Does the Way You Pray Measure Your Experience of the Lord?

Become as a Little Child to Pray

The Lord loves when we approach Him as a child approaches their Daddy.

Do you remember how Jesus strongly rebuked the disciples when they chased the mothers with children away, telling them not to bother Jesus?

Now, this is important!

Jesus established a principle especially relevant for those who struggle with prayer.

The secret to effective prayer is to become as a little child.

“Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mar 10:15 CSB). The Lord didn’t want us to miss this, so it is repeated in Luke 18:17.

Have you listened to a child pray?

They are bold and innocent in their requests. They don’t need fluff or pretty words; they don’t try to convince God to listen.

Children believe:

•     The Lord is listening.

•     The Lord wants to hear when they speak.

•     What they have to say is significant.

•     Jesus delights in answering their request.

•     The Father of Jesus is a good Daddy.

When my children prayed, I listened.

And so did God! One morning, I had been begging the Lord to make my old green wringer wash machine start back up. My daughter, Natasha bounced into the kitchen, and I asked her to pray with me. At four, she happily chirped, “Jesus, please fix Mommy’s ‘chine.”

To my astonishment, but not hers, the agitator started to churn!

Little children with strong attachment to their Mommy and Daddy don’t think about being worthy. They see their strong Daddy or kind Mommy as their hero, expecting to be received with pleasure, knowing their parents dote on them.

How Much More

The day came when each of my children discovered the wonder of dandelions. They would gather a handful and come running to me with delight. “Look, Mommy!”

With great joy, they presented their flowers (already wilting), held by grubby little hands, expecting me to mirror their delight. It was always a precious moment as they brought me a present of wilting weeds, for I saw the treasure given from their heart to me.

If I, being evil, can find such delight in my children, HOW MUCH MORE does the Heavenly Father – who is good – find delight in you and receive your prayers as a gift from your heart to His?!