Prayer Suggestions for Grandparents

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

Who is your best friend?

by Lillian Penner, CGN National Prayer Coordinator

Chatting with my four-year-old granddaughter one day, I asked her, “Who is your best friend?” Her answer warmed my heart as she said with a twinkle in her eyes, “GOD is my BEST friend.” I thought to myself, would I say that God was my best friend, if someone asked me that question.

As I was pondering her answer, I was thinking I hope she will have the same answer when she is 10, 16 or 20 years old, her whole lifetime.

Then I asked myself, “What makes someone my friend?” I determined that a friend is someone who accepts me just the way I am, believes in me, and encourages me. Someone who is trustworthy, who never forsakes me, who forgives my mistakes, and enjoys being with me and makes me laugh.

I have experienced Jesus as my friend because He accepts me, believes in me, and encourages me with His Word. I have found Him to be trustworthy, forgiving and has always been there for me.

When I was in college, my grandmother shared with me the promise Jesus gave his disciples in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always.” I have often recalled that scripture. It has comforted me and blessed me through many difficult situations over the years.

During this month, we will be writing about friendships on our website. I challenge each of us to:

• Pray our grandchildren would believe in their hearts that Jesus (God) is their best friend, whatever their age.

• Pray also they will always call of Him when they are afraid and uncomfortable.

• Pray they will sense His presence with them at all times.

• Pray that someday you will hear you will hear your grandchildren say, “Jesus is my best friend.”

© 2008 Lillian Penner
March 24, 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.