FAMILY MATTERS:
Teach children to pray during hard times
___My grandson is upset over his parents' divorce. They both love him and spend a lot of time with him, yet he made the statement that he doesn't know what he can do to make the situation different. I don't know what to say to him.
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KAY TOWERS
Program Coordinator
LifeWay Fellowship, Killeen
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___Explain that divorce is an adult situation. It is something his parents decided to do, and it is not his fault. Help him realize he is fortunate to be able to spend time with both of his parents. Remind him of their love for him.
___Things don't always work out the way we hope. Think back to times in your own life when circumstances were hard. As you share them with your grandson, let him know God helped you through those times. Tell him we can do something, even when we have problems we can't change. We can pray.
___Encourage him to pray to God any time, any where and tell God what is on his mind.
___Read Jeremiah 33:3 to him. It says to call on God, and God will answer us. Be sure to emphasize God's answer is not always the same as the answer we want. Through prayer, we can find peace and comfort. We can learn happiness comes from Jesus and not from our circumstances.
___Remind your grandson to thank God for all his blessings--two parents who love him, a grandmother who cares about him, friends and other blessings. When we count our blessings, we are less likely to feel sorry for ourselves.
___When children don't understand why things are happening around them, it can be a difficult time. It can, however, be a growing time with the help of caring adults.
___There is no magic lamp to fix a child's disappointments. But he can find peace, wisdom and comfort through time with God. When your grandson is with you, pray together.
___ Use vocabulary that is appropriate for his age.
___ Let him hear you thank God for the blessings you both share in life.
___ Ask God to help him through this period of his life.
___ Thank God for being our best friend who always is willing and ready for us to talk with him.
___ Teach your grandson to pray for both his mother and father.
___What a wonderful opportunity you have as a grandparent. Even though this is a difficult period in your grandson's life, it can be a valuable teaching time as you help him develop his prayer life and learn to depend upon God.
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