Matthew 21:16b – Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? (KJV)

Ever since our now three-year-old granddaughter could sit up to the table in her high chair, we'd say this simple, age-old grace:

Thank You for the world so sweet.
Thank You for the food we eat.
Thank You for the birds that sing.
Thank You, God, for everything.

As she grew and became a little more independent, she'd choose whether or not she wanted to be quiet, or make it known that she preferred we pay attention to her.

In her twos, we explained that the prayer was to give thanks to God for the food and things we have, and she'd sometimes say it with us and sometimes not.

While browsing in a sale book bin one day, I happened upon a "board" book with this lovely little grace. It was in the shape of praying hands, and better yet, it had a little button that when pressed emitted the grace — albeit in an electronically-enhanced voice — but the grace, nevertheless.

So I bought it. And it got used. Sometimes. Sometimes not.

We were visiting during the week of our granddaughter's third birthday, as were some of my son-in-law's family and a friend. We were about to begin our meal, when our little granddaughter said, "Wait! We've got to get the book!" She jumped down from her chair and went into her book box in search of the little book. Bringing it back to the table, we were instructed in how to fold our hands and close our eyes, as she gleefully pressed the little button and we were guided in grace — by the grace of our little granddaughter and the eclectic electronic voice.

We often overlook the fact that there is nothing closer to Christ than the pure, innocent faith of a child.

Prayer: Thank You, God, for the little lives who bring us back to You in so many wonderful and wondrous ways. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Send your feedback to the author