Childlike Faith

I love to hear my kids pray. A few weeks ago, I was driving in the car with my four-year-old, and he said, “Mom, did you know that Jesus lives inside of our whole entire body?”

Close enough, I thought. “Yeah, buddy, that’s right. Jesus is always with us.”

He replied, “And Mom, did you know that if you’re scared you can just say…” 

He closed his eyes, folded his little hands, and whispered softly, “...God, I need you.” 

Then he exclaimed, “And He will help you, Mom! Jesus always helps us!”

Just as I was reflecting on that truth, my son interrupted with another proclamation, “And mom, if you’re really, really scared, you can say…” 

He whispered again, “David, there’s a monster, give me your slingshot!” 

We both started laughing, and I made a mental note to revisit the story of David and Goliath and  help him work out his theology a little more. It was such a sweet moment and a powerful reminder to me that our faith in God and our prayers to Him really can be that simple. 

My boys’ prayers are so full of faith. When they stop to ask God for help, they have complete expectation of His presence and help being given to them in return. I’ve thought a lot lately about how many times I absent-mindedly whisper, “Jesus, help me,” throughout my day with little belief or anticipation of help being received.

What a beautiful moment and a reminder of the simplicity and purity of a child’s faith. Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:3, “Truly, I tell you,” He said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Children come to God with full trust, complete belief, and open hearts. Their prayers are unfiltered, honest, and bold. They don’t question whether God is listening or if He’ll come through—they just know He will.

In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This is the kind of confidence God invites us to have when we approach Him. Like my son, we can come to God with the same childlike faith, knowing He is near, He listens, and He helps.

Let’s not get caught in the trap of overcomplicating our relationship with God or diminishing the power of our prayers. He is always with us, ready to listen and act on our behalf. Our faith and trust in Him don’t have to be elaborate—they just need to be real.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

JOURNAL: In what areas of your life have you been whispering, “Jesus, help me,” without truly believing He will? What would it look like to pray with childlike faith in those moments?

PRAYER: Spend some time asking God to rekindle a childlike faith within you. Ask Him to help you trust Him fully and approach Him with simple, bold prayers—just like a child would.
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3 Comments


Nikki Bailey - September 23rd, 2024 at 7:43am

So Good Meghen!

Brenda Stein - September 23rd, 2024 at 8:44am

Thank you!

Bud - September 28th, 2024 at 6:04am

Thank you