"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." (Matthew 18:3, 4)
Is this our attitude toward our own children's prayers or do we worry about their rote prayers or cute phrasing? We need to not get too caught up on their wording, rather encouraging them to pray from their hearts-- sharing their joys, fears, praises, and praying for others.
Prayerful attitudes are appropriate but prayer is so much more than an attitude, it's a lifestyle. Are our children witnesses to our natural use of prayer as a way we live day to day? Too many times we shoot up quick prayers that are casual, half hearted and often fluffy. However, when our children witness us pray from our heart, calling out to God with a passion and respect for His holiness, full of gratitude and humility we exemplify connecting with God at a deeper level. Let's be authentic, really express our concerns (how we feel, think and believe) and speak to God, speak to His character and the things on His heart-not as leverage, but as worship and awe.
Want to know how to pray to strengthen our prayer lives and in turn be an example to our children? Or perhaps our children can be an example to us through their child like faith. Learn from our friends from Africa, they pray from the heart with their whole body, with a passion that comes deep from their soul. They are praying to an audience of One, but I warn you they are infectious. They pray with conviction from scripture appreciative of both little and big things- from the air they breathe to the mighty hand of God and His provision.
Just this week T Bar M was blessed to "luv on" the Mwangaza Children's Choir from Uganda-- we are not the same, our prayers are not the same. We are changed because the prayer lives of these precious orphans that pray down the Kingdom of God…"Oh Lord Jesus, Holy Master, The Good Shepherd, The Living Water, My Rock…" Lord may I pray as my precious African friends pray.
T Bar M Camps seek to pray, serve and love with our whole heart, full of grace and truth including a full cup of passion and authenticity. We invite you to join in.
"The prayer of a righteous man (woman, teen, child) is powerful and effective- James 5:16"
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