by Dr. Ken Canfield
What spiritual hopes and dreams do you have for your grandchildren?
If you’re a faith-minded grandparent, then this is probably on your mind quite a bit. It’s especially relevant now as we approach Easter. This is a time when believers join our hearts with people around the world in celebration of the resurrection of Christ. For many of us, it has layers of profound, life-changing significance—just like it has had to people for centuries.
If there’s one key action point I’d suggest for you as a faithful grandparent, it’s this:
Pray for your grandkids.
As grandparents, we probably can’t fully imagine the difference such a spiritual heritage can make. As an example, many of you are surely familiar with Dr. James Dobson. His parenting books and radio programs have influenced millions. What is less known is the legacy of prayer that preceded him.
Long before James Dobson was born or even conceived by his parents, his grandfather began to pray for him. This man of faith labored in prayer for many months and continued to pray specifically for his grandson. I wonder if he ever knew the impact of those prayers.
That legacy was carried on by Dr. Dobson’s father as well. His dad is buried not far from where I lived for many years. The epitaph on his grave is short and to the point. It says simply: “He prayed.”
I’d be fascinated to know more details about those men, but it’s very clear that this grandfather’s prayers helped to pave the way for James Dobson’s bountiful ministry.
Grandparents, we have a ministry that takes place on our knees.
We have the ability to call into existence things that are not through communication with a powerful God. In Mark chapter 11, Jesus tells us:
“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours.”
We need to trust God’s faithfulness on our grandchildren’s behalf and commit ourselves to praying for the coming generations. We need to pray specific blessings upon our sons and daughters, our grandsons and granddaughters.
We have been blessed to be part of a rich legacy of faith that has been handed down through generations of believers to us. Let’s devote ourselves to praying that our grandkids will join that legacy, commit their lives to it, and then pass it on to their children, grandchildren and beyond.
If Easter has deep meaning for you, and if you believe it celebrates a truth that lasts, then this is an important and strategic habit to start or recommit yourself to.
What does Easter mean to you as a grandparent? Has it changed or deepened since you have grandkids? Leave a comment (and risk inspiring another grandparent) on our Facebook page here.
