A Prayer About Childlike Faith

When I become too “adult” in my relationship with God

DEAR FATHER,

Jesus taught that I should be like a child in my perspective and relationship with you. Open my eyes and my heart, Lord, to the faith and joy in the children all around me. When I watch a children’s choir praising you in song, help me to notice the pure joy radiating from the faces of the little boys and girls as they raise their voices and hands. When I see small children at play in a park, running, laughing, and climbing, help me relish the way they embrace the day and their surroundings. Even when they take a spill, they don’t stop for long. They run to their mothers, who bend down to hug them and dry their tears before sending them off to play again. What a contrast the zest of these children is to my usual tentative and cerebral approach to life. Help me know that I am your precious child and that you are watching every move, delighting with me in victories and celebrations, and hurting with me in defeats and pain. Hold me, Daddy.

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Matthew 19:14-15