Keep knocking
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7 NLT
As parents, it’s been Stephen and my job to try to teach our girls the practice and routine of prayer. At it’s core, prayer is communicating with God. At our house, we’ve been intentional in making prayer active, accessible, despite their age, and just a little fun.
Prayers at mealtime, in our house, have always been an opportunity to pray loudly. Going to 4H camp and working at YMCA day camps, I learned prayers that you sing, with motions. I’d say Sylvia was about two and a half years old when she started leading Sunday lunch prayers. Thank you to the whole family for singing along!
Prayers at nap time and bedtime were another opportunity for music, especially before the girls could talk. I sang the same version of “amen,” and clapped to the beat, at the end of every prayer. It always made my heart happy to see them dance along. We even sang “amen” at the end of tonight’s prayer; I’m glad they haven’t outgrown it yet.
Prayers in sad, mad or scary moments have always been quiet and short. I lean in close and quietly whisper a quick prayer; something like “Jesus, Ellie is sad. Can you be with her and help her heart feel a little better? Amen.” And while I pray, I hold her hand, give her a hug or put my hand on her heart.
Prayers when sad, scary or mad emotions can’t be let go are when we move to writing and drawing. I put cork boards on the wall upstairs a few years ago. And when we’re upside down on the emotion rollercoaster, I have the girls write, or draw, their feelings and prayers. Then they march upstairs and pin it on the board. The act seems to help them move on.
Prayers aloud outside are a regular. Raining? I might say “Thank you Jesus!” Birds singing an especially lovely tune? I’ll probably say “Thank you for the music” as I look into the sky. Snow day? I'll definitely open the door and holler "Thank you for the snow, God!"
When the girls are grown, I hope they’ll keep talking with God. I hope they’ll keep asking. They’ll keep seeking. They’ll keep knocking.
What, and how, are you praying in this season of life?
Leni at the door, Glen Elder, KS; June 2015.
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