builder of the house

When we started the new year, Jason and I began reading Everyday Prayers by Scotty Smith.  A few days ago, I book-marked the following prayer, because, just like I need to preach the gospel to  myself  every day ("The most important message we need to hear as believers is the gospel."- Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace), I also need to remind myself that I should be parenting by the gospel, every day!

Everyday Prayers - January 11th:

Unless the Lord builds the house,

Those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the watchman stays awake in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:1-3

Heavenly Father, it's a joy to address you today as the architect and builder of your own house-including the household of faith and my children's place in your family.

As I look back over the years of my pragmatic parenting, I'm saddened, but I am also gladdened, for you've always been faithful to your covenant love, even when I was overbearing and underbelieving.  The move from parenting by grit to parenting by grace has been a fitful but fruitful journey.  Take me deeper; take me further.

You've rescued me from parental "laboring in vain"- assuming a burdern you never intended parents to bear.  Father, only you can reveal the glory and grace of Jesus to our children.  Only you can give anyone a new heart. You've called us to parent as an act of worship - to parent "as unto you," not as a way of saving face, making a name for ourselves, or proving our worthiness of your love.

Oh, the arrogant pride of thinking that by my "good parenting" I can take credit for what you alone have graciously done in the lives of my children.  Oh, the arrogant unbelief of assuming that by my "bad parenting" I've forever limited what you will be able to accomplish in the future.  Oh, the undue pressure our children must feel when we parent more out of our fear and pride than by your love and grace.

Since our children and grandchildren are your inheritance, Father, teach us - teach me- how to care for them as humble stewards, not as anxious owners.  More than anything else, show us how to parent and grandparent  in a way that best reveals the unsearchable kindnesses.  Convict me quickly and surely when I do not relate to your convenant children "in line with the truth of the gospel" ( Galatians 2:14,NIV).  I pray in Jesus' faithful name. Amen.\\

Love

Tracy