Kid Prayer

We've recently been blessed by our children wanting to say Grace before our meals. To this point, when we asked if they would like to say the blessing, they replied with, "I want you to" or "I don't know how to." I figured no good could come of us forcing them to pray, so we kept leading by example and practicing with them when the moments arise.

William broke the dry spell with such a sweet prayer. "Thank you, God, for giving me a brother and a sister, a Gramma and a Grandpa, and a Mommy and a Daddy. I love them a lot." He completely forgot the food sitting in front of him, but we'll take what we can get. Since then, he throws in gratitude for any other special person he happens to be thinking of at the moment...and we're still forgetting the food. Mary has gotten on the bandwagon and we give each a turn to thank God for their blessings at meal times.

Tonight Mary said, "Thank you for my mom and dad, for my brothers because I really like them and like to be with them...and sometimes they do things that I don't like, but I like to be with them, even though they do things to bother me. Help me with that, when they do things." Sweet, and genuine. To which, William replied..."Thank you for my mom and dad and a gramma and a grandpa and my brother and sister. Sometimes they do things to me. Amen." We couldn't help but silently giggle at the contrast of Mary, who was so thankful for her family and seeking God's assistance in dealing with the things they do to bug her. Then William, almost with an air of tattling. "You gave me them, and they bother me...get 'em. Amen."

I'm just thrilled to hear them pouring their little hearts out.