How the Creativity of a Child Is Expressed Through Prayer
Posted August 25, 2011
Much like other parents, my wife and I try to be intentional about praying with our oldest son. It’s tough to stay on top of it, but as I said, we’re trying! Since he’s been praying on his own, his typical prayer will sound something like the following.
“Dear God, thank you for my Mom. Thank you for Dad. Thank you for Baby Luke. Thank you for __________ (add in Nana, Grandpa, Grandma or Grandad). In Jesus Name, Amen.“
Although its very cute, I’m not sure he’s thinking much about what he’s saying.
Lately, however, he’s been putting a bit more thought into his prayer and pulling out some funny stuff. It’s caught me off guard a couple of times and made me think. “How is our heavenly Father receiving the honesty of this little boy’s prayer?”
Last night’s example:
Last night he stated the following during his bedtime prayer.
“Dear God, thank you for a wonderful day. Thank you for the bees and the birds. Thank you for the eagles. Thank you for the dolphins and thank you for the small sharks. In Jesus Name, Amen.“
Now, for a 3-year-old, that’s some substantial prayer time! But a few questions came to mind that I had to check back in with him about.
- Where did our family go? Obviously, the animal world has passed over our household in prayer importance.
- What was so wonderful about yesterday? What happened that I missed?
- Why do the bees come before the birds? But more importantly, why is a 3-year-old concerned about ‘the birds and the bees?
- What’s the deal with ‘small‘ sharks? I agree that eagles and dolphins are pretty awesome, but why only ‘small‘ sharks? What’s wrong with medium and large sharks?
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- What are your kids praying about these days?
- For those who have older children, was there a prayer that you remember?
Over the years (25 to be exact) I’ve heard many, many prayers that each night were much like the prayers of the night before. They get into a pattern I think…..however, when I hear them praying for the various families that we know that are going through tremendous struggles, I realize that they are being very consistent, every night, in upholding our friends and thier needs. Even though the prayers are repetitious, our Heavenly Father hears them….and I believe that He’s pleased!
Thanks for your thoughts on prayer Francie! The word ‘consistent’ jumps out of your comment. There is great value in the consistency of a parent praying with a child before bed (not as a ritual, but as a discipline). Likewise, the child will learn to consistently be thinking about items to pray about, as that prayer time draws near. It’s a training to think about (as you said) various friends and their needs. As you also said, though repetitious, there mind is set asking for God’s provision and protection. Therefore, much is accomplished and I’m sure the Father is pleased. As always, thank you for supporting my writing efforts!
Our 4 year old Granddaughter asks for blessing for family, “all the people”, and even though she was only 2 when we went on a mission trip to Cambodia, she still prays for Cambodia. She often thanks God for certain animals and the weather. A favorite closing is…”And thank you for pancakes! In Jesus name, Amen!”
Thanks for adding to the conversation on child’s prayer Karen! I was quite amazed to hear that your granddaughter still prays for Cambodia and she was two when you took the trip. I can’t help but to wonder what was in her little mind at 2 years of age, that this trip was that significant for her. To still remember the country in prayer; truly amazing! Thank you so much for sharing and thank you for support JeremyNortonBlog.com.
PS: As for the pancakes…she’s got a point! As a Canadian, where’d we be without pancakes? Maple Syrup on an English muffin wouldn’t have made the same impact!