Chris’ and my praying for
our family developed gradually. First we
always dedicated the child of each of our seven pregnancies the moment we knew
I was expecting. Then we came to the
place of praying much about having babies who would be healthy and live. We also prayed for each of them throughout
the pregnancy. But it was at their
actual births that we especially dedicated them in prayer to God. They were HIS—for His will. They were His gift to us for as long as they
would live. We knew well that they were
the Lord’s gifts to us. “Behold, children
are a gift from the Lord’ (Ps. 127:3).
That psalm is often quoted at birth celebrations, christenings, baby
showers, and on birth announcements. And
it is believed by most Christians.
But I wonder how often we
actually practice what it says. Yes,
children are a gift—but not from any human source. They are a gift from the Lord. So God deserves, and expects, to be included
in every aspect of conception and birth.
And how do we include
Him? Through prayer. Prayers of asking Him for a baby, then
prayers of releasing our wills for His, prayers of protection while the baby is
developing, and prayers of thanksgiving.
And sometimes, when all has not gone well at the birth, there my be
prayers of anger toward God, prayers of telling him of our heartache, but then
eventually prayers of thanksgiving because we know He does all things well.
I woke up at 4 am this morning. I curled up in my soft warm bed and finished reading
this chapter, Prayers at Family Births. My
heart was touched by every word in this chapter, but what really spoke to my heart
was Evelyn Christenson’s dedication to prayer for EVERYTHING IN HER LIFE.
What a shining example of what we as mothers, grandmothers, fathers, and grandfathers can do for our families. The most important thing of all, PRAY FOR OUR FAMILIES.
Life is busy.
There are so many things to do.
Evelyn’s life was a shining example of what serving God means. Even though she was traveling around the
world with the ministry God had for her, she used the power of prayer for her
connection to God and her children.
She longed to be with her family when grandchildren
were born, but her ministry would not always allow for her to do this. Instead of feeling sorry for herself and
getting discouraged, she prayed right where she was for each child/family who was
blessed with a new baby. She prayed for each new grandchild from the moment they were conceived.
Evelyn was a Godly woman of prayer. Her example of praying about everything
shines through in the heart of all of her books. I am sure her family misses her being here
with them, but what they have gained from watching her life must be forever
etched on their hearts.
Thank you Evelyn Christiansen for your shining light
in my life. You have inspired me all of
my life and I know you would want God to receive the glory for it. Trust me; your love relationship with God has definitely
brought glory to God.
Psalms 63:3
Because your love is better than life, my
lips will glorify you.
Dear God,
You are an amazing God. I love you with all of my heart. I pray that the actions of my life will
glorify you. You are the one who
deserves the praise. In Jesus name,
Amen.
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