In Jesus' Name

Matthew 6:7-13
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
 Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.’”

I went to dinner with my daughter, Sara, and her family one evening. My granddaughter, Ella Cate, offered the prayer for our food. Sara reminded her to address God at the beginning of the prayer, then end the prayer in Jesus’ name. As we ate, Sara and I talked about why she taught Ella Cate to do that.

We address God because He is the creator of all mankind and our Father. We end asking in Jesus’ name because He is the one who restored our relationship with God after Adam and Eve disobeyed.

God made me, He breathed life in me, and He is the one who hears every prayer of every person. The beautiful thing is—He wants to hear from us.

When Adam and Eve failed to listen to God in the garden, they broke our bond with God. But Jesus restored it. He connected us back to the Father through his sacrifice on the cross.

When I pray, I want to address God and seek Him. Then, I want to speak the prayer in Jesus’ name. The Holy Spirit is in this too. The Spirit speaks when I can’t. He carries my prayers to God.

As Jesus teaches in the Lord’s prayer—Speak to God in reverence, seek to be a part of His kingdom. Do the tasks and touch the lives He lays on your heart. Ask for provision and forgive others. Seek protection from the temptations in this world, and be covered with grace, so the devil stays away. All of this in Jesus’ name.

Children's Book Review: The Lord's Prayer: Words Of Hope And Happiness by Rick Warren, illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson

Book Description:

This iconic prayer is paired with flowing illustrations by award-winning artist Richard Jesse Watson and thoughtful insights by bestselling author Rick Warren, resulting in a book that rejuvenates the familiar prayer for a younger audience. Using poetic scripture from the King James Version, The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness helps familiarize children with real biblical text while also presenting contemporary illustrations and insightful words that make this beautiful prayer come alive.

My Review:
The Lord's Prayer is a beautiful picture book for young children.  I'd say it would be good for ages three through eight. Divided into natural segments per page spread, Rick Warren shares a brief and personable reflection of what Jesus' words mean. I like that he added a sentence prayer with each one, too. Mr. Warren is known for encouraging and uplifting people. He does this for his young audience, too.  Mr. Watson's illustrations are colorful, lively, thoughtful, and well done. This would be a great teaching tool to introduce children to the Lord's prayer either individually or in a class. And what a comfort and joy for a child to hear how much Jesus loves him or her through this beautiful prayer. I received this book for free from Zonderkidz.