Legacy of Faith: Influencing Generations Through Prayer
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Spiritual Influence Across Generations
Each of us stands on a foundation built by those who came before us, often in ways we do not fully realize. The faith and prayers of mothers, grandmothers, and spiritual mentors shape our lives, just as Timothy’s faith was first nurtured by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Their sincere faith became a living legacy, passed down and now alive in Timothy, reminding us that our own influence—whether as parents, mentors, or friends—can plant seeds of faith that bear fruit for generations. Consider the ways you have been shaped by the spiritual influence of others, and how you might, in turn, nurture faith in those around you. [34:03]
2 Timothy 1:3-5 (ESV) I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
Reflection: Who has been a spiritual influence in your life, and how can you intentionally encourage or pray for someone in your circle today, passing on that legacy of faith?
Day 2: God’s Spirit Empowers Us with Courage, Love, and Self-Discipline
God does not call us to live in fear or timidity, but rather fills us with power, love, and self-discipline. This Spirit enables us to step forward in faith, to use our influence boldly, and to live out our calling as disciples of Jesus. Even when we feel inadequate or anxious about our impact, we are reminded that God’s Spirit equips us for every good work, giving us the strength to love, to serve, and to persevere. Let this truth encourage you to fan into flame the gifts God has placed within you, trusting that you are not alone in your journey. [34:22]
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel timid or hesitant to use your gifts for God? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you with courage and love today?
Day 3: The Call to Make Disciples and Leave a Lasting Legacy
Jesus commissions each of us to go and make disciples, teaching and baptizing in His name, promising to be with us always. This is not just a task for pastors or church leaders, but for every follower of Christ. Our influence—through words, actions, and relationships—can help others come to know Jesus and grow in faith. Like Susanna Wesley, whose faithful teaching and prayer shaped generations, we are invited to consider the generational fruit that may come from our own obedience to Christ’s call. [54:10]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: Who in your life might God be calling you to disciple or encourage in faith? What is one step you can take this week to invest in their spiritual journey?
Day 4: The Transforming Power of Persistent Prayer
Prayer is not confined to a church building or a quiet room; it can be cultivated anywhere, even in the midst of life’s chaos. Susanna Wesley’s example of covering her head with her apron to create sacred space in a noisy home reminds us that persistent, creative prayer shapes not only our own hearts but also those of our families and communities. Our prayers—spoken or silent, structured or spontaneous—are powerful tools for transformation, connecting us to God and to one another across generations. [44:02]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Where can you carve out a sacred space for prayer today, even if it’s unconventional? How might your commitment to prayer influence those around you?
Day 5: Resilience and Trust in God Through Life’s Hardships
Life is often marked by sorrow, hardship, and unexpected challenges, yet we are called to anchor ourselves in God’s sovereignty and goodness. Susanna Wesley’s resilience—her unwavering rhythms of prayer, teaching, and faithfulness despite loss and adversity—demonstrates how trust in God can sustain us and those we love. Even when everything else seems to fall apart, God’s presence and promises remain, inviting us to persevere and to be a source of hope and stability for others. [51:44]
Romans 5:3-5 (ESV) Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Reflection: Think of a current hardship or challenge you are facing. How can you anchor yourself in God’s love and trust Him to bring hope and resilience through it?
Sermon Summary
Today, we gathered as a community to celebrate both Mother’s Day and the achievements of our graduates, recognizing the journeys that have brought each of us to this moment. We began by centering ourselves in worship, affirming our faith through the Apostles’ Creed, and offering prayers for those in our congregation and beyond who are in need of God’s healing and peace. We remembered that our lives are deeply intertwined through prayer—each of us standing on a foundation built by the prayers and care of others, just as we are called to pray for and support one another.
Our scripture from 2 Timothy 1:1-10 reminded us of the power of spiritual influence, especially the generational impact of faith passed down through families. Paul’s words to Timothy highlighted the sincere faith that first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, and now lived in him. This legacy of faith is not just a personal inheritance but a calling to influence others for Christ. We reflected on the story of Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, whose disciplined life of prayer, teaching, and resilience shaped not only her children but generations of Christians. Despite hardship, loss, and limited resources, Susanna’s commitment to spiritual formation in her home became the seedbed for a movement that continues to bear fruit today.
We considered how each of us, regardless of our role or circumstance, has the God-given ability to influence others toward Christ. The Spirit does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. We are called to “fan into flame” the gifts God has given us, to be bold in our witness, and to trust that our acts of faithfulness—however small or hidden—can have a generational impact. As we honor the mothers and spiritual mentors in our lives, we are invited to reflect on the legacy we are building. What fruit will be born from our influence, and how might God use our prayers, our teaching, and our love to shape the faith of those who come after us?
Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Generational Faith: Faith is often passed down through the quiet, persistent influence of those who have gone before us. Paul’s reminder to Timothy about his mother and grandmother’s faith challenges us to recognize and honor the spiritual heritage we have received, and to consider how we are nurturing faith in those who follow us. [36:06]
2. Prayer as the Foundation of Influence: Susanna Wesley’s example teaches that prayer is not confined to sacred spaces or special moments, but can be woven into the fabric of daily life—even in chaos. Her apron became her sanctuary, and her children learned that communion with God is always accessible. Our own rhythms of prayer, however unconventional, can leave a lasting impression on those around us. [44:02]
3. Spiritual Formation Begins at Home: Susanna’s commitment to teaching her children—academically and spiritually—reminds us that the home is a primary place of discipleship. She did not outsource the formation of her children’s minds or hearts, but saw it as her sacred duty. We are called to be intentional in shaping the faith and character of those entrusted to our care, knowing that these seeds may bear fruit for generations. [46:15]
4. Boldness in Spiritual Leadership: Susanna’s courage to lead, teach, and even challenge the expectations of her time demonstrates that spiritual authority is not limited by gender or circumstance. Her willingness to step into leadership, even when it was controversial, paved the way for new expressions of faith and community. We are invited to step boldly into the opportunities God gives us to influence others, trusting that the Spirit empowers us for this work. [49:50]
5. The Call to “Fan into Flame” Our Gifts: Paul’s exhortation to Timothy is a reminder that the gifts God has given us are not meant to lie dormant. We are called to cultivate and use them, not with fear or timidity, but with power, love, and self-discipline. Our influence, when rooted in Christ, can extend far beyond what we see, shaping lives and communities for years to come. [53:03]
2 Timothy 1:1-10 — Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Observation Questions
According to Paul, whose faith influenced Timothy before him? ([36:06])
What does Paul say the Spirit of God gives us, instead of timidity? ([34:22])
In the story about Susanna Wesley, what unusual sign did she use to let her children know she was praying? ([43:27])
What did Susanna Wesley do in her home when her husband was away that drew so many people? ([47:32])
Interpretation Questions
Why does Paul remind Timothy of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice’s faith? What does this say about the importance of spiritual heritage? ([36:06])
The sermon describes Susanna Wesley’s commitment to prayer and teaching at home. How might her example challenge our own ideas about where and how spiritual formation happens? ([44:02])
Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God.” What might it look like for someone today to “fan into flame” their spiritual gifts? ([53:03])
Susanna Wesley showed boldness in spiritual leadership, even when it was controversial. What does her story suggest about who is called to spiritual influence? ([49:50])
Application Questions
Paul says Timothy’s faith was shaped by his mother and grandmother. Who has shaped your faith the most? How have you seen their influence in your life? ([36:06])
Susanna Wesley made prayer a daily habit, even in a chaotic home. What is one unconventional or creative way you could make space for prayer in your daily routine? ([44:02])
Susanna saw teaching her children—both academically and spiritually—as her sacred duty. If you are a parent, grandparent, or mentor, what is one specific way you can be more intentional about spiritual conversations at home? ([46:15])
The sermon says our acts of faithfulness, even small or hidden, can have a generational impact. Can you think of a “small” act of faithfulness you’ve witnessed or done that made a bigger difference than you expected? ([54:46])
Paul says the Spirit gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Which of these do you feel you need to “fan into flame” most right now? What is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([34:22])
Susanna Wesley stepped into leadership when it was needed, even when others objected. Is there a place in your life where you feel called to step up, but have been hesitant? What’s holding you back? ([49:50])
The sermon invites us to reflect on the legacy we are building. If someone looked back on your influence years from now, what do you hope they would say? What is one thing you can do this month to move toward that legacy? ([54:46])
Sermon Clips
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus to Timothy, my dear son. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God whom I serve as my ancestors did with a clear conscience as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers recalling your tears I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. [00:33:22]
I'm reminded of your sincere faith which first lived in your mother or your grandmother Lois and in your mother Ununice and I'm persuaded now lives in you also. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [00:33:57]
For the spirit of God gave us for the spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me as his prisoner. remember or rather join with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. [00:34:17]
He has saved us and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our savior Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. [00:34:41]
But Paul is writing to encourage Timothy and to remind him just at the beginning of his letter where he comes from and how he has been influenced. You remember in the first five verses at the fifth verse I think it was he said I am reminded of your sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois in your mother Ununice and I am persuaded now lives in you also. [00:35:50]
All of us have been influenced uniquely by the mother figures in our lives, whether it be a cousin, an older cousin that we look up to or um a friend, an aunt, someone who has fulfilled that role for us. All of you have been influenced by your mother or by a female figure in your life. [00:36:51]
Susanna was determined not to forsake communion with the Lord. Her children later recalled that this daily habit left a profound impression on them. They learned that prayer wasn't confined to a church or a quiet room. It could be cultivated anywhere. Her son John would get up at 4 in the morning and and have prayers for nearly an hour. [00:43:20]
This discipline, non-negotiable prayer life really affected him in a deep way. He learned it first watching his mother cover her head with her apron. What a unique thing, right? Now, I know some of you probably felt like doing that at times, maybe not for prayer, maybe just to be left alone, but anyway, she also had a habit of of taking an appointed time for each of her children. [00:43:41]
Once a week for a whole hour or maybe even an hour and a half, she would spend targeted time with one of her children. It was uh something that one-on-one time she thought would be very important for their development. Wasn't just a time to chitchat. It was a time to talk about what was really going on in their hearts and in their minds, to encourage them, to pray for them, um to even talk about things maybe that they had done wrong, hold them accountable. [00:44:27]
This weekly rhythm shaped their view of God as personal and present. John Wesley later adopted a similar practice in Methodism. Small accountability groups who meet personally to talk and to share in an intimate way in a way that you can share and like you wouldn't in here but that you can trust the folks who are with you. [00:45:21]
Susanna believed that spiritual and intellectual training of her children was her sacred duty, not something outsourced. They didn't have strong schools where Wesley was. So, she had to teach her children in the home if they were to have uh really a good solid future. When her children reached the age of five, that's what it was, they began their formal education under her direction. [00:46:15]
She taught them Genesis at age six and had them memorize it. I don't know if I could do that even as a seminarian even today as your pastor. Um for Susanna, academic rigor, scriptural faith, and truth were intertwined. She trained not just minds but hearts, grounding her children in both grammar and grace. [00:46:47]
Her gatherings prefigured the Wesleyan Revival's emphasis on home groups, lay preaching and spiritual empowerment outside traditional structures, which we still have today. Susanna was also a hidden theologian. Like I said, she read Greek. She studied the New Testament in Greek. She wrote extensively to her husband. [00:50:16]
Her resilience was rooted in deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. She maintained rhythms of prayer, scripture, teaching, and reflection, anchoring her family in Christ even when everything else around them was falling apart. Susanna wasn't perfect, okay? But she had an influence on her children, didn't she? [00:51:44]
As disciples of Jesus, all of us have a very powerful gift and we don't use it nearly enough. It is the influence that we have as people to influence people toward a relationship with Christ to show them the way to help them understand who Jesus was. It's a special responsibility. [00:52:19]
Christ calls us to make disciples. He commissioned us to do that great work to teach the world about him to influence the world for him. Susanna is a great example of this. What I want you to consider, we've talked about the fruit of Susanna's household, right? What I want to invite you to consider is the generational fruit that is going to be born from you generations from now. [00:54:19]