My friend told me about a “child speak” moment with her young son one Sunday morning. Everyone was running about getting ready for church when she noticed her son doing more looking around than getting dressed.
He told her he had to have his tie pants or he couldn’t go to church. Thinking that her son spoke of his sweat pants, she patiently explained to him that his tie pants were for very casual wear—you know—relaxing pants, not church pants.
The little guy insisted that he would only wear his tie pants to church and he HAD to find them! After a few moments, her son announced that he’d found his tie pants; the dress pants that he only wore with his shirt and tie. He’d said exactly what he meant, simply and obviously.
As Christians, we sometimes think our prayers must be full of big words and profound statements. Prayer is a conversation with God. Jesus said we must become as humble as a child when we come to Him. No pretense; there is no need to think of big words or to be eloquent.
Set aside all the involved, technical thoughts of living in today’s complicated world. Simply talk to the Lord one on one, “I love you Lord, “this” is what’s going on in my life today.”
Tell him every thing that hurts, frustrates and annoys. Thank Him for everything that brings joy, comfort and ease. No thing in your life is too trivial for Him to care about.
Of course, God already knows every tiny detail of our life, but He delights in our telling Him about it in our words—just—well— talking! He created us for relationship with Him. And like we tell our children, when you’re done talking—-listen. Conversation is about talking AND listening.
Matthew 18: 1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer: Father, I want to have a relationship with you. Forgive me of my sins and help me to want to hear your Words through Bible study, prayer and sound teaching. I love you. Amen.