Mom’s great-niece toddled over from the piano, took mom by both hands, and tugged her toward the instrument. It was precious to watch. There was joy in seeing my mom swayed by a little one.
Later, I sat on the ground with my guitar and invited the same one-year-old to sit with me. I strummed for a while and then she tried playing. When she stopped, she took my thumb and began to move my hand up and down over the strings.
Still young, she says little. No words were said on her part, yet she communicated to me what she wanted. I was so happy to play the melody with her.
Sometimes we feel like we need just the words to come before God. Dear One, let’s remember He knows and loves us. It is He who came to us, that’s what Emanuel means, “God with us.” Let’s spend time with Him, knowing He is a loving Father who cares about the little fingers asking Him to play.
He answers prayer.
Romans 8:26 reminds me that I don’t need to have all the words, but turn to the One who can answer. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Matthew 7:7-12 is a very comforting! Ask, seek, and knock knowing God will answer. Maybe you have your doubts like I do. He might answer, but what if I don’t like what He responds with. Look at verses 9 – 12, God knows our thoughts!
“‘Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV)
He knows how to give good gifts! Our heavenly Father is holy and loving. Being His child is also a gift.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13 NIV)
Since He is our Father, we can be confident He wants us to communicate our needs and hopes with Him. He looks forward to our little fingers reaching up to ask Him to play. We can be sure He will understand and tenderly respond.
A Prayer
Dear Holy Father,
Thank You for the tender love You give us. Even when I do not have the words to pray, I’m so glad that You know what I mean. Thank You for your love. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Questions to Ponder
When did you last reach up and ask God to play?
How does remembering He is your Father help you go to Him?
