The following meditation was written by Grace Cameron Hood, Director of Children and Family Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach.
“One of the disciples said, ‘Lord, teach us to pray . . .’ Jesus told them, ‘When you pray say: “Our Father . . .”’” Luke 11:1b-2a
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.”[1]
This is one of the first prayers most children have learned. The origin is thought to be the New England Primer around 1737. I know that there must be so many reasons endemic to that time that called attention to the small child that they might die during the night. To our ears, it is horrible. To the point that the prayer has been greatly edited by teachers, parents, and educators. Now we pray, “Angels watch me through the night and wake me with the morning light.” We are all so relieved by this nicer ending.
Another first 18th century prayer children learn is:
“God is great, God is good, and we thank him for our food. By his hands we are fed. Give us, Lord, our daily bread. Amen.[2]“
These two prayers that were and are prevalent in many Christian households here in the USA, are teaching tools for children. They give a place for children as they are growing Christians to begin a habit of prayer at mealtime and at bedtime. They both draw attention to God as the giver of life and the sustainer of our souls. They focus on the times of the day when the body is nourished either by food or sleep. These two well-known prayers are starting points for a life centered on prayer.
A third prayer recited in every Christian Church around the world is “The Lord’s Prayer.” This prayer started with a disciple asking Jesus how to pray. Interestingly enough, all of these disciples were surrounded by people praying. In the Jewish tradition, prayer was everywhere. The disciples must have seen something different in the way that Jesus prayed. Jesus responded in very simple language. Just as a child learns “God is great . . .” the early Christians learned “Our Father . . .” Jesus focused on a short, powerful prayer done with simple words and easy ideas.
Down through the ages, The Great Prayer has been edited, translated into every language imaginable, and prayed from every corner of the globe. Each faith tradition has different wording. Do we ask God to forgive our debts, sins, or trespasses? The ending has also been wrapped up nicely with “For Thine is the Kingdom . . ,” Different words, but the same meaning. One only has to start, “Our Father . . .”, and the world quiets and listens.
I am reminded of when the children were young. For a while our custom was to go to McDonalds after church for lunch. Rachael and Nathanael would go play in the playground while I saved a table and Doug ordered the food. One Sunday, as the children were ushered back from the play area and hands were washed, we finally sat down. Everyone fixed their area . . . opened the Happy Meal boxes, checked out the toys, spread out the burger wrappers, and divvied out the ketchup cups. Then, in a loud preacher’s voice, Nathanael said, “Let us pray.” This got the attention of the whole restaurant. He began, “God is great . . .” The entire restaurant finished the prayer . . . we all knew it. We had all grown up with it. It came back in an instant.
Our Christian walk with God begins somewhere. It might begin with a simple prayer at the bedside or at a table that our well-meaning grandparents and parents helped us learn. Jesus has given us words to talk to God that allow for growth. The disciples took these words and used them to power their lives and witness. They took this prayer around the known world and taught people how to talk to God. Now, we are led to also kneel and receive power to share the love of God to a hungry and sleepy world.
Joy,
[1] Anonymous
[2] Anonymous
Nurture Faith with Dr. Doug Hood 