Prayer - This I Believe -

Every autumn children in our church congregation gather to "perform" during our worship service. This year their theme is "I am a Child of God."

In this era of social media and social shaming and blaming and the frenzy to point fingers and look for the suspicious, I am grateful for what I know - yes, know. And that is, my Heavenly Parents listen to me, and they answer my pleadings. And while the media and the vocal minority may say Mother is missing, equality is missing, women are shamed and men are blamed, and faulting the Other, and there is so much pain and poverty and hurt and depression, I count.

There have been so many times I've sang this song: "A Child's Prayer," to myself, to comfort, guide, reinforce, and plead for help. When I've doubted, when I've hurt - emotionally, physically, intellectually, when I am empty beyond words and hopeless beyond measure, these words bring me comfort. Prayer works for me; and wherever my prayers land - earthly or heavenly, they are received, listened to, and returned to me.

And in #MeToo, as the male teachers (there are men and women teachers, but this was sung only by the men) stood to sing along with the Primary children two weeks ago, goosebumps came.These teachers/fathers were singing this as their promise to the children, as well as their Heavenly Parent's promise. I know they are good men, they want the best for their children, and they will do anything to protect them - yours and mine, as well as just be good men - who for all that is bashed about them, are kind, want the best, and strive to be their best.

Lyrics:

Sung by children: 

1. 1. Heavenly Father, are you really there?
   And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer?
   Some say that heaven is far away,
   But I feel it close around me as I pray.
   Heavenly Father, I remember now
   Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
   “Suffer the children to come to me.”
   Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee.
2. Sung by adults:
3. 2. Pray, he is there;
   Speak, he is list’ning.
   You are his child;
   His love now surrounds you.
   He hears your prayer;
   He loves the children.
   Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav’n.     

1.