Monday, August 11, 2008

How are you doing God?

I often pray with my kids at bedtime. I also often forget what a special time it really is. It is quiet and personal. A real blessing, not to be neglected. In addition, it sometimes offers a sweet glimpse into the simple heart of a child. It was that way last night.

My youngest daughter is eight years old and very...how do I say this, she's a pill. She says things that make you laugh and also make you scratch your head. She is a little rascal.

As we began to pray last night I took a moment to provide some gentle instruction about prayer. I am a seminary trained pastor you know, eh hm. I told her to try to avoid saying the same things over again. I further explained that prayer was really just a conversation between us and God. So, she launched into her prayer, slowly at first. I could tell she was struggling to try not to be repetitive. After covering all the regular prayer requests and concerns she was finished, "amen."

Then she said: "I was going to start off with, 'How are you doing God?' but I didn't." Well, that is the way we often begin our conversations isn't it? I told her that would have been okay. But added that God is always fine, because he's God, so we really don't need to ask.

Sometimes I think my kids are not hearing me. Then I realize that often they are, in a kid kind of way. I hope that when I pray I am able to come to my Heavenly Father honestly and simply, trusting that he hears me and cares.

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray." Ps. 5:1-2

1 comment:

PhotoSmurf said...

The honest words of our children...aren't they great. making us laugh and think! Brian/Karen