Prayer Suggestions for Grandparents

The prayer of a righteous man (grandparent) is powerful and effective.  James 5:16b

Friendships

by Lillian Penner, CGN National Prayer Coordinator

“The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray”

Proverbs 12:26

The friends of our grandchildren can have a great impact on their lives especially when they get to school and their teenage years.

As grandparents, we can pray they will develop godly, courteous, trustworthy, honest, and helpful friends. A good quality to look for in a friend is not how attractive, smart, clever or popular they are. Ask God to place an umbrella of protection (emotionally, physically, and spiritually) over them in choosing their friends. The quality of friends is more important than the quantity.

Let’s pray they will have discernment and strength to separate themselves from anyone who is not a good influence. Many times when they make wrong choices, it’s because they are seeking someone’s approval or acceptance, wanting to fit in. Their peers can greatly influence their lives, especially in school.

Friends are important to a child’s healthy development. It is not emotionally or spiritually healthy for a child to be isolated. If your grandchild does not have close friends, pray that God will bring him good close friends. We all have a natural desire to be a part of something that gives us a sense of acceptance, affirmation, and feel needed.

Ask your grandchildren for the names of their closest friends so you can pray for them. Be a good listener when your grandchildren share about their friends. If you live near your grandchildren, invite them to visit your home with their friends.

Good friends will have a good effect on your grandchildren to walk in the right direction and the good of the friend will rub off. However, we also want our grandchildren to be a good influence on their friends.

A friend who walks with God will be a good influence and enrich your grandchild. If your grandchild has a friend who is good for them pray for God to protect those relationships.

© 2008 Lillian Penner

January 7, 2008

Lillian Ann Penner is a retired secretary from public high school in Bakersfield, CA. She and her husband, John, have been married 48 years and currently reside in Portland, OR.  They have three married sons and nine grandchildren.

Lillian has been active in church ministry for 45 years, and has led a "Heart to Heart" mentoring program for women, participated in a short term missions trip in Ukraine, volunteered at the Northwest Regional office of Wycliffe Translators, Jose Zayas Evangelistic Association, and Focus On the Family. Currently, she teaches a women's Bible study in her home church.