Teach Them to Pray

I saw this wonderful post on a friend's Facebook page this week, and want to pass on the steps for talking to kids about unanswered prayers.

God hears our prayers and answers them, but according to his will, not ours. This author at Christian Mom Thoughts explains it so much better.

And then there's this verse, if you doubt God's love or concern for us.

Luke 11:1-13

It doesn't always seem like God is listening, but this could also be said for any busy parent. We love our children and want to give them the best of everything, but not everything is in their best interests. When it seems like we're being unfair or inattentive, it's really because we have wisdom to see the future consequences of choices for our children. They want an answer right away, but we might need time to give the right answer.

And sometimes we also let them make decisions on their own — and we allow them to face the consequences.

It is a tender balance of holding tight and letting go in any relationship. But if our holding tight or letting go is done in love for the wellbeing of the other person, we can trust that God will use all for good.

I hope this post finds you in good health and practicing patient parenting, answering your children's requests with love and thoughtful consideration. They might not always like you, but that promise was never in the parent job description anyway.

If I missed that memo, please let me know!