Prayers of Children

For the last six months, our territory of The Salvation Army (USA East) has had a prayer initiative. The challenge is that the entire territory will be at prayer 24/7 for an entire year. The trick is to have various corps (churches) or headquarters commit to taking a "shift." Regrettfully, our corps has not been able to do this as we don't have the committment from our members. This is definitely something to work on!

However, my main focus tonight is the prayers of children. There is one instance that I do not mind my children arguing. How can you condone your children arguing you might ask? Lately, they have a competition as to who can say grace at meals. Usually, Jay wins and insists on praying prior to our meals. If one of us fails to say Amen, or he notices an open eye or two, he insists we or better yet, he pray again. It is funny stuff! This also carried over on our cruise vacation a few months ago.

The other night, we had family devotions and before we had a chance to even begin, Samantha wanted to pray. Elaine reminded her that this was not a prayer..."God is great, God is good, let us thank Him... She told her that she would have to say something different. Samantha quickly rebuked us and told us as she often does, "Yes I know Mom and Dad!"

When the reading was complete, Samantha bowed her head and prayed the sweetest little prayer. It was only a couple of sentences, but it was from her heart. I was reminded of the story of Jesus and the Children, where He said, "unless you become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of God."

I was especially proud the other night of my little girl!