"Ok, who wants to pray this week?" says Miss Anna. It's team time in the 1st and 2nd grade room. Almost every child eagerly raises his or her hand. I remember back to when the program first started and no one raised his hand. It was always Anna or I who prayed. Now, everyone wants to make sure they each get a turn.
Some of the kids act nervous when they are praying aloud in front of the class. For others it's a breeze. Yet in every prayer I am amazed with the things the kids bring to the Lord. "Please help us be safe," they say. "Help us have a good day." Most of all, I am amazed by their thankfulness. "Thank you for the snack we had, Thank you for Miss Anna and Miss Jenna, Thank you for this day." I am touched by their thoughtfulness and inspired by their words. Further, I am challenged in my own prayer life.
How often do I sit down and simply thank the Lord for the food He's given me, the people He's put in my life, and for each and every day that I'm alive?