“Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!”

A last thought as we end this year and are about to begin a brand-new one. This is first and foremost an excellent challenge to moms and dads to pray intently for our children. For me, that now includes my grandchildren and the generations to come from them as well. Most parents understand this mother’s great anxiety in giving sound and vital advice to her son, as she thrice repeats her plea. Over the years, I have often deeply pondered what to tell a child or grandchild—both in general and in specific situations—that will encourage a godly life for them. The pressure to instill Jesus can be intense in the face of what we know they are confronted with daily. She refers to her son as the answer to her prayers. What a tremendous blessing it is to be seen as the answer to someone’s prayers. My sweet wife, Jennifer, was the first person I realized was an answer to my prayers—and she was the answer to prayers I didn’t even realize I had prayed. It was a case of the Holy Spirit interceding on my behalf. My dear brothers and sisters in Christ over the years, as well as my own children, are all examples of those who have been answers to my prayers. As we prepare to enter the new calendar year, I want to encourage all of us to consider who we can be the answer to their prayer—and to pray for those who have been answers to ours. Today, pray mighty prayers for the generations ahead. #BeTheEdge

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬