Ern was a rebellious boy. Slipping past his granny’s room late at night, he knew that she was praying for him. She would stay up praying for him until he was home safely. Ern had a praying grandmother, and because of her prayers, Ern became born again. As an evangelist and preacher, thousands would attend his services, for God used him mightily through signs, wonders, and miracles. His granny would sit right in front and always with her head bowed she would pray for Ern while he is preaching.

When she died, it deeply grieved him for he loved her, and cherished her valuable guidance and prayers. As he approached the pulpit the following Sunday morning to preach, he looked across to where his granny used to sit, and wept. At that moment he realized that it was her prayers that allowed him to be a great preacher and not a gift from God. Speechless, when suddenly, an elderly lady called from the back, and said, “Pastor, I’ll be your granny!” She walked down the aisle, took her place in the front row, started to pray, and Ern could start preaching.

This story made me cry, as it reminded me of my granny. She came to live with us for a while and shared the room with my sister and I. I so clearly remember, how she would pray every morning and evening, beside her bed with her head covered with a scarf. She would pray for each of her eight children. She would make a petition for each of them and their families. I cannot remember that I heard her pray for me specifically, but I am so thankful today for I am blessed, and are reaping the benefits of her prayers.  

Today, I follow the example of my granny Thomas. As a young believer, I started in her footsteps to pray for my children. When I didn’t know what to pray, as I wanted to pray specific prayers, I got myself Stormie Omartian’s book, The Power of the Praying Mom. I followed Stormie’s series of prayers as my children grew into adults. I am now privileged to pray for our grandchildren. I pray that my children would follow in my footsteps. 

I want to encourage you; it is never too late to start praying for your family.  

"Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thes 5: 17-18