Precious Words

The word ‘precious’ denotes something of worth. The word ‘precious’ was not used much when I was growing up, except in the song… Precious memories, how they linger / How they ever flood my soul / In the stillness of the midnight / Precious sacred scenes unfold. (Randy Travis)

Precious Memories – made up of Precious Words. Words of worth that one treasures and remembers over and over.

As a young Mother, I felt as if I needed a recording of the words I used so often with my children….Close the door….Don’t slam it….Do your chores…..Don’t hit your brother….Share….Eat everything on your plate….(and with three boys) Put the toilet seat down.

One day as my children raced through the door, I automatically said, “Don’t slam the door!” as it slammed after them. Under my breath I muttered…”OK, slam it, just mind me.”

My mind rehearsed the precious words that I have heard in a life time of over 80 years. You can hear a lot in that time…

….I love you.

….I am proud of you.

….You did a great job on that.

….You look great.

….You made it.

….I’m so proud of you.

Later my Precious Word list includes:

….I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God…

….Congratulations, you have graduated…here is your diploma…

….Will you marry me?

….I do….

….You have a son…a daughter…

….Blessings to you.

….Dad?

….Mom?

….Grandpa?

….Grandma?

What makes these words ‘Precious’? They speak of unconditional love. Unending love that lasts beyond death. Little did we know as we had children that this parenting phase lasts a life time. Parenting requires words spoken with love…even if it is….”Don’t slam the door!” Parenting requires patience and unending trust and hope. The Phases of Precious Words go from the nurturing, discipline and teaching to praying. Each new grandchild and each new great grandchild is another reason for praying. Being prayed for and praying for others are the most precious words there are in life. It is the ultimate!

My Suderman grandparents came to visit, and we were enveloped in their love like an aura of goodness. I didn’t realize it then, but it was unconditional love, laced with prayer. Grandpa’s prayers took us to the throne of God to kneel at His feet. I remember when Mom told me that after Grandpa died, Grandma Suderman would take off her hearing aid at night and pray before she went to sleep. There were no outside interruptions as Grandma prayed….for each of her children and grandchildren by name each night.

Precious Words. Prayer Words. Names. Words that are precious, speak of love from the heart and make a difference in eternity. As a young girl, I led the singing in a revival meeting. A group of people joined hands and hearts together after the service in prayer. As the they prayed, I suddenly was drawn at attention, for I heard a specific prayer for me. I hardly knew these people and yet they prayed for me by name. It still brings tears of joy to my eyes.

Precious Words happen in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Parts of the scripture have made me understand the importance of prayer as a heart-felt communication in the relationship with Jesus. A relationship of unconditional love encased in the precious words of prayer.

Daniel 9:21-23 – while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, c

Daniel understood the preciousness of prayer. The words…’as soon as you began to pray…’ were emblazoned in flashing lights in my mind. The ‘what if’ of not praying and the consequences that could have been are overwhelming. Then I read the last five words again….for you are highly esteemed.

Encouragement from Gabriel, from heaven. Daniel heard precious words from Heaven.

Then I read from Psalm 36:5-9, words that let me know that King David knew the secret of precious words – they come from God!

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.