Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6
Here at All Saints, Wednesday mornings are a special time. About 40 little ones, led by their teachers, make their way into our beautiful church nave for Preschool Chapel. It is my honor to lead this group each week, along with Peter Crisafulli who offers music and songs on the piano.
There are two prayers that we say at every Preschool Chapel: 1) The Lord's Prayer, and 2) The Children's Prayer, which goes as follows:
Dear God,
Thank you for this day.
Thank you for our friends,
And the times we get to play.
Please help us to learn more about You.
And all of the amazing things, that You do.
In Jesus name, Amen.
This prayer was written (I believe) by our former Children's Minister, the amazing Katie Freer - perhaps with input from the amazing Liz McReady. It seems like a simple prayer, and in some ways it is. And yet, the substance of the language is Biblical, theologically rich, and powerful.
Indeed, it is meet and right that we should thank God for "the basics": each new day; our friends and companions; and opportunities to use our minds and bodies for play or work. It turns out that these things aren't really "basic" at all(!)
Furthermore, the prayer asks God to help us learn more about Him and the amazing things that He does. In other words, we desire to better understand the character and deeds of God. This comes through reading Scripture, prayer, being part of a Christian community, and having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The Bible says that we should "Seek the LORD while he may be found, and call on him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6) Well, that would be all the time, right? Even when it doesn't feel like it, God is near, and we are to seek Him.
Not childish at all - it's a lifelong journey.
God bless you!
Fr. Matthew
