A Talk on Prayer and Faith

Most of you probably know that we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons. The children in our church attend primary. They spend part of the time in a big group, and part in smaller classes. When they are all together the children get the opportunity to give talks. Byron was asked to speak on 'How Faith and Prayer Bless my Family.' He was excited to prepare a talk, so we started off with a conversation. 

Mom: How do you think prayer and faith bless our family?

Byron: Well, um prayer is good. (puzzled expression) What exactly is faith?

M: (new approach) What do you pray about when you say family prayers, or your personal prayers?

B: I pray for the food . . . and I pray for Uncle Robert every night.

*Could you ask for a situation that could be more perfect to teach a child about prayer and faith? I think not.*

We had found the subject for his talk. We continued our conversation about praying for Robert and Ashley, what faith is, etc. While I put the words down on paper for him, Byron came up with the content of his talk. As he shared these words tears appeared in a few of the primary teachers and leaders eyes, mine included. I thought it would be fun to share it again here.

Byron showed this picture while sharing the following:

This is my Uncle Robert and Aunt Ashley. Robert is bald because he is sick. He has leukemia, a type of cancer. He is in the hospital a lot and he has a lot of doctors helping him.

He then showed this picture (original coloring by Byron) while sharing:

Prayer and faith have blessed my Uncle Robert. Every night when I pray I ask Heavenly Father to bless Robert to get better, and to bless his doctors to help him.

Children can't visit the cancer wing of the hospital, so I can't see him until he comes home. So, when Robert is in the hospital I pray that he will be able to come home soon, so I can see him and Ashley again!

Then I use my faith.

I have faith and believe that Heavenly Father will help Robert to get better and be healthy and strong again. Then he will grow his hair back too!

He then showed the first picture again and finished with:

There are a lot of people all over the world who are praying with faith for my Uncle Robert and Aunt Ashley. Prayer and faith bless my family by helping my Uncle Robert to get better.

May we all pray with the faith of a child!

*Robert's fever hit 100.6 last night, but it was brought down with medication. The cultures came back negative for infection! That is great news. They took a couple more cultures, apparently infections can hide in cancer patients, so they are checking everywhere. Robert's throat is still bothering him, and he is having difficulty eating. He is on TPN aka. IV nutrition to help him get what he needs. He is still the sleepy Jedi Knight! Keep praying for his throat and that he will continue to be infection free! Thank you!

Love, hugs & kisses!