Birthing is a group event in our family. When John Michael was born (fourteen years ago today), he gathered quite a crowd. Three generations on both sides of his family settled into the hospital waiting room and paced the long halls while his mother labored to birth him.

We were there to celebrate. And to pray through. And to make a statement that even though Serenity was doing the physical work, we were all involved. We each had a role to play in this baby’s life, and we intended to fulfill it.

Not all our grandbabies had the same cheering section when they entered the world. At least we weren’t in the hospital at the time. Some of them were born in far-away places where grandparents and great-grandparents couldn’t possibly make it in time. But we gathered in spirit, like that great crowd of witnesses, and prayed and watched and waited for the news.

Then, we cheered. And we’ve never stopped.

I think all births should be that way. The first birth into this time-world and into the family of man. And our second birth into the Kingdom of God. We should all be prayed through and cheered on every step of the way.

How can we pray for you today?