Praying can be a tricky business for me.
I know that’s silly, but I am willing to bet that there are people who suffer from the same silliness. I wonder…am I praying too long? Too short? I can’t kneel anymore because of my fabulous knees, but Lord? Does sitting seem like I’m being lazy?
Do you want me to pray, or listen? Should I be praying pre-printed standard prayers, or in my own words? I’m too tired/ill/stunned to pray. Is it ok if I just sit here and be quiet?
I was quite capable of driving myself crazy. (After all, who knows me the best?) Fortunately for me, I have recently been able to overcome these ‘prayer crazies’, and you know how I was able to do it?
Here’s a hint: “and a little child shall lead them.”
I have a little fifteen-month-old granddaughter. She is currently trying to master walking, talking and pushing out teeth from her swollen gums. She can even point to her nose when prompted! (You never know… your life might be on the line, and the only way to save yourself is to answer the confusing question: ‘HEY! Where’s your nose??”)
Isn’t she amazing? Isn’t she the most wonderful little fifteen-month-old child you have ever heard of? But let me tell you the most impressive thing of all. Among her very small pile of words, lies the phrase, “Hi Nana!”
Oh my gosh. I could hear that all day. Sometimes I get really lucky and she walks toward me chirping “Nana, Nana, Nana.” I just melt into a puddle. She literally enchants me when she spontaneously bursts forth with those greetings. My love for her just pours out and I am sure it could flood a mountain.
Thinking about how much I just adore her led me to my ‘cue the sunshine through the parting clouds’ moment. All my little one has to do is say my name and I am enthralled. Add ‘hi’ to the mix, and you can add ‘enraptured.’ Honestly though, if she sat down in front of me and starting spouting gibberish, I would smile and wish the moment would last forever.
If small, imperfect, mortal me can feel that way about her, in her limited ability to connect to me, how much more does Jesus in heaven love me when I sit in front of him and splash about in my inadequate pile of words? Yes, sitting is ok! Like he would care, right? He also sits opposite me, cross-legged, elbow on knee, chin in fist, watching me with a love that washes over me like the ocean.
I think I’m done worrying about prayer. If all I can do is just say his name over and over that’s ok. He will, still and always, think of me as his beloved and cherished child. And if I can’t pray in words, I’ll just sit and soak up the moment.
And that will be just fine with him too.
So nice to meet you, Ceil!
What a beautiful post!! I have one grandbaby!! She is 14 months old. I could totally relate to your lovely words!
Oh, how our Lord loves us…and yes, loves it when we call on Him!
Praying sweet blessings for you!!
And it’s a pleasure to meet you, Kristi! It was so exciting to see that you are following my blog.
Thank you so much for the prayers for blessings. We all should pray for each other… so I will pray for you too.
Keep blogging! (I joined your blog :))
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
“All my little one has to do is say my name and I am enthralled.” And I believe that is just how God feels about us…
Happy to meet you Ceil!
Hi Mindy! Thank you so much for your comment (which I agree with 100%!)
I am a proud member of your blog, and thank you so much for joining mine. Let me encourage you to keep writing, I enjoy your posts!
I hope you will come by often…I look forward to your comments!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
I loved, loved, LOVED this Ceil. You painted a perfect picture of our Father’s love. Thank you. Blessings
Hi Nan! Thank you for coming over to read my blog. I think I am blessed that you would join too, what a lovely thing to see your face on the ‘members’ list!
Thank you for your encouragement. As a newbie blogger, getting some supporting words from an established blogger is really exciting. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
I hope you will stop by often and comment too. I’ll learn a lot from that.
Peace in Christ,
Ceil