Prayer Tip--Jesus and the Children

It’s easy to lose sight of the joy and abandon with which children play. For parents, general busyness plus the familiarity of routine and the responsibility of being caregiver, guardian, educator, provider, and everything else for their children can result in them overlooking the constant moments of wonder and delight. When it’s not your child (like it was for the disciples in today’s passage) it’s easy to think only of the intrusion on our freedoms these tiny humans bring with them. Some grandparents come closest to Jesus’ response with their love and care for their grandchildren.

But Jesus says that the children understand something significant about our relationship with God that many adults don’t comprehend. As the mature, responsible adults in the room, we don’t care for that much. What might Jesus mean?

Here I propose some things he might mean, followed by a question to spark your prayer for today.

Children see the wonder and glory of God all around them every day.
What is keeping you from slowing down and seeing God’s glory all around you today? Ask God about this in prayer today.

Children have a simple belief in God.
What hampers your belief in God? If you’re struggling with believing in God, what has caused this? Talk to God about this in your prayer today.

Children have a simple trust in God.
How much do you trust God right now? What is keeping you from trusting God more? Share this with God in your prayer today.

It’s OK to be honest with God. This is another childlike trait that we sometimes struggle with as adults. God desires your truthful answers, whatever they may be.