April 23, 2024
I have three pastors that I have met with every year for an accountability retreat. It is one of the highlights of my year and other than my family, these brothers are my richest relational treasure. We talk every week, and our lives now are intricately intertwined. We will ride into the sunset together, by the grace of God.
We’re celebrating our 30th year as we meet this week. We pray together, play together (some very competitive, but mediocre golf), and, most of all, talk incessantly and deeply about the things that concern us. Each meal, we take up a question or an issue to discuss and pray through. There are no boundaries in our discussions and total transparency. Total. Some of our conversations have gone on for hours--even days--and many have changed the trajectory of our lives.
A QUESTION
Yesterday, we asked this question at dinner: What are you most excited about regarding your future? One of our men said that what gets him up in the morning is the thought of his children and grandchildren growing mighty in Christ and their family line standing strong through succeeding generations, regardless of what comes. That thought stirred all of us, and we discussed how to accelerate that; how to help it along.
We realized we could invest more in each child and grandchild, giving them everything possible to grow in Christ. We could see equipping them as our highest assignment in these final decades. And we all agreed that prayer is our mightiest weapon, for prayer brings God into the equation. Prayer can do anything God can do for our family.
A PROMISE
This morning, April 23, 2024, in my normal Bible reading, God gave me a powerful promise to pray for our family and my friend’s families from Psalm 112 along these lines.
Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth. The generation of the upright will be blessed. (Psalm 112:1-2)
This demands something of us (fearing the Lord and delighting in obedience) and promises something for our families. I’ve added this to my prayer cards for my family. I’m excited to have this promise from God that I can pray through and stand on for each of them by name. And I’m trusting that the Father “from whom every family in heaven and earth derives its name” will accomplish this for His glory!
Father, I pray for my children and grandchildren and each succeeding generation. May every child and parent fear the Lord and greatly delight in Your commandments. May our delight in obedience show them that the will of God is “good, acceptable, and perfect.,” and that it is thrilling and joyful to obey. May our lives following You illustrate the best life and make them hungry for the same. May our faith challenge them to seek great things for God. Help us intentionally equip them with every possible means, particularly through unceasing, daily prayer. May our family honor You and stand firm regardless of the winds that blow in the nations, and our descendants be mighty on earth. And precious Father, may each generation be blessed with Your favor, manifest presence, and spiritual power!
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