"Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instructions and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me, finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death" (Proverbs 8:32-36, the subject is wisdom personified).

The Bible contains many great parenting instructions or examples and many reasons and examples to pray. I couldn't possibly make reference to them all here. But as I was reading the passage above, it fit nicely into last night. My son (11 years old next week) was having a particularly difficult time being respectful to his mother and was making choices that were not wise. I corrected him sternly, took away privileges, and sent him to bed. He was not pleased.

Even my own heart struggled as I considered how ungrateful he was for all the things his mom and I do for him and the household. (Sound familiar for even grown, mature Christians?) As we reached the time when I would normally kneel at his bedside and pray with him, I didn't want to. My flesh wanted to be mad at him still and stomp around the house like an ogre! He was pretty grumpy too!

Blessed as I am, the Spirit grabbed me and into his bedroom I went, praying about his actions and good choices and all the things we are blessed with ending with the Risen Christ. I didn't dwell or rub his face in and when I finished, I stood up and simple said "Good Night". He replied "Good night dad, I love you". Both hearts softened by prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philip J.