There are moments in life when the Lord gently reminds me of the things that matter most, not through grand displays, but through the quiet faithfulness of everyday life. Those moments often reveal that my greatest strength is found not in what I possess, but in my genuine and continual communion with God. There was a statement that Charles Spurgeon made that brings a little more understanding about what is most important in the spiritual realm. “When asked, ‘What is more important: Prayer or Reading the Bible?’ I ask, ‘What is more important: Breathing in or Breathing out.’” In our home prayer is as important to our family as the Word of God is because we have experienced the tremendous power in both. Prayer has never been merely a routine or a religious exercise for us; it has become the place where our faith is strengthened, our burdens are lifted, and our hearts are drawn closer to the Lord and to one another. Each of my grandchildren come to pray with me on a regular basis individually, for a variety of reasons. There are certain people and certain things that each of them focus on. My grandson came to me at one point to tell me it’s night-time and time to lay down, “For all of us to lay down.” He is eight years old. I asked him if he would like to pray before he went to sleep. He said he wanted to pray for one of the therapy workers that used to work with us, his “best friend” that he has not seen in a long while. There was something beautifully simple about his request, reminding me that a child’s heart often understands love and compassion more clearly than many adults do. He prayed for her to be okay, that she had a good day, and that he would get to see her soon. He cares deeply about her and misses her so very much. He could have asked for anything—toys, games, or ice cream—but he asked for time with a friend that he loves. How often the Lord uses the sincere prayers of little children to remind us that His Kingdom is built upon humble faith and sincere love. We were blessed shortly after that prayer because she showed up to one of our First Friday of the Month Potluck gatherings at church and spent quite a few hours with him without many distractions. She sat with my grandson, and when I watched them together I could see their time together changed his world and made it a much better place. In all truth, her time with the family has blessed us all, and that night served as another reminder that God delights in answering prayers that are born out of love rather than selfish ambition. Since that Friday, he has been asking to see her again, since it’s been a while. After seeing my grandson’s prayers answered, I was reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus written in *Matthew 7:7: Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking [reverently] and the door will be opened to you.* My grandson continues to pray for others, and recently he has been praying for me specifically. He knows that I am going through some stuff; he is not sure what it is, but he knows it’s something momentous. I may not be on the top of his list like his best friend, but I am glad that I am on his list, for I have witnessed that his prayers accomplish much. There is a quiet confidence that fills my heart knowing that someone so young believes without hesitation that God hears every word he whispers in faith. I liken my grandson’s actions to the words of Charles Spurgeon: “Let your cares drive you to God. I shall not mind if you have many of them if each one leads you to prayer.” I feel blessed that he likes to pray and, more than that, that he trusts God to hear him. I have become more intentional to enjoy the moments with those who are precious to me; for the older I get I realize they won’t last forever, and I never know when the last one will be. I pray that we all learn from the simple faith of a child by bringing every joy, every burden, and every thought and longing before our Heavenly Father, trusting that He hears and answers according to His perfect will. Let us encourage one another to become people of prayer, building homes and families where faith is lived out daily and where every generation learns to depend upon the goodness and faithfulness of God to direct, protect, and provide what He has for His children.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.