40 Days Of Prayer - Day 04

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Since becoming a parent 12 years ago, these verses have often run through the back of my mind as an encouragement. Sometimes, even oftentimes, the job of passing on a love for God and an understanding of His word is so gigantic. Who am I to take this on? But these verses remind me of a beautiful simplicity - to teach them is simply to talk of Him while going about my day!

When we sit in the living room after school, I can share how God met me that day or how we can be used by God to show someone else His love. When we drive to Grandpa and Grandma’s house, we can share our thankfulness before God with each other. When I spend one-on-one time with my children, I can share a command or direction of God’s, from His Word, on whatever my child is needing.

I remember having a conversation with each of my two sons (truthfully, many conversations), sharing what is often known as “The Golden Rule,” that we are called to treat others how we would want to be treated ourselves (Matthew 7:12). This is a far cry from what they may see around them in the world, but we have the occasion and privilege as parents to teach them a better way, God’s way! When we lay down at night and get up in the morning, we can praise Him for breath and thank Him for family!

By the way, I don’t think that the portion of the verse that states “…when you lie down and when you rise” simply means ‘all of the time’, though this is true also; but more specifically, that God is prompting healthy routines and habits – encouraging us to start our day with Him and finish our day with Him!

There is one more thing going on in this verse that I want to highlight - that is, the instruction to teach our children starts with holding His words in our heart. This call is not about passing on the knowledge that is in our brains. It is about holding Him and everything about Him dear in our hearts, and sharing with our children how He means everything to us and so, how He can mean everything to them.

"Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of Your Word. I thank you that You are great and You are good and I want to hide Your Word in my heart, like the treasure it is. Father, help me today to share Your commands, to share Your way with my children, to model it and teach it all of the time. May Your Words have first place in my heart, and flow out of me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen."
 
Written by Rebecca Warden