Back to School Tips, Part One

The start of school is upon us and it seems a good time to think about how to have a successful school year with our children/stepchildren.

So, I want to include a few tips over the next several posts.

The most important part we can play as stepparents is to commit to pray for our stepchildren regularly during the upcoming school year. If we dedicate a specific time and place to pray daily, it is more likely that it will happen.

In her book, The Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian says, "The battle for our children's lives is waged on our knees. When we don't pray, it's like sitting on the sidelines watching our children in a war zone getting shot at from every angle. When we do pray, we're in the battle alongside them, appropriating God's power on their behalf."

When our son, Nathan, was in a near-fatal car accident at 15 months old, I began to recognize the importance of praying daily for our children. Nathan had injuries that could have resulted in life-altering disabilities. Instead, as a result of constant prayer from friends and family members, Nathan recovered fully and has few visible signs from his tragic accident.

Following that accident, I began following a ritual of praying for Nathan's safety every night at bedtime. I have continued that pattern faithfully and believe my prayers allow a rambunctious young boy to live life to the fullest with protection from a powerful God.

As our children begin a new school year, there are many things we can't do for them to help the year go smoother. But there is one big thing we can do for them regularly: pray.

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

Will you commit to pray regularly for your stepchildren this year?