Grandparenting: Giving a Gift that Outlasts Others

By Lydia E. Harris

“What do you like about Christmas?” I asked my six-year-old granddaughter as we drove to a Christmas program. “Presents!” she replied without hesitation and giggled. I could have squelched her response by saying, “Oh, but Jesus is the BEST Gift.” And sometimes we do talk about the importance of Jesus’ birth together. But at that moment, it seemed more appropriate to learn about her interests and talk about the American Girl doll she hoped to receive.

 

Presents are a special part of Christmas for grandkids of all ages. And that’s normal. In fact, some people’s love language is gifts, so they feel especially loved when they receive presents. We don’t need to feel bad if our grandkids like gifts. I’ve come to realize that giving presents is one important way to show my grandkids I love them.

So what gifts can you and I give? Since our grandkids are at different ages and stages, and we’re all in different circumstances of life, I won’t offer a pat answer for what to add to your shopping list for grandkids. Instead, I’d like to suggest a gift where one size fits all—prayer! Here are a few tips for giving the gift of prayer:

1. Ask God which grandchild or grandchildren especially need your prayers in the New Year. If you have dozens of grandkids, of course you’ll pray for all of them throughout the year. But do some need extra prayers daily or weekly? Do you have a grandchild with chronic health needs? An older grandchild entering college? Or a grandchild who is struggling in some way? I know my grandson, entering high school next fall, could use more prayer. Give the gift only to those you can faithfully pray for.

2. Once you decide who will receive a gift of prayer, set aside a specific time when you’ll pray for this grandchild (e.g., weekly or as often as you have time). Will it be during your regular devotions or at another time? If you select a specific time and place, it will be easier to keep your commitment.

3. Ask your grandchildren or their parents for prayer requests or a favorite Scripture passage to use in prayer. Keep a notebook with requests and answers. If you plan to give the notebook to your grandchild at the end of the year, make a separate notebook for each child you’re praying for.

4. Give your grandchild this gift of prayer with a small tangible reminder that you are praying for him or her. If you have a young grandchild, consider a teddy bear (prayer bear) with a note that says you’re praying. For an adult grandchild, consider a prayer plant, with leaves that fold up at night like praying hands.

 

You could give this gift of prayer only from yourself. Or if you’re married, it could be a joint gift from you and your spouse. My husband and I enjoy praying together for our grandchildren. We also like to select specific Scriptures to pray for them. In my book, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting, I’ve included numerous Scriptures to use in praying for grandkids along with other ideas for meaningful prayer times.

Prayer is a priceless gift that fits any budget and outlasts other presents. And unlike other gifts, one size does fit all. The gift of prayer comes wrapped in love, tied with heartstrings, and yields eternal benefits. And no one will exchange your gift. So whatever gift you give this Christmas, wrap it in love and prayers.

 

Lydia Harris, known as Grandma Tea, is passionate about prayer, grandparenting, and hospitali-TEA. She inspires groups with her practical ideas, engaging stories, and sincere faith. Lydia has contributed to 17 books and has published hundreds of articles, devotionals, and tea columns. Focus on the Family regularly publishes her children’s recipes, which she tests with her grandkids. Her Bible study, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting, is based on years of teaching and intentional, godly grandparenting.