“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
Sometimes enlightenment comes gushing out of the most remarkably unexpected sources. Like a freely flowing artesian water well, the life-giving refreshment offered by such an epiphany awakens and revitalizes our once stagnant consciousness.
Recently I was caught entirely off-guard by a revelation in the form of a prayer adorably delivered by my not quite three-year-old granddaughter. When it came time to say the blessing, she eagerly volunteered and said, as best I recall: “A…B…C…D…H…K…M…T…amen!”
Yes, of course, as you might imagine, all the adults chuckled to themselves with knowing winks in that surprising moment upon hearing her recount the alphabet as best she knew how. How can you not be enchanted by a toddler’s delightfully offbeat prayer efforts?
However, as cute as such a child’s prayer is, we’re often quick to dismiss them as having very little significance given the source. After all, there are no prominent spiritual ingredients or ideas embodied in reciting the “A, B, C’s,” so why give it another minute of thought?
All I can say to that is, “Thank you, Lord, for prompting me to have second thoughts!”
As I later reflected on it, I realized that my granddaughter’s unlikely prayer unveiled a slumbering truth. Simply put, she was excited to share the excellent and acceptable instruction she had been receiving. In doing so, she honored the Lord by demonstrating she was positively improving her mind just as God intends for His children to do.
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)
My granddaughter’s notably unorthodox prayer is a gentle reminder that our waking moments are continuous prayers. As such, throughout the day, we have the ongoing opportunity to honor and glorify Him by doing things His way, as found in the plans and instructions given to us through the Bible. Our very lives are walking prayers.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10 (NKJV)
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19: 14 (NKJV)
“I am convinced that, if we protect our minds by dwelling on the right things, it brings God glory. It also protects us from unnecessarily allowing ourselves to be tempted. The Bible is clear on what we ought to think.” Victor Nunez
“But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18 (NKJV)
When we consistently pursue the acceptable “A, B, C’s” in our Father’s sight, He is pleased, and His heart smiles with joy. When we do this, we choose Him and the extraordinary life He envisions for us.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)
Friend, I’m confident my granddaughter’s lifestyle prayer brought a smile to our Lord’s heart. May each of our “A, B, C prayer” choices we have to make throughout the day equally please Him, and abundantly so!
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’” Matthew 25:23 (NKJV)
1!1!1!
Fernando Ortega, “Let the Words of My Mouth (Psalm 19:14, Philippians 4:8)” from the album, “The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs.”
ONE's upon my time 