praying effectively: Be Like Little Children (Mt.18, Mk.9, Lk.9)

(Matthew 18:1-5)  At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, 3 and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me”

(Mark 9:37)  “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”

(Luke 9:48)  …“Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are converted and become like children, running to God as our heavenly Father and trusting in Him for all our needs, open and eager to learn (Mt.18:3)

- that we remain humble like children, running to God as our heavenly Father and trusting in Him for all our needs, open and eager to learn (Mt.18:4)

- that we consider others more important than ourselves, no matter who they are (Mt.18:5, Mk.9:37, Lk.9:48)

Today's prayer: 

Dear heavenly Father, how You love us and care for us.  Thank You for adopting us into Your family at the moment we decide to believe in You, no matter who we are or what our background was.  Thank You that You will never disown us.  Thank You that we CAN say, “My Dad is bigger than…”  May we look to You in complete trust as our faithful Dad!!! 

Help us desire to “grow up” and be just like You.  Help us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, as You love them.  Help us desire to expand the family, knowing that Your heart and Your arms are big enough to embrace us all!!!  Amen.