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During childhood, my parents implemented spiritual training as part of their process in raising me. In the audio presentations "The Spiritual Training of Children", Dr. Dobson brought up four fundamental principles essential to this task of Christian parents (2020). I can honestly say my parents utilized all four methods with me. My parents would talk to me about our Lord and His mercies even before I was in preschool. Although the memories are fuzzy, I do have confirmations that my parents prayed with me before I could speak and then when I was capable, allowed me the opportunity to offer up prayers often. Although it was not my parents, I recall at an early age seeing my mother’s parents kneeling down together and praying at their bedside everytime I stayed with them. This visual left a huge impression on me. While not as prominent of a spiritual training tool, my parents created opportunities for me to learn Scriptural verses, mostly for reciting verses at Sunday school/church. I will always remember my parents talking to me about the power of praying and encouraging me to pray for everything, regardless if the “issue” at hand appeared small or large.
In the audio presentations "The Spiritual Training of Children", Dr. Dobson stressed the importance of Christian parents to live out their life in front of their children as a witness for Christ (2020). Dr. Dobson would make this and other similar recommendations in Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide (2000). Dr. Dobson emphasized Deuteronomy 6:7-9 both in the audio presentations and the book, calling on the spiritual training of children at home to begin at birth and to make it a lifestyle. God’s design for the family is to make God’s Word a part of everything we do. Whether it be family meals, family devotions, attending church, schooling children, playing sports—everything is to involve the Word of God. We are to make God’s Word central to our lives. My prayer would be I would genuinely use all four strategies. I would highlight teaching my children to pray often, from the earliest age possible. I would want to pray in front of them, publicly, and never feel ashamed in doing so. I would also desire to make it known to my children that we have the straight and immediate access to God to pray for everything. I would want my children to be aware that when we pray according to God’s will, He is eager to give us what we request. Sometimes God says no to our prayers because He knows that what we want isn’t really what’s best for us. Sometimes when it feels like God is saying ‘no’ He’s actually just saying ‘wait’.
If I were to emphasize with my children one strategy that my parents did not utilize regularly, it would be the memorization of Scripture. I know parents who understand that they will never be able to keep their children from being hurt or facing difficult circumstances, but if Christian parents have helped their children to hide God’s Word in their hearts, the parents have the peace of mind that their children are facing life with the best protection possible. God Word is with them every step of the way.
References
Dobson, J (2000). Complete marriage and family reference guide. Carol Stream, IL:
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Dobson, J., (2020). The Spiritual Training of Children - I [ Audio Broadcast]. Lynchburg, VA:
Liberty University.
Dobson, J., (2020). The Spiritual Training of Children - II [ Audio Broadcast]. Lynchburg, VA:
Liberty University.
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