Prayer Suggestions for Grandparents

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

Resurrection Story

by Lillian Penner, CGN National Prayer Coordinator

He is not here; he is risen!  Luke 24:6

While Easter bunnies and Easter egg hunts are fun, as grandparents there are other fun activities that teach our grandchildren the true meaning of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have been reading a book written by Janet Teitsort, "Long Distance Grandma." It's an excellent book with ideas for staying connected with your grandkids, no matter where they live. The book has recipes, craft ideas, and projects for each month.

In addition to praying for our grandchildren, here is an excellent idea for use during the Easter season explaining the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The angel rolled the stone away: RESURRECTION ROLLS

This is a great way to celebrate the Resurrection.

1 tube crescent rolls

Melted margarine or butter

Large marshmallows

Cinnamon

Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Help grandchildren wash their hands before working with food.

Place a sheet of wax paper before each grandchild to use as a work surface. Hand each grandchild a triangle of crescent roll. Tell them that this represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in when He was laid in the tomb. Give each grandchild a marshmallow to represent Jesus.

Place a bowl with (warm, not hot) melted margarine or butter in front of your grandchildren and let them dip their marshmallow in it. Explain that the margarine or butter represents the oil that was used to protect and preserve Jesus' body.

Prepare another bowl with cinnamon and sugar. Let each grandchild roll the marshmallow representing Jesus in the mixture. Tell them the cinnamon and sugar represents the spices that were used to anoint Jesus' body for burial.

Wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll. Pinch the sides together; making sure that the dough is completely sealed. Let this step represent the wrapping of Jesus' body after His death.

Place the wrapped marshmallows on a cookie sheet and place in the oven. Bake 10 - 12 minutes at 350 degrees. The oven represents the tomb, while the baking time symbolizes the three days that Christ was in the tomb.

When the rolls have cooled slightly, have the grandchildren open their rolls (grave cloth). They will discover that the marshmallow (representing Jesus) is gone. Christ has risen!

Have fun with your grandkids as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

© 2008 Lillian Penner
March 17, 2008

The Resurrection Rolls recipe was used by permission from Janet Teitsort, author of "Long Distance Grandma," (West Monroe, LA: Howard Publishing, 2005), pages 50, 51. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for some fun ideas to do with your grandkids.

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.