The Power Of Prayer

I was just going to post a Facebook status about this, but I decided it deserved its own post. I'm still in awe of this little conversation that I had with Daniel tonight.

I'll back up a little first.

When I started taking the boys to church at the beginning of August, it was a struggle for Daniel. Why? Because in his life he had only been to church for about 6 months as a baby. It was a struggle with myself. I was tired of feeling burned out or getting burned by church. We weren't feeling it at the church we attended for awhile when Daniel was little, and so we quit. I won't lie. It was kind of nice for quite awhile. I spent my whole life going to church on Sunday morning. I liked getting up and not worrying about having some place to be. Eventually though, the guilt started to creep in. That guilt was God nudging me over and over. I ignored, over and over.

Finally, I starting actually wanting to find a church, but there's the struggle of actually going. It's really hard to walking into a new place where everyone knows everyone, and you're the stranger. You don't know your surroundings and you've got to figure out how things work. I put it off more, but finally I was ready. I chose Calvary because I just felt drawn to it. I heard good things from other people all the time.

Jacob wasn't ready for the whole church thing, so I left the boys home the first Sunday I went so I could scope things out. No need to worry about child care when I might not even go back!

I walked across the parking lot, and was immediately greeted by 2 friendly faces. I walked upstairs and was greeted again and handed a bulletin. I went in the auditorium and found a seat a few rows from the back and on the far right side. I took in my surroundings and read my bulletin, and as I looked up, I was greeted by Pastor Steve. He took time to talk with me and introduced himself. Then he pointed out his wife, Shelley! As it turned out, I knew her from the Y! She had been the personal trainer while I worked there. She gave me a big hug (and we all know that I LOVE hugs!), and chatted a bit. The service was amazing. The music spoke to me. The message was just the right one that I needed that day. It was preached by Pastor Ryan, and was so easy to relate to. Before I left, I asked Shelley if I could see the children's area and she took me downstairs to show me. I was so impressed with their whole drop off and pick up system. They put safety first and I knew I would have no problem leaving the boys down there.

To make a long story short, I have continued to attend and just love it. James has always had an easy time. Daniel has taken time to adjust. When we started he cried and cried. He hadn't started preschool yet so this was really his first time being left somewhere (that he can remember, anyway), but when I would pick him up he'd be all smiles and tell me, "I LOVE my Calvary preschool!"

Recently, he's become hesitant of going again, and will cry at drop off. Last week was the worst. He screamed getting into the van. He screamed all the way to church. He refused to get out of his car seat. We got downstairs and they had to peel him off of me kicking, screaming and crying. He moved to a new room last week, and when I picked him up, he was happy again. He told me that night though that he still didn't want to go back there. I told him that we would pray about it each night, and so we did. At least a few nights. I think I forgot a couple. Whenever something bothers him, I always ask to pray about it and usually he agrees.

I've always been uncomfortable praying out loud, but praying with Daniel has turned into such a blessing. I don't mind praying out loud with him. In fact, I enjoy it. We pray each night before bed, and every day before he goes to preschool.

Now, to get to the whole reason behind this post.

I braced myself this morning for the tears and crying, but was still praying that all would be okay. Everything went smoothly at home. We got to church and he walked up to the lady who greeted us and told her all about his advent calendar. Then we went downstairs, checked in and off he went! Then he came back...but he just wanted a hug and then happily walked to his room.

Tonight before bed I told him how proud of him I was because he didn't cry when I dropped him off. He looked at me and said, "Do you know why? Because I heard Jesus talking to me when I was walking to my room. He said don't be scared and don't cry,"

I was floored. I said, "Wow! You heard Jesus tell you that?" He replied, "Yes, but I did not talk back to him."

Wow. Just, wow. My 4 year old heard Jesus speak to him, and was able to comprehend it and tell me about it. I think my heart was about to burst.

And as I was writing this, it made me think of how today's sermon once again matched up. It was all about prayer and what prayer can do. I'll be the first to admit, I'm full of doubt at times when I pray and don't get an answer (or the answer I want), but I witnessed an answer firsthand tonight.

Prayer works. And if you listen maybe you'll hear Jesus talking to you too.