When the Apostle Peter was delivered
from prison by an angel of the Lord, "he came to the house of Mary, the mother
of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying" (Acts
12:12). No doubt, one of the reasons John Mark became useful in the ministry of
the gospel (2 Timothy 4:11), besides the encouragement of his faithful cousin
Barnabas (Acts 15:39; Colossians 4:10), was that he grew up in a praying home.
Parents don't worry so much about their children facing the world's temptations
or their spouse being unfaithful to them when they have been taught prayer and
pray with them.
"The family that prays together, stays
together." When conflict arises in the home, what better way to resolve it than
with prayer. James wrote, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for
one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a
righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). Let us never give up on prayer in our
homes. "Pray without ceasing" (Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer helps marriages,
protects children and solves problems. Pray at the table, at bedtime, when
making important decisions, when in need, for problems, during sorrow, tragedy,
illness and death. Our children deserve to hear their fathers pray and to see
that their parents believe in a God who hears and answers prayer. Is your home a
praying home? Or is your home without a prayer?
Robert Dodson
©1998 Robert Dodson. Permission granted to use
this article in any manner, as long as:
1) the content is not changed and 2) the name of the author is left on the article.
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