Prayer Suggestions for Grandparents

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

Choosing Friends

by Lillian Penner, CGN National Prayer Coordinator

Be kind and compassionate to another. Ephesians 4:32a NIV

It is important that our grandchildren be acquainted with children who have different personalities, abilities, and interests. It is equally important that we encourage them to be friendly and sensitive to the differences of other children.

If we look closely at ourselves, we know that we can be sometimes find ourselves attracted to people who may not be the best kind of “friend”.  Likewise, our grandchildren may be attracted to or attract others who are not necessarily “friend” material.

It is vital that your grandchildren recognize when they feel uncomfortable in a relationship—they do not have to be friends with everyone. Grandparents can pray for them in this area and teach them how to recognize when a relationship may have a poor influence on them.

In the same way, we must teach and encourage our grandkids to guard their hearts and recognize the characteristics that make for a good friendship. When they get to know a person well enough to know they are godly and trustworthy they can begin to share more in depth. It is through these interactions that they can learn to get along with other people and develop meaningful relationships.

There are many children for them to befriend and show God’s love.

• Pray for discerning minds and hearts and for God’s protection as your grandchildren develop their friendships.

• Pray your grandkids will see others through the eyes of Jesus.

© 2008 Lillian Penner

March 31, 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.