My Whole Self Before You
The Birth of A Child’s Prayer and Learning Guide.
Approach God the Father with a child’s heart.
I was a young mother of two preschoolers. My oldest was nearing four years old and had the loveliest way of praying at bedtime. She would say things like, “I want to come see you, Jesus,” as if she was asking Him to invite her for tea. I loved her honest, heartfelt petitions, but felt the need to challenge her young mind and soul to grow in more meaningful conversation with God.
That is how it started. I remember sitting in her bedroom with the Peter Rabbit garden wallpaper asking the Lord to guide my thoughts. And there it was – that crystal clear idea that had all the earmarks of being God’s gently spoken reply, “My Son’s prayer is the key. Why not combine His concepts with her way of saying things?”
So looking closely at the Lord’s Prayer from a child’s point of view, I undertook the wondrous task of creating a rhythmical paraphrase of each concept that Jesus taught his disciples – including a needed explanation of who Jesus is and what He has done. After all, this was meant to be my child’s first introduction to knowing God through meaningful prayer, so, of course, the Author behind the inspiration prayer must be adequately introduced.
It was a hit not only with Katherine, but with other kids too – a wonderful tool that helped me and other parents guide our young children into meaningful conversation with Almighty God. What’s been interesting, though, is that through the years, many parents have shared that they love to pray this prayer also, not as a replacement for the Lord’s Prayer, but as a way of giving new energy to Jesus’ timeless words and approaching God the Father with a child’s heart.
Why not try it out for yourself?
My Whole Self Before You
Dear Father in heaven, I come and I bow
my whole self before you. Please hear me right now.
I’m glad that you love me. I’m glad that you care
for me and my family and folks everywhere.
I’m glad you sent Jesus. I know he’s your Son.
I’m learning about all the things he has done . . .
Like living and dying and living again,
so all who receive him may live up in heav’n.
I’d like to come see you, but ‘til I can come,
please help me to do things as you want them done.
Please help me show kindness to others I pray.
Please keep me from evil and help me obey.
Please give me those things, God, you know that I need,
but free me from selfishness, pouting, and greed.
And for all the bad things I say and I do,
forgive me and teach me to be more like you.
Thank you dear Father, and thank you again.
To you be all glory forever, Amen.