Without doubt one of the most misunderstood concepts for many men is that of prayer. When I speak to many men on the subject of prayer it often seems as if I am talking in a foreign language, as I see the blank response on their faces. I fully realise that unless you have been brought up with prayer that it can seem to be a strange and almost spooky thing to do, but prayer once birthed in your heart is a magnificent experience and one that we as fathers need to acquire.

Prayer is as simple as communicating to someone whom you love and trust. For those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord And Saviour, prayer is a daily adventure. Jesus taught us many times in the scriptures to pray, and His example is our shining light. Prayer is an ever deepening ability to communicate with our creator on an intimate and life changing level.

Prayer can be as simple as a cry from your heart saying 'Jesus help me!', or as powerful as a life of intercession before the throne of God. Wherever you are at in your prayer life, it is vital that we as fathers pray for our children. There are forces of good (God's side) and forces of evil in this world, and ultimately they will attempt to influence your child's life and their eternity.

The prayers of a father can help tip the scales in the favour of God's influence governing over your child's life rather than evil. God has given the authority over this world to man, and because He respects our free will, God will usually not interfere unless He is asked to. Prayer is asking for God's help, and giving Him permission to move in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones.

Prayer can dramatically change the atmosphere around our home and our child's life, as God's Holy Spirit is released to rule over our lives. In place of fear and torment there will be peace, in place of trouble and strife there will be unity and forgiveness in the home. The more you welcome the person of the Holy Spirit into your home the better things will be.

Talk to Him, He is a friend and a comforter, He is a guide and a protector, and He is given to believers as a wonderful gift from heaven. Ask for His wisdom to raise your children, ask for His angels to surround them daily, and for divine health and mercy to be theirs all the days of their lives. Ask that He would send them good friends and great opportunities in life, and that He would draw them closer to Himself daily.

Prayer is like the breaking of a dam wall, it starts with the smallest crack and through persistence even the mightiest structures come tumbling down.

Warm Regards
John Nolan
Dads Uni

Suggested Action:
Spend time on your knees daily asking for God's help and His blessing and protection over your children.

(Numbers 6 v 22-27)
²²And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ^23"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, "This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:
²⁴    "The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵    The Lord make His face shine upon you,
    And be gracious to you;
²⁶    The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
    And give you peace."
^27"So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them."