From the mouths of babes...
by Pastor Denny Coon
Four year old Palmer Biggers readily volunteered to pray before we ate pizza last Sunday evening. He was enthusiastic, focused, and had good projection. I was so taken back by his passion to pray that I did not pay attention to what he prayed. At one point I think he thanked God for his toys. He was not bashful and gave it a good go.
What happens to us as we grow older and let our inhibitions rule? Our youthful enthusiasm gives way to fear of being judged or not matching up to the best. We don’t pray as the world expects, so we clam up. Once again we are reminded of what God wants: the sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalm 51).
Two children offered prayers during worship last Sunday for friends at school. Carol patiently listened and acknowledged their prayers. It is a holy moment when children unashamedly share in the community of faith their heart felt needs. Hopefully as they grow older and come up against tough situations in their lives, they will remember a faith community that encouraged and welcomed their prayers.
Parents who encourage their children to pray in a public place are a blessing. That public place is transformed. The world is a better place when children pray and adults listen. I am reading a book about child victims of the Iraq war. Reading their stories is compelling. Bashar, a 12 year old boy, did not write the following as a prayer, but I offer it as one: To make the world better, every town and city should have places where only children can go – all children. It doesn’t matter if they are Iraqi or Jordanian or what. They could go there and be safe and play all they wanted, and just be happy.
Lord, listen to your children praying. Lord, send your spirit in this place. Lord, listen to your children praying, send us love, send us power, send us grace.
Blessings,
Pastor Denny
A Child's Prayer
Anonymous
Lord, teach a little child to pray,
And then accept my prayer;
For thou canst hear the words I say,
For thou art everywhere.
A little sparrow cannot fall
Unnoticed, Lord, by thee;
And though I am so young and small,
Thou dost take care of me.
Teach me to do the thing that's right,
And when I sin, forgive;
And make it still my chief delight
To serve thee while I live.
