Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Legacy of a Praying Grandma by Jenna Vick Silliman

My Grandma Gerry Vick delighted in the Lord and He delighted in giving her the desires of her heart. (See Psalm 37:4.) She was given the name Lois Geraldine Squires at birth. Therefore Timothy in the Bible and I have something in common—praying grandmothers named Lois. She has been with Jesus for over twenty years now, but she lived to be almost ninety years old and she was sharp and active and praying right up until the end of her life. 

I have many family pictures from Grandma and a set of bowls from her in my kitchen. I have part of her teacup collection, and in my cabinet I have the old family Bible from her side of the family which she passed down to me. It will go to our oldest son, Daniel. I also have her hope chest, which I have given to my daughter, Valerie.

I have her wedding portrait framed next to mine and my husband’s grandma—all in our wedding dresses. Both my husband’s grandmother and my grandma were thirteenth children in their families. In our family it gives us a funny feeling when we realize none of us would be here if our great-grandparents didn’t have thirteen children!

My whole life has been changed by a simple prayer my Grandma said daily. She developed a habit of reading God’s Word every day, but before she opened the good book, she prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, please speak to me through Your Word.” Then she opened it up and read until something spoke to her heart. Now this is what I do—just about every day without fail.

Grandma prayed for me every day of my life. Grandma was a prayer warrior and she never, ever gave up. When she made up her mind to pray for something or someone she kept on praying every day. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was still praying up in heaven!

To live out Grandma’s legacy, I pray and pray and never, ever give up. I too delight myself in the Lord and know that He delights to grant me the desires of my heart. This morning, while still in bed, my husband, Cliff, and I took hands at 6 am and prayed for each of our children and their spouses. We also prayed for our “twinkles”. Our grandchildren are twinkles in our children’s eyes. Hahaha! We prayed about our lives, our needs, our dreams. Jesus said, “You have not because you ask not.” (See Luke 11:9.) Why not ask Him for our heart’s desires?

Thank you God for the legacy of a praying grandma!

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