“… The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16).

THE EFFECTIVE PRAYERS OF
A RIGHTEOUS MOM

When our children still lived at home, we exhorted one of our sons concerning his habit of leaving the bathtub dirty. One of us commented that he had better change that habit before he got married. “Oh,” he said, half jokingly, “the girl I marry will love me so much that she won’t mind cleaning the bathtub after me.” I shuddered to think of that sweet little girl out there somewhere, dreaming of the big handsome man she would marry who would solve all her problems and give her a wonderful life. She didn’t know he expected her to clean the tub!

As soon as our children were born, I began to pray for the persons they would marry. We have five children, and God has heard those fervent prayers. He has blessed them with wonderful Christian mates.

When our daughter Donna began to consider marriage, she made a list of qualities she desired in a husband. She wrote at the top of the list her desire that he be a strong Christian. While we prayed in Texas, miles away in California, God worked in a young man’s heart. He accepted Christ at the age of 18! Years later God called him to a seminary and into vocational Christian ministry. It “happened” that God called Donna to the same seminary, where she met Mark.

Our second daughter, Becky, was a diabetic, and it took a special husband for her. The Lord picked the perfect one in Ray, a wonderful gift from God. Becky had a kidney transplant, heart problems, and other health difficulties. But through it all, Ray was the loving husband she needed. Becky went home to be with the Lord December 27, 2006.

Our son Bobby has always loved fixing things and working with his hands. He also loves to eat! God blessed him with Jan, who grew up on a farm. They live with our grandchildren in a fixer-upper farm home. Jan, a great cook who majored in elementary education, home schooled their children.

Our son Grant lives in Washington state. He is in a time of transition. Please pray with me that he and his family will know the presence of God in a special way. God is faithful as we continue to pray.

Our baby daughter, Julea, has a precious relationship with the Lord and a burden for young people. She served on the youth staff of the church where she met her husband, Steve. Steve shares Julea’s love of God and His kingdom. They also share a mutual enjoyment of the outdoors and sports and their three children.

For godly partners for your children, go to your knees!