Praying for our Kids

I pray for my kids every night before I go to bed.

But I have to confess, I often don't pray for them in the morning before they start their day. I guess I just get caught up in the craziness of getting them fed and clothed that I forget the most important part.

I began thinking about this yesterday because Ann Catherine didn't have a good day at school. Nothing major, she just seemed to be a bit "unsettled" all morning. The way her teacher explained it was that instead of being at school, she just wanted to be with me and Lily Baker. I can remember those days of just wanting to be with my mommy.

On the way to school today, we passed Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children and AC said, "Mommy, that's where the babies and children are."

"That's right," I answered. "And every time we pass by we should pray for those babies and children."

Then she asked, "Did you pray for me when I was in the NICU, Mommy?"

My eyes filled with tears and my voice cracked as I said, "Oh yes I did, baby. Every day."

That very well may be the understatement of the year. I felt like I was praying for her constantly while we were in the NICU.

"And did Daddy pray for me too?" she asked.

"Oh yes he did, baby. Every day."

When we pulled into school, I told the girls we were going to start doing something new before we went into school each day. We were going to pray. So I turned around and faced them and told them to close their eyes, and I prayed. I thanked God for them. I asked him to give them a wonderful day. And I asked him to send his angels to protect them while they were at school.

When I said "Amen" Lily Baker opened her eyes as wide as could be and said, "Wow!"

It was the most amazing thing.

I don't know who felt better. Me or them.

What a wonderful way to start their day. And shame on me for not doing this already. It took a total of 30 seconds, but it set the tone for their entire day. That's not to say they won't have bad days, because they will. But I want them to know that we can talk to Jesus before we start each day and ask for his grace and protection.

Isn't it amazing that the Creator of the Universe hears our prayers? Isn't it amazing that He loves our little ones so much (even more than we love them, if you can comprehend that. That one always throws me!)? And isn't it wonderful that we can go before the throne each day and ask Him to take care of them?

I think it is. And I am so grateful for it!