mother's

'For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition...' 1 Samuel 1:27

Every terrorist was once a child. So was every missionary. The difference between them is often the influence of a parent. Samuel the Prophet led the nation of Israel for 40 years and guided King David in some of his most crucial decisions but who was the dominant influence in his life? His mother! Listen, 'Therefore I... have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord...' (1 Samuel 1:28 NKJV). While you have your children, hold them, love them, care for them and empower them but understand that you are a steward, not an owner. Your children belong to God, not you! Some day they will grow up and leave.Make sure that when they do they have a spiritual anchor because life will give them lots of storms. Never underestimate the power of a parent pleading with God on behalf of a child. Who knows how many prayers are being answered right now because of the faithful pondering of a mother 10 or 20 years ago? If what you are doing in this fast-paced society is taking you away from prayer time for your children; you're doing too much! There is nothing more special, more precious, than the time a parent spends interceding with God on behalf of a child. It's not too late for the child who brought you tears. Think of Jesus' mother who had to watch her son crucified but also had the joy of seeing Him raised from the dead. You may go to your grave wondering if your prayers will ever be answered but don't stop praying. Why? Because when mothers pray, God listens! -greca teresia