If you believe in the power of prayer, join grandparents throughout the world to make National Grandparents Day on September 12, 2021, a Day of Prayer for our grandchildren and their parents.

Today our nations are being attacked like never before educationally, socially, financially, and spiritually. As a result, our grandchildren live in a desperate moral and spiritual climate navigating in a world hostile to truth.  “The world is working diligently to assimilate our young people to its way of thinking. What a young person believes about gender identity, marriage, and sexuality has major implications for the child and the adult they will become. Scripture is the source the shapes our views about God and his world and must be the focus for worldview development. We take our principles and practice from God’s Word, not the world.” 1 

Many years ago, Queen Esther stood in the gap for her people, the Jews, when their physical lives were threatened. Today, grandparents can stand in the gap for the spiritual lives of their grandchildren and their parents just as Esther.

Grandparents who believe in the power of prayer can pray their grandchildren will not become casualties from falling captive to the enemy’s deception. We are engaged in a spiritual battle that requires prayer as a weapon. Christian Grandparents have an opportunity to imprint another generation with God’s love and faithfulness intentionally. 

Over the years, thousands of grandparents have united in prayer on the Grandparents’ Day of Prayer for their families. Again, Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN) invites you to participate in this movement to intentionally pray for our grandchildren, our families, and our broken world. 

In addition, would you take the lead to organize an event, calling grandparents to join in prayer on September 12? This event could be in your church, in your home, in a retirement complex, or any meeting location you choose. CGN provides step-by-step guidelines, resources, and online tools to help you create a successful event that will engage grandparents in prayer for your event.

Will you accept the challenge to join grandparents throughout the world to unite in prayer on September 12 for their grandchildren?

“One generation will commend your (God’s) works to another,they will tell of your mighty acts” Psalm 145:4

Check out our website for blogs, endorsements, testimonials, and promotional materials, and free downloads. www.grandparentsdayofprayer.comFor additional information, contact Lillian Penner, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

By Lillian Penner, Prayer Director, Christian Grandparenting Network, lpenner@christiangrandpaarenting.net

1. Biblical Worldview, Dr. Josh Mulvihill, Renewanation, page 14,15

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith,

which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice?

I am persuaded, now lives in you also" (II Timothy 1:5 NIV)

If Timothy's grandmother Lois had not been faithful in passing on her faith to her daughter Eunice and grandson Timothy, we would not have the books I and II Timothy in the Bible today. Their example is an excellent generational example of the importance of passing on the faith to future generations. Lois is our forerunner who modeled grand mothering for us.

Isn't it interesting, nowhere in the Bible does it say that the church has the primary responsibility to pass on our faith to the next generation? It clarifies that parents and grandparents are the principal conduits to instruct their children and grandchildren about God and his love for them.

Today, many parents are not passing on the values and faith with which they were raised.

With the pressure on families today, grandchildren need our hugs, reassurance, and wisdom more than ever. It is also imperative for us to communicate to our grandchildren that we love them and accept them, even though we may disagree with their behavior. In today's broken world, Satan's purpose is to destroy the family. Therefore, we must pray God will give the mothers and fathers of our dear grandchildren godly wisdom in the monumental task of teaching and guiding our grandchildren in the ways of the Lord.

Therefore, grandparents have a crucial role to fill if faith is to be found on earth when he comes back for his own. In the Bible, we read about many people God used in the autumn season of life for life's most significant work. According to God's Word, God wants grandparents to focus on passing a godly legacy to the next generation. The demonstrations of our faithful walk with the Lord and our prayers for our grandchildren are effective ways to pass on our faith to the next generation.

In Proverbs 27:19, we read, "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person" (NLT). What does the reflection of our "real person" reflect? When we are committed to read and meditate on God's Word, we will replicate a life transformed into his image. As we invest in our walk with the Lord, we are spiritually investing in the lives of our grandchildren by modeling a godly example. As spiritual role models, we can demonstrate the reality of walking with God through both the storms and sunny days of our lives.

Do your grandchildren see authenticity and sincerity about you in your relationship with God? What a blessing it would be for me to hear my grandchildren say, "I want to have a relationship with the Lord like my grandmother modeled for me." I hope I can say in the years to come, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children and grandchildren are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4).

Ask yourself:

• What kind of memories will my grandchildren have of me when I pass away?
• Is my walk with the Lord what do I want to be reflected in my grandchildren's lives?
• Do I want my grandchildren to imitate my spiritual life?
• Will they want my Jesus?

Prayer

Dear Lord, forgive me when I have not taken the time to read your Word or modeled the life of a godly grandparent.

Help me to take the time to read and meditate on your Word every day so that I will reflect your face in the heart of my grandchildren.

Help me to be a godly example, teaching my grandchildren to live lives of truth

with integrity, authenticity, and seriousness.

Help me give sound, wise, wholesome counsel and guidance,

encouraging my grandchildren to know and follow Christ wholeheartedly.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

By Lillian Penner, Prayer Director for Christian Grandparenting Network,

lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith,

which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice?

I am persuaded, now lives in you also" (II Timothy 1:5 NIV)

If Timothy's grandmother Lois had not been faithful in passing on her faith to her daughter Eunice and grandson Timothy, we would not have the books I and II Timothy in the Bible today. Their example is an excellent generational example of the importance of passing on the faith to future generations. Lois is our forerunner who modeled grand mothering for us.

Isn't it interesting, nowhere in the Bible does it say that the church has the primary responsibility to pass on our faith to the next generation? It clarifies that parents and grandparents are the principal conduits to instruct their children and grandchildren about God and his love for them.

Today, many parents are not passing on the values and faith with which they were raised.

With the pressure on families today, grandchildren need our hugs, reassurance, and wisdom more than ever. It is also imperative for us to communicate to our grandchildren that we love them and accept them, even though we may disagree with their behavior. In today's broken world, Satan's purpose is to destroy the family. Therefore, we must pray God will give the mothers and fathers of our dear grandchildren godly wisdom in the monumental task of teaching and guiding our grandchildren in the ways of the Lord.

Therefore, grandparents have a crucial role to fill if faith is to be found on earth when he comes back for his own. In the Bible, we read about many people God used in the autumn season of life for life's most significant work. According to God's Word, God wants grandparents to focus on passing a godly legacy to the next generation. The demonstrations of our faithful walk with the Lord and our prayers for our grandchildren are effective ways to pass on our faith to the next generation.

In Proverbs 27:19, we read, "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person" (NLT). What does the reflection of our "real person" reflect? When we are committed to read and meditate on God's Word, we will replicate a life transformed into his image. As we invest in our walk with the Lord, we are spiritually investing in the lives of our grandchildren by modeling a godly example. As spiritual role models, we can demonstrate the reality of walking with God through both the storms and sunny days of our lives.

Do your grandchildren see authenticity and sincerity about you in your relationship with God? What a blessing it would be for me to hear my grandchildren say, "I want to have a relationship with the Lord like my grandmother modeled for me." I hope I can say in the years to come, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children and grandchildren are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4).

Ask yourself:

• What kind of memories will my grandchildren have of me when I pass away?
• Is my walk with the Lord what do I want to be reflected in my grandchildren's lives?
• Do I want my grandchildren to imitate my spiritual life?
• Will they want my Jesus?

Prayer

Dear Lord, forgive me when I have not taken the time to read your Word or modeled the life of a godly grandparent.

Help me to take the time to read and meditate on your Word every day so that I will reflect your face in the heart of my grandchildren.

Help me to be a godly example, teaching my grandchildren to live lives of truth

with integrity, authenticity, and seriousness.

Help me give sound, wise, wholesome counsel and guidance,

encouraging my grandchildren to know and follow Christ wholeheartedly.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

By Lillian Penner, Prayer Director for Christian Grandparenting Network,

lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

In these insecure, unstable times we live in today. Young families are busy with their jobs, church activities, children’s activities, etc. There are many distractions for them in their marriage, employment, and parenting. 

In today’s broken world, Satan’s purpose is to destroy the family. It is important that we pray God will give our children wisdom and time management in their monumental task of guiding our grandchildren in the ways of the Lord.

Prayer

Dear Lord, first, I want to thank you for the parents of my grandchildren.

Help my children to value their children in the same way You value them.

I pray they will commit to the responsibility You have given

them to teach the children to love You and train them

according to your parenting manual, God’s Word.

Give our children wisdom to manage their time so they will be able

to take the time to teach our grandchildren the ways of the Lord.

Give them wisdom on how to nurture and care for the children.

I pray they will be loving and caring parents.

May the children see their home and family as a “safe place.”

Help them to rule their home well,

not provoking the children to anger.

Help them to be fair and understand the children as You understand us.

Pour out your Spirit upon my children,

as they parent my dear grandchildren.

Bless their homes.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Lillian Penner

PS:  I have developed “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren” that many grandparents have found helpful to pray Scripture for their grandchildren. Just by joining the mailing list on the right side of this page, you will receive blogs about grandparenting and suggestions to pray for your grandchildren.  I will email you a free downloadable copy of “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” you can print.   

I have two granddaughters attending college at this time. I will have four granddaughters in college in the fall. I have found these Suggestions and Scriptures helpful in praying for them. I feel it's important that my husband and I stay in contact with them, so I have been sending them a short text to let them know I am praying for them and love them. Often, I ask them how we can pray for them. If you have grandchildren in college/or young adults, I hope you will find these suggestions and Scriptures helpful to pray intentionally for your grandchildren.

Never underestimate the power of a grandparent's prayers. Just knowing that you are praying for them will act as a reminder if you tell them you are praying for them.

Suggestions to Pray for your Young adult Grandchildren

Pray, they will:

1. Experience the reality of a relationship with Jesus Christ and live the adventure of following Jesus.
2. Grow spiritually with a hunger for God's Word.  
3. Be motivated, disciplined, and challenged to apply themselves in their studies to excel academically.
4. Seek God's wisdom and direction in their management of time, money, and talents.
5. Think creatively and live with integrity.
6. Recognize their gifts so they can find their God-given assignment.
7. Provide the resources to fulfill their God-given assignment.
8. Date wisely (which leads to a spouse for a lifetime).
9. Find a spouse with a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
10. Remain sexually pure for marriage.
11. Be willing to accept responsibility and make wise financial decisions.
12. Have open communication and a good relationship with their parents.
13. Recognize the deception of the world and flee from it.
14. Be covered with God's safekeeping physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
15. Choose friends who will have a positive influence.
16. Have a balanced view of their beauty, charm, and strength. 1

Scriptures to Pray for your Young Adult Grandchildren

Dear Father, I pray that:    (Insert your child's name)

1.  Peace

________ will not worry about anything but pray about everything.    Philippians 4:6

2. Protection from the Enemy

________ will be alert and watch for the temptations from the Enemy, standing firm in his/her faith.                       I Peter 5:8, 9

3. Responsibility

________ will learn to be responsible for his/her actions and behavior. Galatians 6:5

4. Salvation

________ will believe that Jesus loves him/her and died for his/her sins so he/she can have a personal relationship with you and enjoy eternal life. John 3:16

5. Security

_________ will always remember that you will never leave nor forsake him/her.  Joshua 1:56

6. Self-control

________will live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God.  Titus 2:12

7. Servant's Heart

________will develop a servant's heart, serving wholeheartedly, as to the Lord and not men. Eph. 6:7

8. Anxiety

__________will cast all his/her anxieties and disappointments on you. I Peter 5:7

9. Spiritual Growth

_______will be rooted and built up in his/her faith, growing strong in the truth as he/she was taught.  Colossians 2:7

10. Guard

________ will guard his/her heart, for it is the wellspring of his/her life. Proverbs 4:23

11. Thankfulness

_______ will learn to give thanks in everything, no matter what happens.  I Thessalonians 5:18

12. 12. Timidity/Fear

_______will not have a spirit of fear and timidity, but the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. II Tim. 1:7

13. Trust the Lord

 ______ will trust You with all his/her heart and not depend on his/her own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5

14. Wisdom

 when _______needs wisdom, he/she will ask you for it, for You are waiting for him/her to ask.  James 1:5

15. Hunger for God's Word

______will hunger and thirst for the Word. Matthew 5:6

• Taken from the book, Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren, available on this website.

Written by Lillian Penner,  Pray Director for ChristianGrandparenting Network, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

When we see the daffodils and tulips blooming during springtime, we often think of preparing our gardens. I grew up on a farm in the Midwest, and we always had a garden to grow our potatoes and vegetables. As I was thinking about sowing seeds in the garden, I was reminded of the fruit of the Spirit in (Galatians 5:22, 23 TLB) “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

 When we invite Christ into our lives, the seed for the fruit of the Spirit is sown into our hearts. A life controlled by the Holy Spirit will exhibit the character traits of the fruit of the Spirit.    

To produce a profitable crop the seeds, need watering, sunshine, weeding, and pruning. When our grandchildren enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes into their hearts, preparing the soil for the seed of the fruit to be sown in their hearts. Along with the sun, the ground needs watering with God’s Word for the seed to sprout and grow. Jesus, the Son of God, must shine on their heart for the plants to grow. After the weeding and pruning have taken place, the seeds will produce a good crop.

We can aggressively pray, knowing it is God’s will, for the godly seed to be sown in the lives of our children, grandchildren, and future generations. The seeds of prayer we plant today will yield a harvest of blessing in the future. God has given us a powerful resource in the avenue of prayer to bring power and blessing to their lives as well as ours. Just as God told the Israelites, “I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants” (Isaiah 44:3), God will pour out his blessings on our lives when we sow seeds of prayer.

Pray:

• Your grandchildren will allow God to prepare the soil of their hearts.
• Your grandchildren will invite Jesus Christ into their hearts.
• Their hearts will be watered with God’s Word for the seed to grow.
• They will allow the Holy Spirit to control their hearts.
• They will experience God’s presence and love in their hearts when being weeded and pruned with disappointments in the challenges of life.

Personal Reflection:

• What needs to happen before life will exhibit the character traits of the fruit of the Spirit?
• What results will the seeds of prayer bring to us?
• Have you used God’s Word when praying for your grandchildren?

The seeds of intentional prayer you sow today

will yield a harvest of blessings in the future

for your grandchildren and yourself.

This blog is taken from the book Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren, available on this website.

Written by Lillian Penner

The Christmas tree, the most significant symbol of Christmas, is an evergreen tree, representing life. The custom of erecting a Christmas tree is historically traced to the 15th century. “The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts, or other foods. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electrification. Today, there are many traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star might be placed at the top of the tree to represent angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. [1]

The branches on the evergreen tree remind us of the many roles we have in our lives, such as parenting, grandparenting, etc. They also remind us of all the relationships we have with our family, friends, neighbors, careers, hobbies, activities, sports, etc. As we submit each of these branches to God, He will adorn them with ornaments, as He develops our character, with the fruit of the Spirit. 

Let’s look at the ornaments as representing the fruit of the Spirit. If we accept God’s unconditional LOVE in our hearts, allowing His love to flow through us to others, it will give us JOY. Our hearts will be full of joy amidst the daily challenges in our lives because “The joy of the Lord will be our strength.”  When we experience the joy of the Lord as our strength, we will have peace. PEACE is calmness in our hearts amidst the challenges we face, extending through our lives to others. After our adorning with love, joy, and peace will empower us with PATIENCE, an attitude that does not lose hope for others even if they irritate or hurt us. KINDNESS expressed with our words and deeds to a sad or lonely heart maybe their connection for Jesus. Then GOODNESS will flow into good works from our kind heart, reflecting the character of God attracting others to Jesus. 

Another ornament placed on the tree is FAITHFULNESS. Just as God is faithful to us, it is vital that we, too, are dependable and trustworthy at all times. Faithfulness brings us to GENTLENESS, an ability to be pleasant, composed, and controlled in the daily challenges of life. The last ornament we will place on the tree is SELF-CONTROL, which adorns our lives with the character of strength to restrain us from doing wrong. We cannot have self-control without all the other ornaments.

Then we will wrap the tree with a garland of God’s righteousness and place the star on the top directing people to Jesus. We will plug in the lights illuminating the tree representing Jesus the light of the world, a symbol of hope. Just as we have beautiful Christmas trees in our homes, our lives will be beautiful when adorned with the fruit of the Spirit. 

This year let’s give our grandchildren a spiritual application of the Christmas tree representing everlasting life adorned with the ornaments of the fruit of the Spirit, wrapped with the garland of God’s love, the star directing others to Jesus, and shining as lights in a dark world. 

Pray that your grandchildren will stand as a symbol of hope in a dark world adorned in the strength and beauty of the fruit of the Spirit like the beautiful Christmas tree.

The greatest and most lasting Christmas gift you can give your grandchildren is the gift of a praying grandparent.

By Lillian Penner, Prayer Director for Christian 
Grandparenting Network, pennerlp@gmail.com

 As I was looking at the forlorn misshapen tree standing in the snow on the cover of a book, I was reading last week, I was reminded of the Christmas tree we had at my house when I was a child.  

When I was six years old, my parents had very little money to spend at Christmas. In order for my parents to have enough money to buy a present for me, they decided to cut a branch from our juniper tree in the yard for our Christmas tree. I remember at the time, I thought it was ugly, straggly, and misshapen and I was disappointed. I wished they would buy a tree from a Christmas tree lot in town like other families. 

However, I recently found a picture taken that year with me standing by the branch (tree). After we had decorated it with a garland made of popcorn and cranberries, hung a few ornaments, and silver tinsel; the tree did not look too bad.  Remember when the silver tinsel was popular?

Now when I remember what the straggly juniper branch looked like and compare it to the beautifully, decorated shaped tree in my home I see it differently. I see the straggly forlorn branch as a person’s life without God or one depleted from nourishment and the beautifullyshaped tree in my home as a person’s life filled with God’s love, purpose, and decorated with ornaments representing the fruit of the Spirit.

God can take a straggly, forlorn life and transform it into a beautiful shaped fulfilled life. Jesus tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”  He can change the straggly life into a beautiful new life, a flourishing life, filled with love, peace, and joy if we believe in him.   

Often, our lives can become damaged and appear like a straggly, forlorn tree, misshapen by the trials, challenges, and disappointments of life. However, our lives can be transformed by the renewing of our minds with His Word into flourishing lives. 

God promises that when we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, giving Him every area of our lives, we will take on a true and proper shape. We will become a flourishing tree pointing others to God. 

When you see a Christmas tree this year, I hope it reminds you of the new life we can have in Christ Jesus, everlasting life when we invite Him into our lives and trust Him with the challenges and disappointments of life. 

• Do you or any of your family members feel like a tree twisted, damaged, and made crooked by the fears, circumstances, difficulties, or sin in their lives?
• Do you or any of your family members feel all alone in this world?

God is waiting to give you and your family members' new life, nourishment, and fulfillment. 

• Ask God to show you, your family and friends areas that need to be humbly submitted to the Lord, laying down all before Him as the wise men did when they brought their gifts to baby Jesus.
• Ask God to help you, your family and friends to give the damaged, flawed, and misshapen areas of life to the Lord, resulting in flourishing beautiful God-shaped lives for Him.

This post was taken from the book Grandparenting with a Purpose available for purchase at http://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com. at a discounted price of $15.00 including shipping. It will make an excellent gift for the grandparents in your family.

By Lillian Penner, Prayer Director for Christian Grandparenting Network

As our countries face many difficult issues, amidst the riots, the uncertainly with the COVID 19 pandemic. It's easy to get discouraged, especially when thinking of the world our grandchildren are living in today. However, we have a big God bigger than the challenges and struggles we experience at this time and our grandchildren's future. In the Bible, we have an excellent example of how Joshua and Caleb handled their challenges.

However, we have a big God bigger than the challenges and struggles we experience at this time and in our grandchildren's future. In the Bible, we have an excellent example of how Joshua and Caleb handled their challenges.

Moses sent Joshua, Caleb, and the ten other men on a scouting exploration to Canaan, as spies to the Promised Land. After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned to Moses to give their reports. Ten of the spies said that it was a magnificent area, but the people are mighty, and their cities are fortified and very large. The people are giants, much stronger than we are; we would not be able to attack them.

However, Joshua and Caleb reported to Moses that the land was right, God would lead them, and they had nothing to fear because their God was bigger than their obstacles. How do you see God? Do you see God big enough to meet your challenges and struggles?

God often allows challenging situations in our lives for a purpose, teaching us to depend more on Him. Although trials and problems are inevitable, they can be our friends. Pray your grandchildren will learn to expect them, submit to them, and learn from them. The challenges and struggles they are facing are not meant to destroy them. They are designed to promote spiritual growth, develop character, and make them capable of fulfilling their God-given assignments. Our adversities may be blessings in disguise.

God sometimes wants to demonstrate to us truth about Himself. Only through trials do we move from academic faith to practical faith. As grandparents, we can pray our grandchildren will see their challenges as exercises designed to become stronger spiritually and mature in their character.

Pray your grandchildren will invite Jesus into their hearts, hide God’s Word in their hearts, and grow in their spiritual lived.

Pray that your grandchildren will see God as a great, big, strong God they can trust at all times, in all circumstances like Joshua and Caleb.

Taken from Numbers 13

Prayer Suggestions:

I have developed “31 Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren” which many grandparents have found helpful. Taken from the book, Revised and Expanded Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren. The book is available on this website for a discounted price of $15.00 including shipping. The book will encourage you, challenge you, and give you many suggestions to intentionally pray for your dear grandchildren of all ages including “Scripture

s to Pray for Teens and Grandparents’ to pray for themselves” in the book.

By Lillian Penner, Prayer Director Christian Grandparenting Network, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

During this autumn season, I am reminded of my childhood, growing up on a wheat farm in Oklahoma. In the summer after the wheat harvest, my father would prepare the soil for the next year’s crop, and in the autumn, he would sow the wheat seed. We would wait for the rains to water the seed, fertilizer, and wait for it to come up and watch it grow throughout the winter months. We would see the wheat heads form and ripen to a golden color for the harvest in early June in the spring. We had faith that once the seed was in the ground, rains would come, nature would take its course, and the golden heads of wheat would be ready to be harvested next summer.  

Our prayers can be like a seed.

It reminds me of when we pray for our grandchildren; we are sowing seed, asking God in faith to draw our grandchildren to him with gentle cords of love. Once we have asked, things start happening behind the scenes; whether we are asleep or awake, God is at work, preparing an answer to our prayers. In God’s timing, the answer will be evident, and we will “reap” the results of our seed (prayer) sown.

However, we must have faith; trusting God is at work even when it seems like nothing is happening while waiting for the seed (prayers) to sprout, grow, and bring forth a harvest.

One little seed has many potentials, it seems so small, but under the right conditions, this one seed can grow into a plant that will yield a great harvest! Spiritual multiplication is the same. The seed (prayers) that we sow in our grandchildren's lives will produce a harvest of blessing in the future, even into future generations.

This week we were talking with one of our grandsons he was telling us of his desire to grow in his relationship with Jesus. He was spending more time in God’s Word and was involved in a Bible study. It reminded me that we had sowed the seed with our prayers, and the seed sprouted and was being watered with God’s Word for growth. What a blessing for us to hear our prayers are being answered.

Questions:

• What are you asking God in faith for your grandchildren today?
• Are you able to fully trust God with the prayers that you are sowing to bring forth a harvest in the lives of your grandchildren?

“And let us not grow weary while doing good,

for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart”

(Galatians 6:9, NKJV).

Additional prayer helps:

I have developed “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren.” Many grandparents using these Scriptures to pray for their grandchildren have found them helpful. Just by joining the mailing list on the right side of this page you will receive grandparenting blogs and prayer suggestions to pray for your grandchildren regularly. I will send you a free downloadable copy of “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren.”

By Lillian Penner, Christian Grandparenting Staff, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.com

In John chapter 11, we read about Lazarus's death, where Mary and Martha sent word to their dear beloved friend Jesus to let him know their brother to Lazarus had become very ill. They expected Jesus to come immediately to heal their brother, but he did not come. Disappointed, they wondered why Jesus didn’t come right away.

Jesus had a different plan; he told the disciples, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it". He loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus very much, but stayed in Galilee teaching and healing the sick on God's timetable.

Two days later, Jesus told his disciples it was time to go to Judea to see Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Martha said to Jesus, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Mary's response to Jesus

Nevertheless, Jesus went to the grave deeply moved, asking to have the stone removed from the tomb.  Martha said, "But Lord, by this time, there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Jesus told her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God." Then Jesus prayed to the Father, and called out in a loud voice,"Lazarus, come out," and Lazarus came out of the tomb.  After Lazarus rose from the dead, many who had come to be with Mary and Martha placed their faith in him.

Mary and Martha were disappointed because God did not answer immediately. However, think of all the people he had the opportunity to heal and teach during those two days, believing in him. Jesus, God's Son, knew the Father's plan and His timetable. It was not God's plan to heal Lazarus when he was sick. He wanted to glorify his Son by raising Lazarus from the dead.  

He is Still on Time, Even When We Think He is Late

Our finite minds cannot grasp God's infinite ways of answering our prayers. We have no idea how many times He is waiting on us for the proper time to respond. Sometimes God needs to work in our hearts, character, or another person before Answering our prayers. When we get discouraged and impatient, we have to remind ourselves that God's timing is always perfect. He knows what is best for us.

• How do you respond when God does not answer your prayers according to your plans?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father help me to trust You.

Please help me to remember that you see the overall picture

and know what is best for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Written by Lillian Penner, Christian Grandparenting prayer ministry

I have developed “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren” that many grandparents have found helpful to pray Scripture for their grandchildren. Just by joining the mailing list on the right side of this page you will receive the blogs about grandparenting and suggestions to pray for your grandchildren.  I will also email you a free downloadable copy of “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” you can print.   

I have had a passion for praying intentionally for my nine grandchildren for many years, ages 17 to 38 years and now we have five great-granddaughters, ages 9 months to 7 years. They are such a blessing to me and my husband.

Ten years ago, I was encouraged to write the book, Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren. The book is bursting with creativity and practical applications equipping you to cultivate godliness in this generation. I want to share my passion for praying intentionally for my grandchild and great-grandchildren with you.   

We all know our world is in turmoil and confusion as we face two current pandemics, the problems of prejudice and injustice plaguing us right now, as the culture stretches our godly boundaries. One thing is crystal clear: politics will not heal us, and the government will not fix us. However, Grandparents must unite in a massive prayer movement rescue of our dear grandchildren and their parents. The “Revised and Expanded” Grandparenting with a Purpose, Effective Ways to Pray for Your Grandchildren" is designed to encourage and equip grandparents to pray for their grandchildren and their parents intentionally.

Since I have had many requests for a study guide to go with the chapters.  I have expanded the book with additional chapters and a study guide for each chapter, which you will find useful.

• I have found many hurting estranged grandparents today with heavy hearts, so I am addressing that issue in a chapter. Is your grandparenting Painful or a blessing?
• I include a section looking at a view of the culture our grandchildren and their parents are navigating today.
• God’s Design for grandparenting plus several additional chapters and Scriptures to Pray for Teens and Scriptures for Grandparents to pray for themselves.

Ken R. Canfield, PHD., Founder of the National Association for Grandparenting and Grands Matter, writes, “This book is a must-read for any grandparent who hungers for supernatural strength and insight and who labors on behalf of their children and grandchildren.”

The Softcover book retails for $14.99 plus shipping. However, I have a special offer of $15.00, including shipping costs in the U.S. I will include four bonus prayer cards:

1. 31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren
2. More A Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren
3. Scriptures for Grandparents to pray for themselves
4. Scriptures to Pray for Teenagers

The eBook is available for $4.99 from Amazon on their website, which is excellent for foreign orders to save shipping costs.

PS: Have you heard about the Virtual Grandparents Day of Prayer on September 13, 2020.

To learn about it go to  https://christiangrandparenting.com/prayer/grandparents-day-of-prayer/

To Buy Now: On this site, click on the Purchase button, complete order form, and the book and bonus will be shipped immediately for orders in the U.S.

My prayer is for you to be encouraged in your prayer life for your grandchildren and their parents as you read this book.

By Lillian Penner, Church Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network,

Author of Grandparenting with a Purpose and blogger. pennerlp@gmail.com

Let’s make National Grandparents’ Day on September 13, 2020, a Day of Prayer for our grandchildren and their parents!

 What Is the Need?

The enemy prowls like a lion, infiltrating our culture with lies and deception. He attacks our families at all levels. Even our Christian faith is under attack. As a result, parents and grandparents find themselves in a tug-of-war for the souls of their children and grandchildren.

Paul warns us, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Barna Research confirms Paul’s warning. Fifty-eight percent of adults living in the United States agree that “identifying moral truth is up to each individual; there are no moral absolutes that apply to everyone, all the time. Surprisingly, forty-eight percent of adults identified as born-again Christians agreed with the statement.”[1] 

God has given grandparents a sacred trust – an opportunity to imprint another generation with His love and faithfulness. We need to intercede for the hearts, minds, and souls of our grandchildren and their parents, praying they don’t fall captive to the enemy’s deception.

With this in mind, the Prayer Ministry is inviting you and your church families to join us on National Grandparents’ Day (September 13th) for a Virtual Grandparents’ Day of Prayer.

WHAT IS A “VIRTUAL GRANDPARENTS’ DAY OF PRAYER”?

Several years ago, the prayer ministry of Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN) saw the urgency to establish a day for grandparents to unite in prayer. Under the leadership of Lillian Penner, the second Sunday of September was named Grandparents’ Day of Prayer. This day coincided with the National Grandparents’ Day in the United States. Churches enthusiastically responded by hosting events such as grandparent prayer breakfasts, luncheons and afternoon teas.

The present pandemic has forced many churches to close or limit the amount of available seating. Therefore, instead of the traditional Grandparents’ Day of Prayer, we are inviting you, as grandparents, to observe a Virtual Grandparents’ Day of Prayer on September 13th. We are encouraging you to pray with at least one other grandparent over the phone, via a conferencing tool such as Zoom, or in-person with careful observance of social distancing guidelines.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS?

Prior to September 13th:

1. Enlist at least one other grandparent to pray with you.
2. Select a time and “location” (ie. phone call, Zoom chat or social distanced).
3. Markdown this information on your calendar.

 On September 13th:

1. Connect virtually with the other grandparents.
2. Open with a brief devotion.
3. Pray together for the salvation and sanctification of your grandchildren and their parents.
4. Close with the Lord’s Prayer.

After September 13th: 

Consider praying monthly with the other grandparent(s) for one year.

To learn more go to: https://christiangrandparenting.com/prayer/grandparents-day-of-prayer/

[1] The findings are part of the American Worldview Inventory and were released by George Barna, director of research at the cultural research center at Arizona Christian University.

By Lillian Penner,

GDOP Coordinator, Christian Grandparenting Prayer ministry

lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

It seems like our social media, financial, and email accounts get hacked now and then. When that happens, we change our passwords to protect our privacy since we don’t want intruders to access our accounts. Passwords protect our accounts.

I recently heard a message that spoke to my heart about guarding my heart just as I protect my Internet accounts.  We read in God’s Word that we are to guard our hearts. In Proverbs 4:23, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”  Don’t let the enemy hack your heart.

How Do We Guard Our Hearts?

We can protect, defend, and shield our hearts from Satan by developing an intimate relationship with God. Paul tells us, “Set your hearts on things above . . . Not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1, 2) The enemy wants to rob our hearts; he tries to get us overwhelmed, defeated, tired, and so busy that when God wants to get our attention, His call goes to “voice mail”. As grandparents, we can set an example by demonstrating that our relationship with God is a high priority.

We must guard our hearts because God valued our hearts, the hearts of our grandchildren, and their parents since He sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to die on the cross for our sins.

Do you have a password to guard your heart against the distractions and business of your life? My favorite password is Joshua 1:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. When the enemy tries to hack my heart, I claim my password. Do you have a password to keep your heart from being hacked by the enemy, if you don’t have one, find one in God’s Word before your next attack?

 Our grandchildren are living amid a cultural and spiritual battle, a brutal and vicious war against a subtle and friendly enemy (Satan) who knows his time is short. We have a responsibility to pray for them and encourage them to guard their hearts.

Don’t let the enemy rob your heart; he tries to get you overwhelmed, defeated, tired, and so busy that when God wants to get your attention, His call often goes to “voice mail”. Spend time in His Word. Don’t forget your password when you need to guard your heart against your busy schedule, and you don’t have a chance to cover your grandchildren and their parents in prayer.

That is why Christian Grandparenting Network is asking grandparents throughout the world to unite in prayer for their grandchildren and their parents.

Watch for information about the upcoming

Grandparents’ Day of Prayer on September 13, 2020.

 There was a time when the word “grandparent” evoked images of rocking chairs, gray hair, wrinkles, and big meals. However, things have changed. Recent data indicates about one-third of all adults are grandparents, and their average age is 64, and the average age for becoming a grandparent is around 47. My husband and I became grandparents at 43.

Now, not only has our image of a grandparent become fuzzy, so has the grandparent’s understanding of their role. Messages aimed at a [population with money to spend and time to spare), scream, “Indulge yourself. You’ve earned it, live independently.

God is the Creator and Designer of all. Grandparenting is His idea. He created it, and His Word has much to say about it. Within the pages of the Bible, God defines the role of grandparent and describes how to carry it out. It is here where we find the answers to our confusion and learn what God has to say about grandparenting.

If you want to understand God’s design and yearn to grandparent with a purpose for the glory of God. I invite you to join me in exploring what His Word has to say about the biblical portrait of a goodly grandparent.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his child’s children,  . . . (Proverbs 13:22).

That you may fear the Lord God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long (Deuteronomy 6:2).

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts (Psalm 145:3-4).

Be careful to obey all these words that I command you that is may go well with you and with your children after you forever when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 12:28).

There are many more verses, but I hope these will give you an idea of a biblical design for a grandparent. And how to live out God’s design.

I am praying that God will do a mighty work in the lives of grandchildren all over the world through grandparents committed to His biblical design. I am also praying you will fulfill your assigned role with purpose and pray intentionally for your grandchildren and their parents.

I have used exerts of my friend, Deborah Haddix ‘s book, Biblical Portrait of Grandparenting, Discovering and Living Out God’s Design of our Role. It is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Portrait-Grandparenthood-Discovering-Living-ebook/dp/B07NP7984P/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=deborah+haddix&qid=1590960666&sr=8-8     In fact the Kindle book is free.

I have developed “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren” that many grandparents have found helpful to pray Scripture for their grandchildren. Just by joining the mailing list on the right side of this page, you will receive the blogs about grandparenting and suggestions to pray for your grandchildren.  I will email you a free downloadable copy of Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” you can print.   

By Lillian Penner, Author of Grandparenting with a Purpose, www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com,pennerlp@gmail.com

Have you heard about the new “Revised & Expanded Grandparenting with a Purpose" book? It is filled with effective ways to pray intentionally for your precious grandchildren. An excellent grandparenting book to read while sheltered at home.

In addition to the senior discounts, God has given most of us the special gift of grandparenting when we approach our mid-life season of life. The privilege of being a grandparent frequently is called “the frosting on the cake.” a special time in life.

We are living in challenging times as the world is sinking into spiritual depravity. The media-driven culture is desensitizing our grandchildren and many of their role models are disappointing them. Since our world is in moral and spiritual decline, we are in a battle for the minds and hearts of our dear grandchildren. The enemy is trying to steal their lives and the plans God has for them. In addition to trying to destroy their faith, the enemy is trying to destroy the morals of our country, especially the family unit. It is urgent that we stand in the gap to pray for the spiritual, emotional, and physical protection of our grandchildren and their parents so they do not become victims of our culture.

However, God has given grandparents a sacred trust, an opportunity to imprint a child’s life with God’s faithfulness. Just as Esther stood in the gap for her people, the Israelites, when their lives were threatened, we can stand in the gap for our grandchildren with our example and our prayers. By standing in the gap, reflecting our love for God, we share how He has blessed us as we walk with Him and continue to grow in our relationship with Him.

Dr. Ken Canfield, Founder of the Nat’l Assoc. for Grandparenting and Grands Matter writes, “For any grandparent who hungers for supernatural strength and insight and who labors on behalf of their children and grandchildren, this book is a must-read.”

I invite you to utilize the resources in this book to help you stand in the gap to pray intentionally and deliberately, reflecting the face of God to your grandchildren. I hope and pray this book will challenge you to be your grandchild’s faithful prayer warrior, asking Jesus Christ to do a great work in their lives. The study guides after each chapter make the book an excellent resource for group study.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person (grandparent) has great power

and produces wonderful results.  (James 5:16c NLT)

 This Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for Your Grandchildren is available for purchase on this website. The retail price is $14.99 but available for a discounted price of $15.00 including shipping. Don’t miss out on this discounted price at this time.

Written by Lillian Penner, author of Grandparenting with a Purpose, pennerlp@gmail.com

,

Our children have a great responsibility for parenting our grandchildren in these insecure, unstable times we live in today. Young families are busy with their jobs, church activities, children’s activities, etc. There are many distractions for them in their marriage, employment, and parenting. 

In today’s broken world, Satan’s purpose is to destroy the family. It is important that we pray God will give our children wisdom and time management in their monumental task of guiding our grandchildren in the ways of the Lord.

 Prayer

Dear Lord, first, I want to thank you for the parents of my grandchildren.

Help my children to value their children in the same way You value them.

I pray they will commit to the responsibility You have given

them to teach the children to love You and train them

according to your parenting manual, God’s Word.

Give our children wisdom to manage their time so they will be able

to take the time to teach our grandchildren the ways of the Lord.

Give them wisdom on how to nurture and care for the children.

I pray they will be loving and caring parents.

May the children see their home and family as a “safe place.”

Help them to rule their home well,

not provoking the children to anger.

Help them to be fair and understand the children as You understand us.

Pour out your Spirit upon my children,

as they parent my dear grandchildren.

Bless their homes.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Lillian Penner, Christian Grandparenting Network, Prayer team, pennerlp@gmail.com

PS:  I have developed “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren” that many grandparents have found helpful to pray Scripture for their grandchildren. Just by joining the mailing list on the right side of this page you will receive the blogs about grandparenting and suggestions to pray for your grandchildren.  I will email you a free downloadable copy of “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” you can print.   

Our children have a great responsibility for parenting our grandchildren in these insecure, unstable times we live in today. Young families are busy with their jobs, church activities, children’s activities, etc. There are many distractions for them in their marriage, employment, and parenting. 

In today’s broken world, Satan’s purpose is to destroy the family. It is important that we pray God will give our children wisdom and time management in their monumental task of guiding our grandchildren in the ways of the Lord.

 Prayer

Dear Lord, first, I want to thank you for the parents of my grandchildren.

Help my children to value their children in the same way You value them.

I pray they will commit to the responsibility You have given

them to teach the children to love You and train them

according to your parenting manual, God’s Word.

Give our children wisdom to manage their time so they will be able

to take the time to teach our grandchildren the ways of the Lord.

Give them wisdom on how to nurture and care for the children.

I pray they will be loving and caring parents.

May the children see their home and family as a “safe place.”

Help them to rule their home well,

not provoking the children to anger.

Help them to be fair and understand the children as You understand us.

Pour out your Spirit upon my children,

as they parent my dear grandchildren.

Bless their homes.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Lillian Penner, Christian Grandparenting Network, Prayer team, pennerlp@gmail.com

PS:  I have developed “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren” that many grandparents have found helpful to pray Scripture for their grandchildren. Just by joining the mailing list on the right side of this page you will receive the blogs about grandparenting and suggestions to pray for your grandchildren.  I will email you a free downloadable copy of “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” you can print.   

Recently a friend asked me, “What is the most important lesson you hope to teach your grandchildren?” After thinking about this question, I thought I would like to share one of the lessons I hope my grandchildren will learn from my husband and me.

As my grandchildren walk through their journey of life, they are going to face many challenges and disappointments. God will allow challenging situations in their lives for a purpose—to develop character and spiritual growth. The trials and challenges are inevitable, they must learn to expect them, acknowledge them, and learn from them.

 The challenges they face are not meant to destroy them but designed to make them capable to fulfill their God-given assignments. Their trials and challenges create an environment where they will see the true nature of their dependency on God. It is through their problems, failures, weaknesses, and neediness they will learn to rely on God. Their challenges, trials, and disappointments can be blessings in disguise.

As grandparents, we can model for our grandchildren from our experience that “Life is hard, but God is good.” We have a wonderful intercessor sitting at the right hand of the Father, waiting for us to call on him. We can come to Him with boldness and confidence at any time. When we call him, He will never put us on hold, His line is never busy, and we do not have to press a number for our language, or leave a voice mail, He is always available. In I Peter 5:7 we read, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.”

According to Paul in Philippians 4:6-7 my grandchildren will only find fulfillment if they don’t get anxious or worry about anything, but pray about everything, telling God about their needs and thank Him for all He has done for them. Then they will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything they can understand. His peace will guard their hearts and minds as they live in Christ Jesus. 

I would like you to share a lesson you would like to teach your grandchildren in the comment section or send me an email at info@grandparentingwithapurpose.com. If you have enjoyed this blog, share it with your friends.

Remember a beautiful rose has thorns.

I have developed “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren” that many grandparents have found helpful to pray Scripture for their grandchildren. Just by joining the mailing list on the right side of this page, you will receive the blogs about grandparenting and prayer suggestions. I will email you a free downloadable copy of “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” you can print.   

© Lillian Penner 2020