My kids have a pray-out-loud grandma. Not just an “I’ll be praying for you” grandma. Like out loud, let’s pray for what you’re going through together, right now, grandma.
It started when I was a kid and would come home from school with my troubles, worries, and friend problems. No matter how big or small the issue was, Mom would sit together with me on the sofa and talk things through, and she would pray out loud with me. I felt cared for and loved. There is something extra special and comforting about being prayed for out loud. It’s like Heaven connects with Earth for just a brief, supernatural moment.
As I got into middle school and high school, and even over college breaks, the problems and subjects changed, and sometimes we’d move to the kitchen if she was in the middle of fixing dinner or I was working on a school project, but I could always count on the out loud prayers from my mom. Anything, any time, no questions asked.
I was never super comfortable about praying out loud myself, but hearing my mom pray so many times created a talk track in my mind that I could go to when I needed reassurance. It also helped me have more confidence that I wasn’t going to say something really lame or embarrassing when I eventually tried praying out loud myself. Sometimes now, I pray out loud even when I’m by myself, and I have had the privilege to pray for her out loud a few times over the years.
I eventually became a grown-up with my own family, and I now pray for my own kids out loud because I want them to know their concerns matter. That’s the gift my mom gave me that I want to pass along to them.
Thanks to the marvels of modern technology, even though we live far away, Mom’s prayers have continued via phone and video chat, and they have extended to her praying out loud for her grandchildren when they have gone through hard times. Her out-loud prayers now make her grandchildren feel cared for and loved.
Mom’s prayers came full circle the other day. She recently had a major medical operation that did not go exactly as hoped or planned, and there will be lingering effects for quite a while, likely for the rest of her life. Mom and I were discussing health implications and potential limitations over speaker-phone, and instead of complaining, Mom talked about her own prayers, and her faith in God’s peace and hope came through loud and clear.
As my 7-year-old daughter overheard the conversation and her grandma’s words, she whispered in my ear, “Mama, can I pray with Grandma?”
My eyes instantly welled up with tears as I remembered the countless prayers over the years, and I marveled at the wisdom and compassion of a small child. I silently nodded yes, and she gently asked, “Grandma, can I pray for you?”
I could hear my mom’s voice welling with tears on the other end of the line as she answered, “Yes, I would love that.”
I listened as my daughter offered her small, heartfelt prayer to God for peace and healing for her grandma. As she spoke, Heaven briefly touched Earth, and I said a small prayer of thanks in my mind for the legacy my mom has woven into our lives by simply praying out loud.
by Carla King 
