Standing in the Gap for Your Grandchildren

Written by Lillian Penner, Prayer Ministry Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network

As I look ahead at the rest of this year, it’s not difficult to see that our national and global situation is in turmoil.

A good friend focused my attention on Isaiah 60:1-2 as a word from the Lord for the year:  “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” 

I can feel the invading darkness of evil like a heavy, moral, and spiritual fog infiltrating our nation at every level. It is precisely at this moment of national darkness that God commands us to arise, let our Light shine, and the distinctive glory of our Lord will be evident to all. It is wonderful to know that God is in control. His word reminds us in Psalms 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength”.

As grandparents, let’s not let the enemy dull our desires to intentionally pray for our grandchildren and their parents. Prayer is our most strategic weapon.

The enemy wants to disintegrate and divide our families, rendering them chaotic, restless, and unfruitful. I believe it’s our place to get on our knees, humble ourselves, seek God’s face, repent of our sins, and intercede for our nations, children, and grandchildren. Then having done all, we stand firm in our faith that God does indeed hear and will answer our prayers according to His will.

Years ago, Esther stood in the gap for her people, the Jews, when their lives were physically threatened. Today, grandparents can stand in the gap with prayer for their grandchildren in the same way as their spiritual lives are threatened.

We live in a day of urgency for the power of prayer to keep the hearts and minds of our grandchildren from falling captive to the enemy’s deception and lies. We are engaged in a spiritual battle that requires a spiritual weapon — prayer.

As grandparents, we can make a significant difference in the world by praying regularly and intentionally for our grandchildren and their parents. We have an opportunity to join together to powerfully touch the lives of another generation.

Grandparents @ Prayer (G@P) intercessory prayer groups consist of small or large groups of people meeting once or twice a month to pray together for each other’s grandchildren and families.

Groups are meeting in retirement centers, schools, churches, and homes weekly. It is a great way to launch a grandparenting ministry focus in your church.

Now would be a great time to get started! Just ask a few grandparents to join you, try it for a few months, and see what happens. Many grandparents have told me that they appreciate a safe place to share their concerns for their grandchildren.

You can find more prayer resources from Christian Grandparenting Network here!