Notes
Bringing our prayers to God
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NRSV)
This verse has been my life verse since middle school. I can quote it, I cling to it in trying times, but how often do I hold off on praying about "the little things”? The things that I (seemingly) feel I can control?
God reminded me recently just how dear our prayers are to Him; no matter their depth, size, or even subject matter...
My soon-to-be four year old has had some mild health difficulties, but they have led to major stalls in potty training, particularly when it comes to ... #2.
Last week, as I washed dishes and stared out our kitchen window, I thought about my daughter's tummy troubles and tried to remember the last time I sincerely prayed over them. I am disappointed to admit that it had been months, maybe even a year. I had tried to care for her by adjusting food, meds and supplements, and thanked God when there were times of improvement, but had I really returned to bring this need sincerely to God? Sadly, no.
So as I washed my dishes the practices of Brother Lawrence came to mind, how he would pray during mundane tasks just like this, and it prompted me to pray. After first apologizing to God for keeping this need from him, I prayed this simple prayer: "God, give her a solid poop."
Did you read that correctly? Am I really talking about prayer and poop in the same short passage? Yes! But bear with me if you can.
Fast forward to that evening. My daughter announced from bed that she needed to go to the bathroom. Can you guess what happened next?! Not only did God answer this prayer very specifically (I'll let you fill in those details), but it was the first time that she had done this on a potty, a tiny Minnie Mouse potty to be exact.
We both radiated with joy over this proud moment of hers. She jumped up and down and we may have even FaceTimed some very supportive grandparents.
Not only has her sheer joy stuck with me this week, but so has the tangible reminder of how deeply God cares to receive our prayers.
May we give our "little prayers" this week to Him; those we think we can handle or those we feel aren't significant enough to hand over, and receive from our loving God, our Father.
Matthew 7:9-11
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (NIV)
Lyndsay Singledecker
Infant & Preschool Lead