Don’t Miss the Bus!

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:7-12; Matthew 14:29-31

“Zane, your bus is coming,” Mom called. “Don’t miss it again today.”

“I’m almost done, Mom,” Zane called back from his room.

“Zane, the bus is here. Hurry!”

“I’m coming, I just have to—” Zane heard the roar of his bus leaving without him. He trudged into the kitchen. “I’m sorry, Mom,” he said, knowing she’d have to drive him to school again. That meant bundling up his little sisters and getting them strapped into their car seats.

On the drive to school, Mom asked, “What were you doing that made you late?”

“I had a lot to pray about,” Zane answered. “Uncle Marty lost his job, and Grandma’s sick…and other stuff too.”

“Okay,” said Mom. “But you can pray anywhere, on the bus or walking to class.”

“I know Jesus hears me wherever I am,” said Zane. “But I like to pray like Grandpa does—by his bed every morning. He told me kneeling is a way to show that Jesus is King. That’s cool!” Zane paused. “Plus, I notice that sometimes Jesus answers Grandpa’s prayers really fast!”

Mom smiled. “I remember Grandpa praying on his knees when I was growing up,” she said as they pulled up to the school. “Let’s talk more about this tonight.”

At dinner, Zane told his dad why he’d missed the bus that morning. “Zane, I want to be sure you know Jesus hears your prayers because you’re His child and He loves you, not because of where and when you pray,” Dad told him. “He’s delighted to hear your voice. And He answers prayers when the time is right, not because we rush Him.” Dad leaned back in his chair. “You know, one of my favorite Bible stories is about a man who got a speedy answer to his prayer, even though he wasn’t kneeling. Peter walked on the water to Jesus, but when he looked away, he started to sink and cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately, Jesus rescued him.”

“Cool!” Zane said. “I’m glad we can pray anywhere and Jesus hears us. But if I start earlier, can I still pray by my bed before school?”

“Of course! It’s good to get into the habit of praying every day,” said Mom. “Just don’t miss the bus!”

-Teresa Ambord

How About You?

Have you ever wondered if praying a certain way would make God hear you and answer your prayer? God hears you no matter where you are—you can pray to Him anytime! And remember that prayer is about talking to Jesus and sharing your heart with Him, not trying to coax Him into answering a prayer the way you want. Spend time praying every day, knowing God hears you and will answer in the way that’s best.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

You can pray anywhere