Jesus says, “Unless you become like children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” What is he telling us? If we pray out of a strong ego in our desire of becoming holy or perfect, we are placing our focus on ourselves. Little children place all of their attention and dependence on their parents. They are not concerned about how well they are achieving their personal goals. The Christian needs to pray with humility realizing that by themselves they can do very little before an infinite God. By acknowledging their inability, they can be like a child. They are able to put their trust in a God who loves them no matter what circumstances they are experiencing. In their reliance on God the Christian can let God enter their lives just as they are. In that total acceptance they are able to relax and experience the consolation of their true self, not the false self with its many expectations.
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus helps us in her “little way of praying.” Bringing all of the little things that are happening in her day to her prayer, she relies on God. Only God can give us the joy of a loving presence that will sustain us. This is the heart of prayer.
- What kind of prayer is most beneficial to you?
- Are you able to bring your true self to your prayer?
- Do you experience God’s total acceptance of you just as you are?
O God, help me pray like a little child depending on you.