Gather Round For Prayer

When my sister and I were little girls, our dad would wake us up each morning to a peppy little medley he had creatively added lyrics to. Picture Frank Sinatra swaying to the tempo of Big Band music, singing these words…

“Good morning, it’s a beautiful day. Good morning, time to start on your way. Good morning, I’ve got something to say. Good morning, good morning to you…”

It is quite comical looking back, but growing up it used to make my sister and I so mad! I can remember the rush of those early mornings all too well. Dad was the breakfast cook while mom would ready herself for work as a teacher’s aide. Brittney and I would slowly get ready for school ourselves. Once we were finished, we would quickly sit and eat our breakfast before grabbing our backpacks and heading off for school. It all sounds like clockwork unless you have lived it.

I can still hear my dad yell down the hallway in a silly tone, “Ya’ll come gather round for praya” and my sister would echo back, “Praya.” It became a family joke as the years went by. Our morning prayer together was never anything long but it had a lasting impact. It always covered thankfulness for another day, protection in our daily activities and the ability to learn and accomplish what was set before us. The hustle and bustle of quick breakfasts, packed lunches and forgotten book bags can quickly take center stage while prayer finds itself lost in the shadows. Prayer must be intentional and without excuse. My dad told me something a few years back that I never forgot. He said, “Too many Christians want a Gospel they are not accountable to and a grace they are irresponsible for.”

One day, not too long ago, Eva and I were outside. She was riding her bike and I was jogging. I turned into the driveway before she did. I thought she was right behind me. As I turned to circle back around her, I saw a car approaching slowly. We do not live on a busy road, in fact, it is a dead-end road. Nonetheless, the car was slowly approaching and it scared Eva. She jumped off of her bike and ran to the driveway screaming, “Mommy!” I quickly scooped her up. I thanked the lady for driving so cautiously as kids played on our road all the time. She smiled and said she was so impressed at how Eva jumped off the bike and ran to the curb just like we had taught her to do. I too was thankful the instructions were followed. Later that day, as we were doing other things, Eva stopped and said to me, “Mommy, Jesus stopped that car today. He saved my life.” I looked at her as I caught my breath and said, “You are exactly right, Girly, He did!” She was never in any real danger, the car was not moving swiftly, but… it could have been. It could have been someone who wasn’t paying attention or someone busy on their phone, not watching where they were going.

Many years ago, I spent my days in fear. Begging God to watch over my family and myself. I lived in constant unrest. Waiting around every corner for something to go wrong. I was unequipped to handle life and all its obstacles. With my dad’s statement ringing in my ears, I realized the responsibility was mine. I picked up my Bible and began learning of the power it possessed. I found out; I didn’t have to beg God for anything. Sitting around wringing my hands and pleading with God wouldn’t keep danger away. Protection is a promise that belongs to every Christian, but left unchecked it will sit unclaimed. Today, my family gathers around for prayer just like I remember doing all those years ago. Where I once lived my life in fear and turmoil, I now live in peace. Knowing the promises of God will see us through whatever we may face.

If perhaps you find yourself where I was, I want to encourage you today. God is not angry with you. He does not stand ready to bring His wrath upon you or your family. He is a loving Father who has precious promises wrapped up in scripture to encompass your life.

I wrote this prayer several years ago. I pray it over my family often.  I hope it is a blessing to you as much as it has been to me…

“Father we give you thanks for this day and we declare your loving-kindness each morning. We ask that you watch between each of us while we are absent from one another. Guard our going out and our coming in from this day forth and even forevermore. Give your angels charge over us to keep us, for we abide under the shadow of the Almighty. We thank you that as we gather back together this evening, we will find nothing amiss in our household and we will declare your faithfulness each evening. You are the Lion of Judah and You patrol the perimeter of my life!” – Amen

Psalms 118:24    Genesis 31:49   Psalms 91:1,11   Psalms 92:1-2    Psalms 121:8     Job 5:24

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