Prayer
If you’ve never had the opportunity to teach a Sunday School class, you are truly missing out. I recently filled in for a teacher, and although our class was small — it was pure JoY spending time with young, honest, inquisitive 1st and 2nd grade minds. Did I mention honest?
The topic we began with was prayer. The guide broke prayer down into four parts: I love you prayers, I’m sorry prayers, I’m thankful prayers, and please prayers. In adult terms — adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. I’m sure you’ve heard those terms. All parts are important to remember when we talk to our Savior.
First, the girls made sure I knew how their teacher did things each Sunday. (Insert a smile here) I do appreciate their help. The only time it becomes a problem is when you want to do something a little different. They look at you like you’re nuts!… or that you don’t know what you’re doing. (You can insert a laugh here)
Next, I asked them what they would say to God for each category. I have to admit there was one that stood out — perhaps due to the fact it was the FIRST thing that came to her mind. When we were focusing on the confession section of prayer, she said that she knew someone who needed to apologize. She said he had been mean, and he never said he was sorry. Isn’t that how we, adults, talk to God? “But God, that person is horrible! I’m so sick and tired of their behavior. They need to apologize! They need to change.” Yes, we need to pray for others, but let’s not forget something very important. ‘I’ am a sinner, also. ‘I’ need to ask for forgiveness. ‘I’ need to improve my thoughts and/or actions. ‘I’ need to change.
How are we reminded? Through the heart of a child and through His Word…
“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matt. 7:5
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