Listening to the testimony of one of Nigeria’s gospel music ministers, I instantly understood the secret to his impactful ministry. As a young boy, his father took him to prayer meetings and spiritual retreats, where they fasted and prayed together. Unknown to him, God was laying the groundwork for his global music calling. His story underscores the power of a strong prayer foundation.
Friend, your foundation in life must be rooted in prayer (Acts 6:4). This foundation must begin from the family. There are some people that no matter what they do and how they go astray, they cannot be lost. No matter how far gone they are in sin, they would come back to God. Their destiny has been secured in prayer (Psalm 112:1-2).
Not all prodigal sons come back home. It depends on who prays for and watches over them in prayer (Luke 22:31-32). Peter came back because of prayer. Judas was lost forever. That’s what, perhaps, the father of the prodigal son did. He kept a prayerful watch over his son until he came back home (Luke 15:20).
Dear parents, your prayerful watch over your children is not in vain (Psalm 127:3-5). There may seem not to be a notable change at the moment. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t stop praying. The harvests of your prayers are waiting in the future. You only lose or assist the devil when you stop praying (1 Peter 5:7-9).
One skill every child must learn from home is prayer (Luke 11:1-13). Children need to know that they can always call on God. No matter where they are, God is always within reach, even when the parents are not there. Invest in the prayer life of your children. Guide them to pray. Teach them to take their requests to God, not just to you (Philippians 4:6-7).
Prayer has to be modelled at home if it must be a lifestyle for the children (Genesis 18:17-19). It’s beautiful when children see their Dad and mum pray. Parents who don’t pray regularly are already laying the wrong foundation for their children. Your children will live in the harvests of your prayers or prayerlessness (Psalm 72:1-20). Don’t joke with prayer.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria