BIG OCTOBER BLESSINGS Family
Continuing today with BIG October blessings, in today’s post, we’ll look at some ways we can bless our family. Please join me as we consider this vitally important aspect of blessing …
On October 1st, I began this October series. The topic grew from one of my spiritual direction directees who said she sometimes hesitates to pray for her two young adult daughters who are making choices she wished they were not making. The reason is she’s afraid her prayers won’t be answered, and she fears being disappointed again.
Without giving it much thought, I suggested this mom bless her girls BIG and make prayerful requests to God small.
I so appreciate comments from Listening on the Journey … readers. A comment on October first’s post illustrates beautifully. She wrote that each morning before her teenage daughter leaves for school, she lays her hand on the hood of her daughter’s car and prays the ancient priestly blessing over the details of her daughter’s day. I loved that!
Today’s post concerns prayers of blessing on all those we love. I understand this topic can create tension. I have heard numerous stories about people who’ve prayed year after year for a difficult spouse or wayward child without seeing any change. It’s easy to become disappointed and disheartened. So, what are some practical ways we can persevere in blessing those we love most?
Pray Blessings on our homes.
… as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15b
I admire the way Joshua drove a stake of faith in the ground regarding his family. This photo is of a Brownstone in Boston. The rowhouses built in historic neighborhoods fascinated me. I wonder if a family needing God’s blessing lives in this one.
Pray blessings on our marriages.
Romans 15:5–6 – "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 15:5-6
Oh, how I love this guy! For over 47 years, Ron and I have been doing life together. He is my best friend, number one cheerleader, and cherished soul companion. Ron’s steady presence has helped create a safe and loving home. Our marriage is good despite being an imperfect couple who have traversed some rocky paths. These words from Romans remind me it is God who has given us the resolve to endure and keep on encouraging one another.
Pray blessings on our children, grandchildren, and subsequent generations.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.
Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Psalm 112:1-2 (NIV)
This is my favorite picture of our youngest grandchild. His ginger-colored hair is the perfect compliment for a pile of autumn leaves. Ron and I pray daily for our family, and often our prayers include blessing generations of grandchildren we may never know this side of heaven but who we are convinced are known by God.
BIG blessings to you and all those you love,
