Like a Child

A few days ago I was home in bed with a nasty stomach virus. I picked up my wife's Bible, which was on the nightstand next to the bed, and opened it. This note was inside. It was a prayer written by one of my children a few years ago.

As a father, my heart was moved and touched by the authenticity and honesty of the prayer. Although simple, as we expect a child to write, it was fresh, honest, and heart-felt.

Too often, we as adults fall into ruts and rituals when talking to our Heavenly Father. There is much we can learn from children.

Jesus said this about the children: “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." The disciples thought the children were a bother to Jesus. But Jesus used this as a teaching time for his disciples. We must become like children to enter the Kingdom.

God's Kingdom, according to Dallas Willard in The Divine Conspiracy, is where what God wants done is done. Maybe like children who trust their parents, regardless of the perceived risk, we must trust God that His will is always what is best--for His glory and our joy. Like little children, we enter the Kingdom by doing God's will--even when it seems foolish.

Father. Daddy. I pray that I will be willing to look foolish in the eyes of the world in order to listen to Your voice. Allow me, through the Holy Spirit's power living in me, to know your voice and your will.

Father God, there has to be so much more to your Kingdom then following rules, being tame, blending in. Maybe some John the Baptist moments are in order. He had much to say about your Kingdom.

Jesus, I want to know you, and the power of your resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in your sufferings.

Amen.