A Child’s Prayer

Children have a remarkable way of imparting profound lessons to adults.

As we grow older (notice I didn’t say “mature”), we often lose the simplicity of faith, wonder, and gratitude. The world is teeming with pessimists and cynics who shove God into a distant corner to mind His own business. But children are different. They see the world with open eyes and innocent hearts.

Consider a child’s dinner prayer. They give thanks for everything—the spoon, the fork, the knife, the bowl, the plate, and more.

Adults find it cute, often while their soup grows cold.

Sutton Whitt is a perfect example of genuine gratitude. Usually, Sutton’s parents put her to bed, including a bedtime prayer. But one night, distracted by the championship football game on TV, they hurriedly kissed her goodnight and rushed back to the game.

Moments later, they heard noises from upstairs. Turning up the baby monitor, they listened to Sutton saying her own prayers. She thanked God for everyone from her grandparents to Santa Claus, ending with a hearty “Amen.”

As adults, it’s easy to get bogged down by life’s stresses—jobs, bills, taxes. But a child sees a world brimming with blessings.

Next time you think life is tough, try praying like a child. It will open your soul.