"The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ... Philippians 4:5b-7

When I worked as a camp counselor at Lutheridge in Arden, NC, I was given a book, "Children's Letters to God". The following are excerpts from that book. . .

"In Sunday School, they told us what you do. Who does it when you are on vacation? - Jane"
 
"Dear God, I read the bible. What does begat mean? Nobody will tell me. - Love, Alison"
 
 
"Dear God, Is it true my father won't get in heaven if he uses his bowling words in the house - Anita"
 
"Did you mean for giraffe to look like that or was it an accident. - Norma"
 
"Dear God, Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones why don't you just keep the ones you got now? - Jane"
 
"I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church. Is that OK? - Neil"
 
"What does it mean you are a jealous God. I thought you had everything. - Barb"
 
"Dear God, I am an American. What are you? - Robert"
 
"Dear God, It rained for our whole vacashun and is my mom mad! She said some things about you that people are not supposed to say, but i hope you will not hurt her any way. Your friend, but I am not going to tell you who I am"
 
"Dear God, I keep waiting for spring, but it never come yet. don't forget. - mark"
 
"I bet it is very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only four people in our family and I can never do it.- Nan"
 
"Dear God, I am doing the best I can. - Frank"
 
"Dear God, i think about you sometimes even when I'm not praying. - Elliot"

It is amazing what children will talk to God about. What tiny little models they are for us! Trusting God with the daily stuff and lifting up their innermost hopes and dreams. As I read these little prayers, I smile at their crude honesty, and I sigh at their sincere longing for God's grace in the world. I am reminded that I am a child of God. You are a child of God. Jesus often refers to his disciples as little children. What a gift to be God's child and to turn our hearts and thoughts to God in prayer!

Lord God, . . . Amen

Contributed by Vicar Mary
Published Sunday April 25, 2004
Week 22 of Liturgical Year C