A Listening Ear

Bible Reading: Psalm 34:15-17; 55:16-17

As Colin sat down to begin his homework, he heard his little sister whining in the kitchen. He began to study, but all the noise his sister was making distracted him. Then Colin heard his mother’s voice. “Kristin, I want you to stop whining.” Colin returned to his homework, but soon he heard his sister again.

Colin got up and went to the kitchen. “What’s wrong with Kristin?” he asked. “Her whining is driving me crazy. I have tons of homework, and she’s not making it easy!”

Kristin made a face and threw a sock at Colin.

“She wants someone to put her socks on for her,” Mom said.

“But she knows how to do that herself,” said Colin. “Oh well. I’ll help her just to make her be quiet!”

“Hang on, Colin,” Mom said. “Kristin also knows how to ask nicely for things. So far all she’s done is whine and throw her socks.”

“Well, I don’t know if I can stand all the noise she’s making much longer,” Colin said.

Mom again reminded Kristin that she was expected to ask for help nicely. Then she turned to Colin. “I wonder if God ever feels the way we do. It seems like we often whine and complain about things instead of praying about them.”

Colin frowned. “You mean, instead of complaining, God wants me to pray about stuff like being bothered by the noise Kristin’s been making?”

“I was actually thinking of a problem I’ve been dealing with at work, but yes, God wants us to pray about everything.” Mom smiled. “Why don’t we pray now?” Mom and Colin bowed their heads. “Dear Father, thank You for caring about all the details of our lives,” Mom prayed. “Right now we ask You to help Kristin—and all of us—learn to ask for help instead of whining about our problems. Please help each of us remember that You love us and know what’s best for us. Thank You for always listening to us.”

After Mom finished praying, Kristin walked up to her and held up her socks. “P’ease help me put my socks on, Mommy,” she said. As Mom gave her a hug and knelt down to help her with her socks, Colin smiled and went back to his homework. – Dawn Yrene

How About You?

Do you only pray at mealtimes and bedtime, or do you pray all throughout the day? God cares about you and wants you to talk to Him about what’s going on in your life. He may not always give quick solutions to your problems, but He’ll always do what’s best. Tell Him what’s bothering you, and thank Him for the blessings He’s given you. He loves you and is always listening.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 4:6 Pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Pray about everything