The Legacy of Praying Grandmothers
Only heaven will reveal the true impact of prayer on a life. I’m convinced my life would be far different were it not for the myriad prayers offered up on my behalf. I don’t know the names of everyone who has interceded for me, but I can well illustrate the influence of the “dynamic duo” of my praying grandmothers.
My dad’s mother, Ila Silliman Taber, was my “Nana” in my childhood years. After Grandpa Taber died, Nana would come to our home for an occasional extended visit. Most of the time she lived with my dad’s sister Jessie and her husband Donald Klob, a pastor in Upstate New York.
One incident from Grandma Taber’s later years remains a favorite memory. My brother Paul and I drove to NY for a visit. Uncle Don and Aunt Jessie were out of the house when we arrived. They were expecting us and left the door unlocked. We let ourselves in and sat in the living room waiting for their return.
The low tones of what seemed to be a radio came from the kitchen, but before long, one of the voices in conversation was distinguishable as Grandma’s. Upon investigation, we discovered a wireless intercom – a useful tool allowing Aunt Jess to monitor her mother's needs while working in another part of the house. Now the intercom was broadcasting the conversation my grandmother was having up in her bedroom with a woman from her church who had come to gain encouragement and godly wisdom.
The kitchen phone rang. Thinking it might be Uncle Don or Aunt Jessie checking to see if we'd arrived yet, I answered. A woman asked, "Did someone there in the parsonage recently purchase an FM intercom?"
Uncertain of her intentions, I responded, "Why do you ask?"
"Well," she said, with evident embarrassment, "about a week ago we began picking up conversations on our intercom that apparently broadcasts on the same channel. From the conversations, we figured it must be the old lady who lives over there at the parsonage. She's always praying and talking about Jesus. We feel like eavesdroppers, so we thought we'd better call and tell you."
How many of us would like to have our private conversations broadcast to unseen listeners? How wonderful to live in such a way that even when that happens, the reality of a relationship with God is what is heard! Such was Ila Taber's transparent walk with the Lord.
The “praying-est woman” I ever knew was Helga Mogensen Payton. For most of my growing up years, my mom’s mother lived in our home. I have multiplied memories of walking past her doorway in the mornings when “Grammy” was on her knees, “doing business with God.”
Gram Payton’s prayers were not the simple, “Lord, please bless (insert name).” No, when she interceded, she pleaded. “O heavenly Father, get hold of Wesley’s heart! Don’t let Satan have any victory in his life! Keep him in the center of Your will, Lord!”
Gram’s earnest pleas were often punctuated with a loud THUMP. On her knees before heaven’s throne room, she would raise her foot a few inches behind her and drive it to the floor for emphasis when her soul was exercised in prayer.
Intercession was serious business, often consuming half an hour and more of her mornings. Family, church folks, and missionaries were lifted up by name. Gram also had a special passion for lost souls. How she rejoiced when a “lost sheep” came home to Jesus!
What great memories I have of my praying grandmothers. What a legacy of godliness I inherited from them. Now it’s my privilege to intercede for my own grandchildren as they navigate life in this sin-cursed world. I pray for their protection and that God will cause them to shine as lights in the darkness.
Of course, we need not wait until our hair turns gray to pray. Access to the Throne is the privilege of the youngest believer. And we have the assurance of Scripture that our prayers are not merely wishes cast into the air.
· “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry,” Psalm 34:15 tells us.
· “It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).
I fully believe I am where I am today due in large measure to the faithful prayers of my parents and grandparents.
One of the most convicting verses I know is, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). Even at this stage of life I’m asking the Lord to please give me a portion of the spirit of my praying grandmothers.
If you’ve been praying for me and the LIFE family, thank you! And if there is something we can be praying about for you, please let us know. Prayer is a privilege every believer can enjoy. And if Jesus is not yet your Savior, why not pray to accept His forgiveness today?
Written by Wes, LIFE’s Global Ambassador
1) Who in your life has been a “prayer warrior” on your behalf? Have you taken the opportunity to express your thanks to them?
2) Do you believe in the power of prayer? For whom are you interceding today?
3) If prayer is a challenge for you, perhaps consider building your “prayer muscles” over time. You need not wait for a dedicated time of prayer to unburden your heart. “Pray as you go” is a good way to live out Philippians 4:6. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”