Hebrews Chapter 8

“This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Hebrews 8:10, NIV

Prayer Over Our Children

Cover my little one with the greater promises of Your covenantal love so that she may be found faultless and pure. Do not turn away from her, oh God, but help her remain faithful to You, placing Your law in her mind and writing it upon her heart. Be her God, oh Lord, and help her to know You. Forgive her of any wickedness and do not remember her sins but wash her clean through Your new covenant. ...

A night of very little sleep. Poor Sweet Pea was haunted by fears and spooky shadows, waking up every hour to whimper a quiet, shaking plea. “Mommy, Mommy,” her scared, sleepy voice trembled, “Mommy, please come in with me.”

I tumbled down the hallway as quickly as my groggy stature would allow, too tired to wonder how many times I had now frequented her bedroom with soothing songs, prayers, massages, hugs, and whispered reassurances. Her Minnie Mouse lamp even burned the midnight oil to lend its brightness to the darkness. After my final visit to Sweet pea’s room, sleep claimed me. Not even a clanging train would have roused me from my slumber. 
     
The morning dawned seemingly earlier then usual, with even Sweet One stretching to wakefulness at an atypically early time, particularly considering her nighttime activity. The plan for the day had been to enjoy a day trip to a fun pool, visit local attractions, and enjoy tasty cuisine. However, as I sagged in sleep deprivation and exhaustion tormented my body, I scrapped the day’s plans, recognizing the entire family’s need for a more restful day. Sweet Pea’s head splitting yawns and my husband’s boy soprano voice turned bass, also testified of the need to change gears. So, now suddenly faced with trashed plans, I found myself reclining on the loveseat with Sweet Pea perched on my belly, playing jewelry and dress shopping.
     
“Minnie would like the pink, sparkly dress, the pink sparkly heels, a pink sparkly purse, necklace, and bracelet,” intoned my Sweet girl. “And please put everything in this bag with pink sparkly tissue paper.” She politely requested.

With my husband listening amusedly on the couch, we spent a cozy morning using our imaginations and playing contentedly. As the day progressed, and other chores and errands needed tending, we tumbled outside to be greeted by cool, breezy fresh afternoon air. 
     
“It’s beautiful!” I breathed, throwing out my arms and gulping in the perfectly climated weather, “Let’s roll down those car windows and go!” And away we went, visiting several locations, and later returning home in time to make dinner.

Everyone’s eyelids drooped and not a word was spoken. We were too tired to talk and possessed only the energy to open mouth, insert food, and chew!
     
With dinner now done, dirty dishes piling high in the sink, and my body moving like molasses, I craved to sit down and listen to Daddy read Sweet Pea the Bible. Yet, cleaning up the mess left from morning breakfast, lunch, and now dinner, screamed for my attention. Wearily, I stacked dishes, filled the sink with warm, soapy water, and began the tedious task of washing dishes. 
     
“Please help me, Lord,” I silently pleaded, “I am so tired and don’t want to do this.” A song from a beloved hymn, floated through the back recesses of my mind, bringing with it, a slight boost in energy. What can wash away my sin? Water splashed through my fingers onto the hardened bits of food molecules. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Breathing deep to embrace this gifting of new strength, I turned my focus to the purposeful, energetic application of pressure required to conquer crusty plates and pans. Swish, swipe, scrubbed the sponge in my hand in round, measured strokes. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Over and over the verses cycled in my mind until their words became unconscious utterings and then softly sung melodies.

​My hollow, half-hearted initial efforts, now grew razor sharp in focus and mindful intentionality. What started as empty and sparse, became a time of close communion with God. For as I focused on each stroke of my hand, I became more present in the moment. And as I became more present in the moment, I became more present with God. And as I became more present with God, new spirit filled energy infiltrated my body. And as I felt more energized, a clear and calming focus on the present and the task at hand, strengthened my appreciation and overwhelmed me with deep pools of gratitude.
     
Thank You, Lord that my fingers can hold, and my hands can scrub, whispered my quiet praises. Splash splash, splish-splash. Water splashed over the sink onto the denim material of my dress. Thank You that my legs are strong enough to stand, whispered my heart, thank You that I can still help care for my family. Clean dishes started piling in half-hazardous fashion on the dish drain and soon only a few pots and pans remained. Thank You for turning a mediocre meal into something fun and special, my praises continued. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. The verses sang strong and true from my lips, intermingling with the humble offerings of thanksgiving I laid at His feet in full surrender.
     
​Fellow parents and friends, are you weary and heavy laden? Do you ever feel like the day is too much or that you have nothing left to give? That, like me, nothing but crazed chaos or unmet expectations sometimes fills your world? Do not let these days define you for what is all our hope and peace? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. When we have yelled at the kids or fear our parenting efforts fall short, remember that Jesus cleanses us and makes us whole again. When we make mistakes and wish we could insert foot in mouth, Jesus pardons us and washes away our sins. It is nothing but His blood which cleanses us and makes us new again. So, let us let go of all our strivings and surrender all our hopes, failures, and dreams to the only One who can restore us, renew us, and make us whole again.

A Parent's Prayer

Oh Lord, let Your cleansing blood wash over me. Forgive me for so often I make mistakes and fall short of Your glory. Be my righteousness, oh God, and fill me with Your hope and peace as I walk throughout this day.