Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
ON YOUR SHOULDERS AND ON YOUR HEART
God gives us many pictures of how we should pray for our children. Yesterday we talked about the power of prayer when TWO OF YOU agree together.
God gives us further understanding when He designed the High Priest's garments. He told them to take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the twelve sons of Israel. They had to engrave six names on one stone and six on the other and then fasten the stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod of his garment. Exodus 28:12 (NLT) says: "Aaron will carry these names ON HIS SHOULDERS as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the Lord."
God wanted Aaron to take the names of the tribes of Israel into His presence on his shoulders. In the Bible shoulders speak of bearing a burden. It is the responsibility of each of us as parents and grandparents to take the burden of our children upon us as we go to the Lord in prayer.
But that’s not all. He also told Aaron to place the names of the tribes of Israel on the breastplate over his heart. Exodus 28:29, 30 states: “And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment UPON HIS HEART, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually . . . and they shall be upon Aaron’s HEART, when he goeth in before the LORD; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel UPON HIS HEART before the LORD continually.”
God also wants us to take our children into His presence upon our hearts. It is such a wonderful thing to do together as husband and wife. Lots of people ask us how we can remember all the names of our 45 grandchildren (and now great-grandchildren). Our answer is that it’s easy to remember their names when you pray for them by name each day.
I know you may find it difficult to fit this praying time into your busy schedule. But it is more important than anything else you do. Talk with your husband about the best time to do it. Ask him when he would like to do it. “Darling, when would it be best for you to pray for our children each day? Before we get up each morning, or in the evening. Let me know what’s best for you and I’ll fit in with you.”
But do make it happen. It is the most powerful thing you can do for your children, your grandchildren, and future generations.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
Photo: Evangelist Bill Graham and his late wife, Ruth, praying for their children. Did you know that Billy Graham is currently 99 years of age? Wouldn’t it be wonderful for him to get to his 100th birthday on November 7 this year?
For further understanding on our priestly responsibility, go to this link: https://tinyurl.com/OurPriestlyResponsibility
