Each night before we put kids to bed we kneel down together and have a family prayer. Usually it is either David or I saying the prayer. I think William has noticed that we take turns and he has started requesting (by pointing to his lips) that he say the prayer. So we've been having him take turns with us. He so reverently folds his arms and bows his head then starts to mumble. After he has said all he wants to "say" he says (signs) "Amen" with the biggest of grins on his face.
I am often curious about what he says in his prayers. I want to teach my children to pray and to have faith in Christ but I'm not always sure how to go about doing that. I feel awkward taking "teaching moments" when our conversations are usually somewhat one sided. The only way I know how is through example. If they see me doing these things I have the faith, and hope, that they'll see that and it will start to sink in. Seeing William want to say prayers, even if he doesn't understand the meaning behind it all, makes me feel like some of that is rubbing off. And maybe someday I'll ask him what he prayed for.
7 comments:
Kimberly I'm glad you found me. It's been ages since I've talked with you, hence I had no idea you had three children. What a beautiful family! What sweet children full oh God's love. Well, keep in touch with the blog and I will do the same. Have a wonderful day.
I think he understands the meaning behind it all... He has a better line of communication and understanding then we probably do.
I would wager a fair sum that the two things that he is praying for is ICE CREAM and COOKIES! I say this because it is the first two things that he asks for in the morning when he wakes me up at O dark 30.
I believe the only way children learn is by example. And what better example than daily prayer. I imagine William's prayers are understand more often than not.
It is by doing and seeing that kids learn. It is a fight in our house with the three oldest who gets to say prayer, even Asher loves to do it. He even knows which words come after the ones we say. It does not take much for them to learn, and obviously your kids are there too. I love it when they start to pray...even if it is a prayer for us not to die (thanks Caleb.) They are sweet no matter how they come out!
Oh Kimberly, I have no doubt that William has a much closer relationship with his Heavenly Father than you or I will ever know.
I am sure his communication with the Savior goes far deeper than we can imagine...quite possibly the language of the Spirit. A language we would all do well to attain.
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