Praying like a Kid

At children’s ministry this morning, we took the kids out in the streets (with parental consent) to pray for car guards.

We split into little groups and I decided to have a little chat with my group before we mission out. I asked them what they thought the cargaurds needed prayer for. The answers were a bit sharply edged on my heart as they gave superficial answers such as: “They need more money”, or, “for better jobs, like working at KFC across the road.”

Then I had to ask, “You agree that they are people too with hearts just like you and me, right? And even though they might not have a lot of money, they may be rich. What do you think?”

Then their answers bloomed into beautiful ones like, “then maybe we should pray for them to show more of God’s kindness to the people they meet every day out here,” and, “that they can influence people through the job they do, ‘cause it’s an important job.”

We missioned out to pray for car guards. The children were so bold in the way they approached the situation. They asked the guards about their families and they showed them so much kindness and compassion. There was even a Muslim guard who asked us to pray for him...  (that's him in the picture)

These children really inspired me in the way they prayed. 

I expected that I would have to lead them in prayer and instead they surprised me with how not intimidating they find praying – even in front of others. 

Praying is easy. 
Yes, sometimes we feel so angry or upset that we don't want to pray. Or we feel as if no one is listening. Or we have prayed so many times, but have only recieved a few answers. O r maybe we feel like we are talking to the roof. 

Just persist. He IS Listening. To every single word. To every single emotion.
Praying is not a ritual that you DO. It is a convo that you have with God.

So many of us have the excuse that we don’t have time.

If you have time to think  and worry about things, you have time to pray about them.

For example,

Instead of THINKING: “Oh goodness, this is so scary.”

PRAY: “Dad, this is so scary. Do you think I can do this?”

Instead of THINKING: “I feel so fat.”

PRAY: “Dad, I feel fat. And I don’t like it.”

Instead of THINKING: “I am so good at this.”

PRAY: “Look Dad, I am good at this. Thanks for the talent!”

It basically comes down to CONVERSATION.

You cannot build a relationship with a friend if you do not communicate. 

About everything and anything. 

It’s the same about you relationship with God, too. 

Just TALK to Him.

Tell Him if you are angry. Tell Him when you are happy. Thank Him. Ask Him if you don’t understand things about life.

Just TALK to Him.

I promise you your relationship will grow.

If the kids can do it, so can YOU.

Love