When my husband and I were sophomores in college the last four digits of his telephone number were 1111. Something about that number tickled Brian and whenever he saw that time displayed on the clock he chimed, "Eleven Eleven!" (November 11 also became his favorite day of the year.) I would usually chuckle at his fixation on that number, not realizing God would make it significant for me, too.
You see, one day we decided - since we always thought of each other when we saw 11:11 - we would pray for one another whenever we looked at the clock and it was displaying that time. For the past 16 or 17 years God has frequently brought my eyes around to the clock at 11:11 and I have prayed for my dear husband. Actually, I have even seen a billboard along the roadside which had "eleven eleven" written out on it. That was good enough for me, so I prayed then, too. *grin*
Some time over the past few months I told Matthew about this prayer cue Brian and I have, and I am sure he has heard me say to Brian, "I looked at the clock at 11:11 today!" He loves that Brian and I pray for each other, and yesterday Matthew decided to cause us to pray for one another even more. He made two signs and taped them on both sides of our bedroom door, like this:
Last night Matthew asked me if I am praying for Brian every time I walk in and out of my bedroom. Yes, I am. And whenever I even walk past it. Matthew would probably like to know I am also thanking God for him and his tender heart whenever I see that sign, too.
It is absolutely delighting my heart to see Matthew growing in prayerfulness.
Awhile ago God put it on my heart to pray for Matthew when he is endlessly holding onto me at bedtime. Sometimes I used to literally pry his hands off my neck, telling him, "Good night, Matthew. I need to go now." (Meaning, Let go, already. I have stuff I want to do!) But God moved in me to stay as long as Matthew is holding on, and to pray for him. Well, one night Matthew didn't hold on very long and when he let go I said, "Hey, I wasn't finished yet." He stared at me with a puzzled look, and I told him that I pray for him when he holds onto me like that. He was quick to grab on again, and I could hear him praying for me.
Now, whenever Matthew holds onto my neck we pray for each other. I know he loves me praying for him, and I can see it brings him joy to pray for me, too. *BIG grin*
Yesterday he came into my room and said, "I will be so impressed if Joshua gets his DS!" (He has been saving up for it, and now that he has enough money we are finding the stores are out of stock.) I replied, "Oh, yeah? Why is that?" Matthew smiled and said, "Because I just prayed for it!"
I love what I am seeing in him, and am praying Matthew will grow to be a man of great faith and prayer!
Monday, January 14, 2008
My Little Pray-er
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10 comments:
This is so sweet and precious. God has given you these special things to keep Him in the midst of your family! How beautiful!
Nick and I too have a special day of nov. 1 "111" because that was a day back when we were dating that we felt like we were so "coram deo" (in the presence of God) together for the first time!
Go ones!!!!
The number 11 is a very special one in our family. All 3 of my children were born on the 11th day of the month. The first was born at 9:11am on July 11th. The next was born at 1:59am on September 11th, yes THE September 11. He weighed 11lbs 4oz. And while that alone should be reason enought to gasp. His uncle, my brother lived and worked in NYC. My mother waited until she knew he would be on his way to work to call him about his new nephew. It just so happened (GOD's timing) that he was running late, and the phone call delayed him even more. When the towers came down, they destroyed his apartment building and his office. That phone call that made him late saved his life.
Then 4 years later we welcomed on July 11th another 11 lbs of joy.
So we are very fond of the nubmer 11 at our house. Especially Eph. 1:11 In him we also were made heritage and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been fordained and appointed in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will.
now how sweet is that!!! I love that!! he might do the same thing on day with his girlfriend and then wife!! wow!!
thanks, Leigh
oh, I loved this post!!
I bet you are hoping lots of people steal your idea...I intend to! Maybe not 11:11, but something.
Awesome! I love how you and your hubby have your special sign for prayer and how cool that matthew is obviously soaking it all up!
Awwww... how sweet! What a great example for the rest of us!
What a great idea. We have always used the # on the clock of a birthday. If your birthday is 9/21 then at 9:21 it's a birthday wish. What a better idea to pray! Will have to make the switch!
Debbie
This is without a doubt my favorite ever post of yours! Prayer is huge for me. & so is the idea of raising Godly young men. What a beautiful story! I hope you will be able to work these things into your book, or a book!
Yes I back tracked here to see the whole 11,11 thing. Very cool! I heard one other story about time and praying maybe on Focus on the Family. I think it's a great idea. Your boy Matthew is something else! I actually shed a tear the way he encourages you to pray and the way he prays too. Awesome story that I'm glad I took the time to read!
Aww, thanks for sharing a precious piece of what GOD has done and is doing in your lives -- 11:11.
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