The Adventures of Tintin Ten

A Time for Prayers and Reflection March 2, 2012

I’m in a period of praying a little more than I usually do these days.  Like a personal devotion or ritual, I like to concentrate on something for a period of time.  In a way, it’s like a retreat for me, only done in small installments.

For the month of February, I reread The Power of a Praying Woman.  I read it first around January 2008.  I like the way the book is organized.  It has a total of 30 chapters, each devoted to a specific area in your life to be covered with prayer.  Every chapter begins with a discussion on the need to pray for that area in your life interspersed with Bible verses and anecdotes or examples from the author’s life or that of a friend’s.  Then, it is followed by a prayer and, finally, more related Bible verses to remember.  When I come across words I’d like to remember, I use my planner to take notes.

I also started rereading The Purpose Driven Life on Ash Wednesday with a plan to culminate the 40-day journey on Palm Sunday.  I read it first 40 days prior to my birthday in 2008.  I used a notebook to jot down the Points to Ponder, Verse to Remember, Question to Consider, and my corresponding answer.  This time, though, I’m making efforts to take note of important messages from the author as well.  When I’m done, I plan to go through my first notebook to see how I have changed and grown.

Purpose Driven Life and notes, old and new

March is the month I dedicate to praying for Justin through the guidance of The Power of a Praying Parent.  March is Justin’s birth month and I would like to do this as my gift to him—cover every detail in his life with prayer.  Again, I use my planner from my brother-in-law, Rizzi, for note-taking.

intro and notes for day 1 and 2

The month of April I will dedicate to Nicki by rereading The Power of a Praying Wife.  By the time I finish these three prayer books by Stormie Omartian, I will have all notes in my planner to remind me throughout the year about areas that need prayers the most.

my two boys (Justin's birthday dinner, 2 March 2012)

Ironman's birthday dinner (Banana Leaf, Greenhills)

Here is a sample prayer from Chapter 2 of The Power of a Praying Parent, which is a good prayer to start with as an intercessor.  As Stormie said, none of us are perfect parents.  But a praying parent is something we all can be and this is how we make a difference in our children’s lives.

Lord,

I come to You in Jesus’ name and give (name of child) to You.  I’m convinced that You alone know what is best for him.  You alone know what he needs.  I release him to You to care for and protect, and I commit myself to pray for everything concerning him that I can think of or that You put upon my heart.  Teach me how to pray and guide me in what to pray about.  Help me not to impose my own will when I’m praying for him, but rather enable me to pray that Your will be done in his life.

Thank You that I can partner with You in raising him and that I don’t have to do it alone.  I’m grateful that I don’t have to rely on the world’s unreliable and ever-changing methods for child rearing, but that I can have clear directions from Your Word and wisdom as I pray to You for answers.

Thank You, Lord, for the precious gift of this child.  Because Your Word says that every good gift comes from You, I know that You have given him to me to care for and raise.  Help me to do that.  Show me places where I continue to hang on to him and enable me to release him to Your protection, guidance, and counsel.  Help me not to live in fear of possible dangers, but in the joy and peace of knowing that You are in control.  I rely on You for everything, and this day I trust my child to You and release him into Your hands.