Conversations with my Jesus

Prayer. A conversation with God that never ends, at least on God’s end. As humans we tend to shut it off when we don’t see the “need,” this is a big lie we tell ourselves. It is a conversation compiled of words, silence, tears, walking, kneeling, laying down, sitting, deep breathing, cries. Words often spoken: please, help, why, come, near, save, wisdom, need, want.

Lately I have been reflecting back on being a kid and how the culture has progressively gotten to be extremely fast paced, and now is constantly pushing a narrative of something or someone being “better.” As my mom wisely reminds me, “everyone is equal at the foot of the cross!” Can I get an AMEN?

Over the last few weeks of reflecting and thinking forward, I have really felt the need to simply pray. I say simply, because it’s basic, a conversation. Prayer is not just a once a day thing, or a mealtime thing. It is continually talking to Our Father. He desires to hear us, he wants to know what’s on our hearts, what troubles us, what excites us, what we are thankful He has done.

When we make our life an ongoing prayer conversation with our Father, the world is watching, children are watching! Children are our heritage, they will carry the message to the next generations, which should make us, as believers, more desperate to pray for them.

Just a few ways I have been praying and would love for you to join me! (also would love if you have any additional ways – to leave a comment😊)

Culture “Norms:” My prayer is that they will know, receive, and grow in the knowledge of the TRUTH. And that they will not only have the opinions and convictions of their parents/mentors, but also develop their own thoughts based on truth. Courage to know when to speak and when to stay silent.
- Parent/Mentor note: We must know where we stand on the issues facing our kids. Gender, Race, Morals, True rights/laws/Constitution, Opinions vs Facts, Integrity, etc. We must model these views and need to start having these conversations with our kids early on, so that when they are confronted they do not feel blind-sighted, which then can create a distrust in the relationship. These conversations should be open and ongoing. Allow them to ask questions, and you also ask questions, ask their opinions. Enter in to the conversation, it’s not a lecture.
Minds: My prayer is that they will know whose they are and know that they are worth fighting for. I pray that they will know they can speak up when feeling down without judgement.
- Parent/Mentor note: Mental health is REAL. Take it seriously. In one week I have heard news reports on a 10 year old and a 12 year old who have taken their own lives because of bullying. It is real and it is happening. The world is real and has some really harsh messages, some spoken and some unspoken. Expectations for looks, achievements, sports, school, after school activities – are ridiculous! Not to mention their peers and media peers that are weighing in on their every move- it’s a battlefield out there, equip them!
Eyes: My prayer is the tempting desire for harmful pictures and situations will become disgusting to them. And when they do come across something that is inappropriate, they will have the courage to tell a safe adult – and that adult will take action to prevent it from popping up again.
- Parent/Mentor note: Images, Videos, gross public displays of the “not okay” are all around us, and unfortunately nine times out of ten, unavoidable. Equip your children to tell a safe adult when they come across something that is inappropriate. Allow them to talk through how it made them feel.
Respect: My prayer is that their first impulse will be to respect everyone.
- Parent/Mentor note: Every person has a story. Respect comes in many forms: speech, actions, thoughts, etc.
Body: My prayer is they will have eyes and minds to see what does not honor or respect God or others. A desire to not be a temptation to others.
- Parent/Mentor note: We are their examples. Taking care of ourselves. Wearing clothing that fits and that you would wear in front of you parents, grandparents, great grandparents should be the standard. Warning: I am not holding back on this one. Temptation is real – no matter what clothes you wear – BUT if it has the possibility of revealing something (too tight, too little material, etc) that should be reserved for their wedding night, I guarantee you, you are not helping anyone with temptation. This goes for boys and girls! Make sure you talk to your children, GUIDE them! Remember they haven’t lived all the years you have- so guide them along- no lectures, no full body suits, but be realistic.
Speech: My prayer is that they will have the courage to turn a hurtful, harmful, or nasty conversation around to something else, or choose to walk away.
- Parent/Mentor note: Remember! You are the example! Watch your language, how you talk TO others, how you talk ABOUT others, what and how you talk about things, your reactions. Guide and teach them how to excuse yourself from such conversations, and how to be silent when need be.
Reality: My prayer is that they will not be shielded from reality, but know the reality of the world and in return be able to enter into prayer, praise, and grow in the knowledge of the goodness of the Lord.
- Parent/Mentor Note: We can’t protect our children from the news and happenings in the world. When we allow them to enter in with us, we can share our concerns, our prayers, and our growth in Jesus together.
Mixed Up Mindsets: My prayer is that their “growth mindsets” won’t become confused and discount the worth of their emotions.
- Parent/Mentor note: I am not dismissing growth mindsets- I’ve used them too. Here is where I have become concerned: I am brave! I am Courageous! I am Strong! these can be on the edge of toxic IF you don’t follow up with some more facts. I am courageous, I can say yes and I can say no! I am brave, I know and say when my limits have been reached! I am strong, I smile, cry, and feel every emotion in between! It is dangerous to allow kids, or anyone, to believe that they are invincible. When we live with the no emotions mentality, it’s deadly.
Relationships: My prayer is that they will cultivate relationships with all ages, backgrounds, stories.
- Parent/Mentor Note: Pray with them for their friends by name!

These are just a few that are heavy on my heart today. The example of praying continually, an ongoing conversation with our Father starts at home, but it’s far reaching! Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, babysitters, teachers… don’t underestimate the power of prayer nor your influence on a child!

Some prayer resources I love and refer to often:

https://christiangrandparenting.com/assets/downloads/Teaching-Grandchildren-to-Pray-2022-min.pdf