When I was little, I was not allowed to watch Fantasmic Features or The Twilight Zone. My parents felt these TV shows were too scarry for their little girl. I might have nightmares.

BUT.....on a few occasions, my then agnostic mom would pray this prayer with me at bedtime.

Talk about nightmares!!! I was waiting for some boogyman to come and snatch my soul away while I slept. Maybe while God was busy with someone or something else...ZAP! And it would all be over.

Sometimes, as parents, we say things that are a part of tradition without really thinking. It may bring us comfort, but what about the little one who is unable to understand all the basics of theology.

That is why I try to explain things to the kids in Children's Church in the most simple terms possible. I try to see things from their perspective. When you sing "Are You Washed in the Blood." just watch your little child's face when you sing this phrase. She may turn green. And then you might get upset with her for not getting into worship or worse yet for disrupting worship. Is it any wonder that kids have difficulty sitting still in worship?

Please don't misunderstand me. I love that hymn and I am not trying to be disrespectful. But as adults, we understand these words. Kids on the other hand.......

As a worship team member, sometimes I see at the deer-in-the-headlights look of our kids and get so upset. Yes, I should be focusing on worshipping God. But how can I ask the kids to enter into a relationship they just don't understand or that sometimes they are afraid of?

And so my cry, as I go back into teaching Kids Church next month, is for God to help me communicate the joy of a wonderful relationship with Jesus. One that they can understand and will enjoy.

Please Lord, help me to communicate Your love and faithfulness in such a way that they will be drawn to You and in such a way that they can understand and convey it to others.

Tags: Children Communication Faith

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