Praying For Keeps

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Praying For Keeps

“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24

for keeps

1. For a very long period of time, possibly forever. I'm sorry, but you're stuck with me. As my husband, you have me for keeps.

2. For one to maintain or take ownership of. I would have returned the mug to you sooner, but I thought you gave it to me for keeps.

3. With determination to do or complete something. This is it, girls, the last game of the season. So go out there and play for keeps.

My (JCD’s) grandmother prayed /for her six children /throughout their formative years, but her youngest son—my father—was a particularly headstrong young man. For seven years /following his high school graduation he rejected the teachings of the church. Yet my grandmother never stopped praying.

One evening my Uncle Willis, who loved Jesus passionately, went looking for my dad (who was visiting his parents’ home) as the family prepared to go to church. “Jim,” he said, “aren’t you going with us to the service tonight?” “No, Willis,” my dad said. “I’m through with all of that. I don’t plan to ever go back again.” Willis said nothing. But as my father sat /looking at the floor, he saw big tears splashing on his brother’s shoes. I’ll go, my dad thought, just because it means that much to him.

* through with - having finished or arrived at completion;

At the service that evening, James Dobson Sr. invited Jesus Christ into his heart—a decision he never wavered from the rest of his life. God answered the prayers of my grandmother /by placing a key person at a critical crossroads. If you pray with persistence and confidence, He will do as much for your children, too.

Before you say good night…

Do you pray /for your kids /with persistence and confidence?

How have your prayers already changed the lives of your children?

How can you help each other to keep praying /even when you’re tired or discouraged?

Lord Jesus, You have taught us to “pray always and not give up.” Strengthen us, Lord, to do this for our children. As long as You give us breath, help us to pray for the special lives () You have entrusted us with, and to never give up or let up /until we are all together in Your presence. Amen.

• From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.