneel in prayer for my children and their future generation.

Prayer has been keeping my family and I safe through covid-19. Prayer gives us emotional strength as we watch social injustice, violence, and senseless killing unfold all through our country.

Prayers shaped me into a Godly woman of faith. Prayers gave me a new life through Jesus Christ. I encourage you to pray for your children daily.  Pray with your children.  Your prayers will stand the test of time.

My parents knew the power of faith and prayer.

A FEW PRAYER POINTS WHEN PRAYING FOR YOUR CHILDREN

• Thank God for your children
• Dedicate your children back to God
• Ask God for wisdom to set a good example and give Godly counsel and advice
• Ask God to allow his Holy Spirit to rest upon your children, give them discernment of right and wrong and lead them to salvation through Jesus Christ

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—

    the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

    the Spirit of counsel and of might,

    the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—

Isaiah 11:2

• Ask God to let the holy fear of the Lord rest upon your children
• Ask God to fulfill your children’s spiritual destiny and purpose
• Ask God to help your children to make wise friendship and relationship choices and intelligent career, financial and health decisions
• Ask God to guide your children to be positive influences

Better a little with the fear of the Lord

than great wealth with turmoil.

Proverbs 15:16

• Decree and Declare that your children will not lack
• Ask God to release your children from any negative friendships or relationships
• Ask God to heal and deliver your children
• Decree and declare that your children shall live long, healthy, full lives