Have you considered writing a prayer for your descendants?
My great-great-great-great-great-grandmother did. (That’s five generations back).
Someone wrote it down, and I found it while researching my family tree.
(Honestly, the obscure old books I’ve scoured over the years!)
She wrote it first for her children, then her grandchildren, and then “for all who come after.”
That would be me.
I cried when I read it.
As far as I knew, no one in my family had ever prayed for me before.
Only Aggatha Dodson Hanks, circa 1800, in southeastern Kentucky.
The wife of an adventurous pastor, Aggatha must have been thinking ahead.
I’m thankful she did! (And having written the family history, I know she needed to!)
Why not a prayer for your descendants?
As a Christian, I believe in the power of prayer.
(You can start reading prayer blog posts here!)
As Oswald Chambers said, “prayer is the greater work.”
It can affect others’ lives.
We all have free will. God won’t override our will.
But blessings from someone with authority over us (like your mother or grandmother) can help allay some of the evil influences.
I pray for my children and grandchildren every morning–putting on the armor of God.
I occasionally pray for our siblings and their children.
Other people’s kids — especially if I have a relationship with them — turn up in my prayers.
Given the example of my Aggatha Hanks, I probably should be praying ahead for those born after I’m gone.
Given current events, they’ll undoubtedly need it.
What do our current children need to hear?
During COVID, I thought about how challenging it would have been if my father were still alive.
After a stroke devastated him in many ways, he made many foolish choices.
My siblings and I tried to help him again and again — often only to have him rebel.
We just wanted him to be safe.
He wanted to be in charge of his life.
Everyone was miserable as a result.
He died a long time ago.
One COVID day, I realized I didn’t want to put my children through such behavior.
So, I made them a video.
I introduced myself on that specific date to myself in the future using my iPhone.
I spoke directly to myself.
“Michelle, this is Michelle on April 23, 2020. I want you to listen to me.”
“You’ve raised four terrific kids. They love you. They love God. They’re smart. You can trust them.
“Listen to me. I want you to listen to THEM and do what they tell you.”
“Kids, if you have any questions, ask your father.”
I hope it works as a prayer for your descendants (so mine won’t cause the world trouble) and mine!
What should go into a prayer for your descendants?
Other than my pithy directions, a blessing.
Blessings are stronger than curses. (Too many of us leave curses.)
Here’s one I’ll pray right now:
Lord, be with my children, my grandchildren, and all the rest who will come in the future.
Fill them with your presence, joy, understanding, and faith.
Give them a sense of Your protection over them, always. Remind them that You will never leave them nor forsake them.
Give them a love for truth, the Bible, and each other. Fill their days with gladness, mirth, and ability to hear and follow Your will for them.
Lead them in ways everlasting, and the wisdom that surpasses all understanding.
Encourage their faith in You, a love for Jesus, and ears to hear the Holy Spirit.
And bring them to heaven so I can meet them one day.
Amen.
What or who are you leaving behind?
A prayer will always work well.
But remember, it needs to be a blessing.
How do you want your family, your descendants, to remember you?
There’s still time to prepare your legacy if you’re reading this today.
You don’t have to make a video, but hearing a loved one’s voice is always special.
How do you want to be remembered?
What sort of prayer for your descendants will help them?
Don’t hurt them.
Blessings to you.
Thoughts? Reactions? Lurker?