Teach the Children to Pray

So maybe you don't get how giving thanks and a black bear go together. But, those
who love them do. I do. Found the photo this morning and couldn't help but post it.
He gives food to all creation.

6] HOW THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY
Should Teach His Household to Ask a Blessing and Return Thanks.

Asking a Blessing

The children and servants shall go to the table with folded hands and reverently, and say:

The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord; and Thou givest them their meat in due season; Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Note

To satisfy the desire means that all animals receive so much to eat that they are on this account joyful and of good cheer; for care and avarice hinder such satisfaction.

Then the Lord's Prayer, and the prayer here following:

Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts, which we take from Thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Returning Thanks.

Likewise also after the meal they shall reverently and with folded hands say:

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. He giveth food to all flesh; He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse; He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.

Then the Lord's Prayer and the prayer here following:

We thank Thee, Lord God, Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for all Thy benefits, who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

 

An elderly couple that had invited me to dinner. As expected the head of the household asked God to bless the meal that He had provided us with. What I did not expect was that when the meal was over, he again prayed. This time it was a prayer of thanksgiving. That was the one and only time that I have known a family to intentionally pray both before and after a meal.

 

Although; I should, I personally have not made this a habit. What I more often do is conclude my prayers with, "I give you thanks for in your mercy, you have heard my prayers and answered."

 

Setting aside designated times for prayer whether the prayers are petitions or thanksgivings or just plain old conversations with God is a discipline. It takes practice to get in the habit of doing so. We

are to teach our children to pray often; to petition God to take care of our needs and to give thanks for providing us with those things which He has given us. We are to teach our children to set aside designated times to pray so that as they grow older they be able to go to God in prayer whenever there is a need or something to be thankful for. There is so much to be thankful for!

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 22:7-38 Eat at His Table

Luke 22:7-38 NIV
Jesus ate his last meal with his disciples on the night in which he was betrayed by one of them. They discussed many things over this meal just as any normal family might. He gave them direction. He gave them warnings. He gave them hope.

All would not be easy, but no matter what might befall them they (and us) are to remember his promise that all who follow him will eat at His table in the Kingdom conferred upon Him by the Father. We are invited to partake in a foretaste of this feast to come even as we are invited to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion often.

May God open your heart and mind to receiving the Kingdom as you partake of this Holy meal at His table often.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 2:41-51 Children Belong In Our Father's House

Luke 2:41-51 NIV
Mary and Joseph went home and didn't realize that they had left Jesus behind in Jerusalem. Like most parents, they were probably pretty panicked when they realized He was not with them. They rushed back to find Him in the temple. He asked, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" (vs 49)

Didn't you know? Didn't you know that our children belong often in our Father's house so that they can be loved and nurtured and taught by the community of saints that gathers there? I am always amazed at how many young people gather with us at Zion. For such a small community, about 1/3 of our congregation in recent months has been God's children under the age of 18. Isn't our Father's house the place all of our children should be? Should they not be there not just for required festivals, but as often as they can? Our Father's house is a place where children can learn to be accepted and loved unconditionally (at least I am hoping everyone accepts all of our children unconditionally). Our Father's house is a place where they will learn that when they become adults, they will have a place, a family, to go to when they are all alone, no matter where in the world they might find themselves. May God grant that not only will children be welcomed into every Christian congregation, but that their parents would desire to bring them and be with them.

On another note... This is Holy Week. On Thursday we will remember how Jesus celebrated the Passover with His last meal with His disciples. Three of our children will receive their first Communion at this service (after their feet have been washed, of course). Please, join us if you are in the area. Worship is at 6 p.m.. I am cooking and serving lamb stew at 5 p.m.. Everyone is welcome!

God's Peace - Pr. J