11th day to PRAY for 2015!

“praying circles and drawing lines” – this is the prayer for today!

Sounds like a good day in kindergarten, right?

We began this praying journey with the mantra of drawing a line in the sand as families (See 15 days to PRAY!). We are taking hold of this year of 2015, beginning again in his love and his grace! He has promised us great treasures, ours for the taking if we would only ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7). I think it is important to keep it simple. We can get all crazy in the mess of New Year’s resolutions and gearing up for greatness. While that is a great plan, sometimes we run out of steam pretty quick and then live in the condemnation of blowing it. Another option is we create expectations too big for ourselves and our family and just get disgruntled with the whole idea. The enemy is all about either option just as long as you get distracted and forget the goal! But we do have another option. Keep it simple and remember the power in drawing lines!

Your children are looking for an identity. They are looking for you to establish their course and lead them! When you draw that line and say this is who we are and this is what we stand for, there is power in that step! It is your simple actions that speak louder than your words. So, draw the line, find your Bible, and figure the next right step! Your steps can be so simple.

Here are 15 ideas to consider:
1. Make it a point to look your children in the eye.
2. Greet them in the morning with a hug, positive word or just generally glad to see them.
3. Ask questions of their day that involves more than a yes/no answer.
4. Have dinner at your kitchen table together.
5. Get everyone a study Bible.
6. Find someone that can teach you the love and life of Jesus.
7. Pray for your kids when they can hear you and when they can’t. Pray circles too (see below).
8. Take care of yourself. Eat real food, go on a walk. Take some time to journal.
9. Go on dates with your spouse and your children separately.
10. When the next conflict arises, see them and the situation from Father’s intent not the behavior in front of you. Take a deep breath and work through it for their best not your comfort or reputation.
11. Read a psalm together. Circle everything you see that describes Father God. Underline anything that you are to do.
12. Remind your children on a regular basis who they are, what you stand for and how much you love them.
13. Don’t depend on your own strength. Ask Father on a regular basis what is on his mind for you and your family.
14. Celebrate. It is a discipline, you know. What is going right? Talk about it together.
15. Remember that Father desperately, passionately, relentlessly loves you! He has said so over and over again!

These decisions are lines in the sand. Nothing dramatic but each one of them determines the course. Choose the one that made you stop and pause. That is your next step or rather “line to draw.”

Now for praying circles . . . .

I was given the book – The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. I have just started reading it and already see some great opportunities for us as families.

Mark writes:
“It is absolutely imperative at the outset that you come to terms with this simple yet life-changing truth: God is for you. If you don’t believe that, then you’ll pray small timid prayers; if you do believe it, then you’ll pray big audacious prayers. And one way or another, your small timid prayers or big audacious prayers will change the trajectory of your life and turn you [and your family] into two totally different people. Prayers are prophecies. They are the best predictors of your spiritual future. Who you become is determined by how you pray. Ultimately, the transcript of your prayers becomes the script of your life” (15-16).

While I can’t speak for his entire premise and word for all of us, I have noted he believes in prayer and being specific in those prayers. I believe he sees Father as we do – he loves us and wants our attention and best. I believe he too wants us to live in opened treasures not closed fists! So, I am excited to read more and just want to encourage you this could be a good read for you too.

What we have been doing these past few days is praying circles. It is a cool story from the book that you must read for yourself. But stand and rest in the decision you have made to begin this year in prayer! On behalf of your family, you are a mighty warrior when you pray!

Praying circles and drawing lines – a good day in kindergarten and a good day for us!