"I Hope You Never Have to Die Again"
As a true introvert, some days my brain is too full to purge it all on paper or screen. But there was one little gem today that I want to pause and give a little extra honor.
I almost missed it. It was after our praise team played at church, and I was just starting to allow my body to relax in the pew, enjoying the children's story skit. As they wrapped it up, my mind started checking out, distracted by some other stream of consciousness. I wasn't paying attention when they asked for a volunteer to close with prayer, but I came back at the sound of the little girl's voice, slow and clear:
"Dear Jesus, Thank you for being such a good Father to us. I hope You never have to die again, because You are so good. But thank You for dying for us, and we love You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
To be perfectly honest, I might have misquoted some of that because I can't remember it all now, but the part that really stuck out to me was her deep concern that Jesus would never have to do that again--to die such a difficult death for us; and yet her gratitude that He would do it in the first place.
It was probably one of the most powerful prayers I've heard in awhile. In just those few words, I felt the deep and profound impact of the Gospel for me personally. To remember the cost, to be grateful that "it is finished," and once is good enough! Good enough to save you, and me, and the "least of these" with all their humble wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!
I almost missed it. It was after our praise team played at church, and I was just starting to allow my body to relax in the pew, enjoying the children's story skit. As they wrapped it up, my mind started checking out, distracted by some other stream of consciousness. I wasn't paying attention when they asked for a volunteer to close with prayer, but I came back at the sound of the little girl's voice, slow and clear:
"Dear Jesus, Thank you for being such a good Father to us. I hope You never have to die again, because You are so good. But thank You for dying for us, and we love You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
To be perfectly honest, I might have misquoted some of that because I can't remember it all now, but the part that really stuck out to me was her deep concern that Jesus would never have to do that again--to die such a difficult death for us; and yet her gratitude that He would do it in the first place.
It was probably one of the most powerful prayers I've heard in awhile. In just those few words, I felt the deep and profound impact of the Gospel for me personally. To remember the cost, to be grateful that "it is finished," and once is good enough! Good enough to save you, and me, and the "least of these" with all their humble wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!
There's not very many ONCE AND FOR ALLs in life, but the most important one has taken place, making all other repetition meaningful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. Reminds me also that all ages influence all ages. We help each other :-)