Early on a Sunday Morning…
She patiently sat waiting her turn to sing.
Formal liturgy, hymns and prayer…
quietly waiting.
The pastor of the church asks if anyone had a prayer request to share with the congregation-
A handful of adult voices speak concerns of loved ones.
And then,
Her little hand went up.
The pastor in surprise looked down at the pew full of children’s choir members and let her have her turn.
Sweetly she said:
“I want to pray for my Grandma who died.”
After some thought, the pastor joined her where she was-
Concern, Genuine, Contemplative.
In a sanctuary full of formal worship,
My Layla shared her heart…
Unashamed, Sincere and Wanting Her Heavenly Father’s Console.
After the prayer and the songs were sung…
Benediction…
We told her how happy we were that she shared with everyone what she was feeling and that
seeking God for help was the best thing.
Smiles.
We were approached by other grown ups who marveled at the strength, courage and faith of a small child.
Let us all be inspired by her unashamed love for Jesus,
I was.
{This happened at the church where our daughters sing for the children’s choir- which is not our regular home church.
Layla, who is 5 has loved Jesus her whole life but has recently asked “Him into her heart”. }
By Rachel, The Cupcake Sprinkles In Life
Leave a Comment
tracie @ {tsj} photography says
what a sweet & gentle reminder of the importance to have the faith of a little child! beautiful …
KristyK says
I wish I could be so bold! Thank you for sharing this!
Stacey says
Layla your little “Princess Leia” being brave and sharing her great big heart. What a beautiful picture of faith!
deidra says
Ah…so sweet. The children always know, don’t they? And we adults think we’re the ones who have it all figured out.
Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama says
Oh how I love this – must have just melted and inspired your mama’s heart!
Kelly Sauer says
Oh so beautiful. Good for your pastor, good for all of you. This is healing to read.
Beth Williams says
Amazing how children can be so bold! It melted my heart.
At our church we have a youngster who is unafraid to speak up & ask for prayers. She wasn’t even afraid to get baptised in front of the entire church, although small. I just love the sweetness of these kids!
Wish I could be more like them!
Tweets that mention She Raised Her Hand… -- Topsy.com says
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by tracie stier-johnson, MakeADifferenceToOne. MakeADifferenceToOne said: RT @incourage: When a 5 yr old raises her hand in church. http://bit.ly/i7LwVM Guest post from @sprinklesinlife […]
Marilyn says
“…the pastor joined her where she was.”
Beautiful. An example to us.
Whether it’s a child or an adult, too often someone ventures forth with a request and we correct, change, advise, preach…..all sorts of things other than prayer. A person asks for prayer. We are but to join them in that prayer and make the journey together.
Aunt Flora says
Little Layla is an inspiration to us all, and a darling little girl. Love you all…
Rachel says
Truly, it was a moment of awe for us.
Thank you all for your kind words in reguards to my little sweetie. We always tell people that she is going to “Rock it for Jesus” one day- only to realize~ she already is!!
Amy Sullivan says
Oh, don’t we have so much to learn from this? To be so brave and make the whole world stop and see your needs. . .why do we, adults struggle with letting our needs be known?
Amanda K says
How beautiful of you Layla to speak with such courage. I truly admire and learn from the faith of a young child. Bless her!