Caleb and Henry, both age 4, and Naomi, age 3, were discussing with me the sheep wool placed under the Peace Bowl in our Atrium. I asked what the wool reminded them about God. Naomi said it reminds us to be quiet so we can listen to God. Henry said it reminds us that the Good Shepherd watches the sheep and that Jesus died and that the sheep reminds us that we are good boys and girls. Caleb said that is reminds us that Jesus died, rose again, and will come back to earth.

Jesus is the son of God.
He is the dwelling of the Lord,
Who was not even defeated by the powers of death.
He sits upon the mighty throne of eternal holiness,
And cannot be taken down from it.
Healer of the sick, giver to the poor,
And rightful son of man.
May all the rightful people of earth praise his exalted name.
by Kimble, age 10

Love and Prayer

During a conversation with second graders about intercession and petition I asked, "Why, if God loves us as you have said, and knows us and knows what we need AND how to give it to us--why then do we need to pray for ourselves and one another?" (I was very honestly asking this question of the students, because it has puzzled me for years!)

"We pray because we need to hear ourselves say how much we love someone."

Another added "Yes, it helps when someone is loving us with prayer. We get to hear that they love us."

Someone else said, "And God gets to hear it, too."

During a conversation with kindergartners about intercession and petition I asked, "Why, if God loves us as you have said, and knows us and knows what we need AND how to give it to us--why then do we need to pray for ourselves and one another?" (I was very honestly asking this question of the students, because it has puzzled me for years!)

One answered, "We pray because we need something from God: love."

During a presentation with a kindergarten class of the Pearl of Great Price I asked, "Why would Jesus be telling us this story?" Violet answered, "I think I know. Jesus was telling us that we're going to get to give everything for the Pearl of Heaven. " I asked her what the pearl of heaven was. She answered, "God's love." I really enjoyed her choice of words: We're going to GET TO GIVE EVERYTHING--like it will be a privilege, and not a chore. It was illuminating.