I enjoyed a concert not long ago with our son. Suddenly, a lyric stood out on the big screen that grabbed my attention:

Somebody went to the throne of Heaven,
somebody lifted my name,
bringing me into His Holy Presence,
saying what needed said….

A word picture filled my imagination. What an incredible GIFT! I wondered how many times people give me this gift every day. And I realized I often give this gift to others!

Praying for others and having others pray for us is a very vital, yet common, element of our lives. However, each time it happens, we are giving a gift (as we lift up names to Heaven) and receiving a gift (as we converse with our Precious Father). I marvel at God’s design for prayer – we give and receive at the same time!

I realized it is possible, even likely, that someone lifts my name every day….someone gives me a gift every day. My parents lifted my name asking God to make me His child. I wonder if it is possible that every day – even when all around me isn’t going well, the children are fussy, the weather is gloomy, the people at work are disagreeable, I make mistakes with my responsibilities, I don’t feel well, I am in pain, and especially during this holiday season when I feel overwhelmed with activity – I wonder if it is possible for me to remember that somebody is lifting my name. Everyday I should take advantage of this gift, return the favor and lift someone’s name, taking them into His Holy Presence.

Perhaps this Christmas is the year to help your children understand the precious gift of prayer. Each time you receive a Christmas card – stop and pray for that person or enter them in a prayer journal to be prayed for throughout the year. With the traumatic events in our country this year, perhaps together with your children you can pray for people’s homes being restored, their schoolings, their toys, etc. Purchase books on prayer for your children and work through them together. Plan a special time when you share with your children how people have prayed for you; share what you pray for concerning them. Help your children understand prayer is communication with God. Help your children understand prayer is a way we can understand Him better. If you need help, look for resources on teaching children to pray. My Children’s Ministry Resource Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers illustrates using our five fingers:

My Thumb: pray for those close to me (family and friends)
Pointer Finger: pray for those who point me to Christ (Sunday School teachers, pastor, etc.)
Middle Finger: pray for those in authority (parents, teachers, police, government officials)
Ring Finger: pray for those who are weak, (sick, struggling, sad, unsaved), and finally, myself.
Pinkie: the smallest finger of all; "the least shall be the greatest among you". Pray for yourself

I have learned to acknowledge gifts when they are given to me; I have learned to show gratitude for thoughtfulness expressed by others. On my latest shopping trip I purchased thank you cards to be sent to people who give me gifts this Christmas. But how often do I think to thank the Lord for the people who give me the gift of prayer; for the precious gift of somebody lifting my name; somebody bringing me into His Holy Presence…

I recognize the GIFT of GRACE through Jesus Christ and the GIFT of my salvation. I celebrate His birth. I enjoy the GIFTS of, and from, family and friends. Will you join me this season and also savor the GIFTS of prayer. And may this be a time we give and receive this GIFT, teaching it to our children and helping them understand it is a treasure!

Be faithful in prayer Romans 12:12