About a year ago I came up with a short little prayer for our family to say together before our meals. I thought it would be a simple way to help my kids in their understanding of God as our provider and creator. So, before every meal we would say these words,
“Thank you God for this food.
Thank you God for our family.
Thank you God for Jesus.”
It was such a small part of our dinner time, but it seemed to have a profund impact. Even my one year old learned to bow his head, fold his hands, and mutter “Thank you God…” It didn’t matter if we were at home or in the middle of a crowded restaurant; my boys would belt their prayer to God before every meal. So, as we began 2012, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce a new prayer. Something that was a bit more rich in content and meaning.
Here’s what we’re praying in 2012,
“Thank you God for your many blessings.
Thank you God for our loving family.
Thank you God for grace and Jesus.”
Though they haven’t completely memorized the prayer yet, it seems that the concepts have already penetrated the hearts of my children. One night over dinner we asked them if they understood the new prayer, and as we began to explain each piece to them carefully the concept of grace became the focal point of our conversation. So, as simply as we could, my wife and I began to explain grace to our children. We told them that grace was like getting a gift you don’t deserve – like getting in trouble, but not being punished. Then, we talked about Jesus and how he made grace possible by dying in our place for our mistakes. I assure you that not all dinner conversation is this deep at our house, but this night was special.
Still, I was left wondering if any of the words we had said made any sense to my boys. I wondered how the conversation translated to their young and still developing minds. Then, as we were tucking them into bed that night my oldest boy said his own prayer, as always does. He thanked God for our house, cars, trucks, trains, windows, and water; all pretty typical things for him. Then, with a big smile, he ended his prayer by saying, “…and thank you God…for grace.”
It helped me to realize all the more that when we really grasp grace for what it is, we WILL be thankful.
Well, we’re about half way through the New Testament (in thirty days) at First Christian and it’s been a wild ride. If you’re not familiar with the New Thru 30 reading plan, you should check it out! The reading time is intense and demanding, but the benefits have far exceeded the burden. In fact, I don’t think anything has sparked more conversation in my Life Group than the great themes of the New Testament. Questions were flying everywhere as we walked through huge chunks of scripture together each week. In many ways, it has made me long for this kind of drive beyond the thirty days! I know, I know, most of you would probably die if you had to stay on this kind of reading plan forever, but I can’t help but desire to see the momentum it has created in God’s people continue to flow. 
