My dear readers,

1. Parents’ prayer for children
"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him" (1 Sam 1:27).
"Creator and Giver of life, We thank Thee for the gift of children; while they are in our care, we acknowledge that they belong to Thee, even as we also belong to Thee. Make us therefore to appreciate our very great responsibility as parents in the upbringing of our children. Father in heaven, teach us how we should love them with a pure and holy love. Oftentimes our love is selfish and imperfect, but Thine is perfect, pure and holy. Evermore give us Thy perfect love.

"Grant us our wisdom, for we are but children in understanding. In many things we err: sometimes we do too much, sometimes too little, sometimes too strict, sometimes too lax. We need wisdom, more wisdom from Thee, Lord! Help us to teach them diligently Thy holy Word; to pray for them and to pray with them. Above all, help us to set them examples of godly piety by living the Christ-life, through Jesus our Lord. Amen."

Readers, you will be able to find more prayers from "66 Pocket Prayers" for different occasions to keep you near to the heart of God. This prayer booklet, in English and Chinese, is available from Tabernacle Books. Email your orders to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2. Train up a child (Prov 22:4-6)
Parents are ever so mindful of their children’s advancement in every field that they happily study with them, study for them, train them up in various skills and do a host of other things for them. In this respect Christian parents are not behind other parents. Strangely, however, believing parents not uncommonly neglect their responsibility in their children’s spiritual upbringing. Some leave it to the church; others leave it to the child. Whichever it is, they are failing in their God‑given opportunity.

The Word of God clearly lays on believing parents the holy duty of instructing their children in spiritual things. We must not shirk or shrink from this responsibility nor should we delegate it to anyone else. God’s Word says, "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deut 6:7). Such is the zeal required of God’s people in the instruction of children in God’s Word. The same zeal naturally applies to the instruction of children in prayer.

Sadly, many modern parents have not been instructed by their pastors of their responsibility. Consequently their children grow up not knowing how to pray or read their Bible. At meal times they do not thank God for the food. Morning prayers are said hastily. Bedtime prayers become a drowsy formalism and routine. Does this describe your children? I pray not. God’s Word commands all believing parents: "Train up your child when he is young!" We are to pray with them, to teach and guide and supervise. This is God’s way.
When should we start? As soon as a child begins to speak. It is not too early to start. Let us read God’s Word to them and teach them to speak to God as they learn to speak to man. This is our joyous and holy assignment from God. So, be faithful!

3. Songs my Mother taught me
From memory store, the song my Mother taught me drove all fears from a young heart. Here is an excerpt from "Footprints."
FISHING WITH FATHER -- The story is not so much about fishing as about following. Father loved to fish at night, and I followed him for good company and as his errand boy. He was naturally proud of his three-year-old who walked with him to his favourite perch on the far bank of Peach River, across a wooden bridge spanning the stream.

Those fishing trips took place after dinner. At Father’s word, I carried his can of worms, packet of tobacco, box of matches, and mosquito-repellent coil. With rod in hand, he would lead on with me by his side. Across the bridge we took a right turn making for our chosen spot. There, Father baited the hook, rolled his cigarette and lit up, and cast the line into the water -- a set routine.

In these fishing trips, I learned patience and courage, which meant, "concealing my fear." More often than not, Father would send me home on some errand -- to fetch his stomach mixture or his water bottle. I had a suspicion he was testing my daring to walk alone in the dark. But Mother had prepared me with prayer and a hymn: "God is always near me." "Siang Hwa, there’s no need to be afraid because the Lord walks with you."

I grew to love that "Children’s Hymn" by Philip Bliss which our children still sing at Sunday School:

God Is Always Near Me

God is always near me,
Hearing what I say;
Knowing all my thoughts and deeds,
All my work and play.

God is always near me,
In the darkest night;
He can see me just the same,
As by mid-day light.

God is always near me,
Though so young and small;
Not a look or word or thought,
But God knows it all.

What fish did Father catch? I cannot recall Father catching any fish but telling of his son’s "bravery," there was no end!
God bless all readers.

Yours faithfully in the Saviour’s Service,
Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor