My prayers this morning were full of many emotions. As I finished reading my Bible, I was looking at a wall across from my recliner that has many pictures of my family upon it. Each day I look at that wall and pray for my wife, my kids and my grandkids. This morning I was overwhelmed with a heavy burden to pray extra for my grandkids. I prayed that they would have hearts that are passionate for the things of God. That they would follow Jesus wholeheartedly and passionately. That they would be courageous in living for Jesus and that they would follow his will for their life no matter where it takes them or what his will leads them to do.

I prayed that they would be blessed with a joyful sense of God’s love, of his presence, of his grace and of his power each day that they draw a breath. I pray that they will not be fooled by the lure of happiness but instead be filled with joy. Happiness is fickle and is too dependent on the circumstances. I want their lives to be marked by joy. The joy that comes from knowing Jesus and following his Word and will. I want their joy to be so compelling that it is contagious and that they will infect many with this joy.

I prayed that they would have hearts of compassion so full of the love of Jesus that they will reach out to anyone around them. I desire for them to see people as Jesus sees people. For Jesus came that they might have life. I pray that their love for Jesus will splash out all over everyone who gets near them.

I prayed that they would be courageous because of God. That they would not fear the things of this world but be bold in love, in life and in serving others. I prayed that they would love God’s Word, that they would love reading and sharing the words of God. That they would not just know the Bible but live out what is contained in that precious book.

I prayed that they would laugh a lot. I love hearing them laugh. One of the things I miss most when there are gaps in seeing them is hearing their laughter. Whether it is a quiet, almost muffled laugh of a teenager who is trying to be controlled. Or the unbridled laugh of a toddler who doesn’t care how loud or long they laugh. Or the mischievous laugh of the elementary aged ones who are sharing a joke. I love seeing their eyes when they laugh as they dance and shine. I pray that their life has much laughter in it.

I prayed that they would be familiar with tears. That they would know tears of joy. Joyful tears like I often have when I see, hear or think of them. That they would know the tears that come from caring for others and carrying their burdens. I know that they will have tears that come from personal pain, but I pray that those would be minimal. I want them to be familiar with tears because it is evidence of a compassionate heart. Jesus shed tears.

I prayed that they would always know they are loved. Loved by a great God. Loved by their parents. Loved by their grandparents. Loved by good friends. I pray that if God directs, that someday they will know the love of a spouse who will follow Jesus with them.

I prayed for their safety, but it was the end of the prayer. I am more concerned that they are secure in their love of Jesus than I am in their physical safety. Don’t misunderstand, I prefer them to be safe. But I know that too often people who are overly concerned with safety cannot fully embrace the will of God. For the will of God is not always safe, but it is secure. The will of God is about living and sharing, and concern over safety is often about hiding and hoarding. I want them to live free in the love of Jesus, not worried about what they may lose.

I prayed with many tears this morning. Tears of joy over the blessing of my 8 grandkids and the anticipation of #9 who will make her appearance in this world in about 8 weeks. Even though I have never seen her or held her, I prayed all of these things for her. I also shed the tears of carrying a burden this morning. But this is a burden I gladly carry and will continue to carry as long as I draw a breath.

This was part of my prayers this morning. What did your prayers cover today? Do you need someone to pray for you today? Let someone know. You can let me know, I promise to pray for you if ask.

Dennis