Praying for Children and Grandchildren with Problems and Difficulties
This prayer for children and grandchildren going through difficulties asks God to “keep them in His pocket” so they can learn to trust Him no matter what happens in their lives.
Should we try and save our children and grandchildren from all their problems?
My temptation as a mother and grandmother is to save my children from pain, sadness, sickness, struggle, financial challenges.
In reality, I can’t save them. Even if I could, it would be wrong for me to inject myself into their lives as their savior from all suffering.
Jesus was right. “Every day has enough trouble of its own.”(Matthew 6:34 NIV) Even before we pry open our eyes, yawn ourselves awake or rummage for comfy slippers, the day’s troubles are patiently waiting and whistling on our doorsteps.
Life has countless concerns: sick children, adolescents who struggle in school, job loss, broken appliances and broken relationships, financial agony, accidents and natural catastrophes, rejection, disillusionment, grim illness, misunderstandings, uncertainty about the future, loneliness and grief.
Yes, “Every day has enough trouble of its own.”
What does it mean to be in God’s pocket?
More than twenty years ago, we met our Welsh friends, Linda and Hedley Dent, in a French Language School, Les Cedres, in a suburb of Paris. They had two young children, Fiona (4) and John Mark (2). Fiona and our daughter, Joy, were in the same kindergarten class at L’Ecole Maternelle.
At least once a week, the Dents would invite Joy for teatime. Linda and Hedley were playful and loving. One day, at tea, they served Joy snake’s feet– radishes with butter.
The Dents worked in French Churches for many years before returning to Wales. A rare liver disorder drained all strength from the tall, sandy-haired Hedley. Linda, a registered nurse, became his affectionate caregiver. In June of 2009, Hedley went to heaven, leaving Linda, Fiona and John Mark without the loving husband and father they cherished.
Hedley’s death brought many challenges for Linda. Some days the ache has been overpowering. Over time, she has learned to honor and mourn the loss of Hedley while still enjoying the life she shares with her grown children
She sings in a well-known Welsh choir. The group has recently released a CD of hymns. She works part-time in a Christian bookstore and many summers works as a volunteer at a Christian Ca
Together, Linda, Fiona and John Mark weather the economic strains that so many in Wales are bearing. Through prayer, practical help and laughter, they generously give one another love and support.
I recently asked Linda how she was doing. Hedley’s birthday was soon approaching. Without hesitation she replied, “I’m in God’s pocket.”
That is true faith.
“Every day has enough trouble of its own.” Linda’s example has taught me that difficulties are not the only thing sitting on our doorstep.
Troubles may arrive before us, but so has Jesus. He knows our needs. He knows our sorrows. He is there to comfort us. We are in His pocket.
The troubles of life can draw our children and grandchildren close to God and strengthen their faith.
May they never be cheated of the sweet experience of nestling in God’s pocket.
Prayer for children and grandchildren going through life problems and difficulties
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that You go ahead of us and are completely aware of the troubles we face today as well as those we soon will be facing. When we arrive at a day of trouble, may we also look for your Presence – because we know that You are already there.
Lord, I pray that as my children and grandchildren experience the countless difficulties of life, they will find their strength and comfort in you. May they make a conscious choice to stay close to you, to believe in you and to rest in your pocket.
Thank you, Lord, for my friend who has been a living example of trusting you in the midst of loss. Bless all those who, like she, are enduring pain and loneliness today. May you be their eternal comfort and great joy. I ask that You would be the comfort and joy of my children and grandchildren all the days of their lives.
Scriptures to Pray
+ that our children and grandchildren will understand that God can use trials to increase their faith (James 1:2 NIV)
+ that our children and grandchildren will believe even the difficulties of life can work for their good (Romans 8:28)
+ that our children and grandchildren will know that God cares for them and that they can cast all their worries at His feet (I Peter 5:7)
+ that in the tragedies of life, our children and grandchildren will experience being carried close to the heart of God (Isaiah 40:11)
When you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
-Frances de Sales
Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you.
– I Peter 5:7
Links
Listing of Kay’s book A Grandmother’s Prayers: 60 Days of Devotions and Prayers
A Parent’s Prayer When Your Hopes for Your Child Are Disappointed
Copyright 2015 Kay Swatkowski. All rights reserved. Used by permission from the author.
