Praying Under a Table

Bible Reading: Psalm 46:1; Philippians 4:6-7

Library day was Kaitlin’s favorite of the school week. When Mrs. Chinn released the third graders to look for books, Kaitlin and her best friend, Tommy, rushed to the mystery section.

“I read this one last month,” Tommy said. “Do you want it?”

“Sure, I’ll put it on my pile.” Kaitlin reached for the book but jerked her hand back when the school alarm sounded—tornado drill!

Mrs. Chinn’s voice sounded above the beep-beep-beep. “You know what to do. Find a spot under a table.” Kaitlin crawled under a table with Tommy and Becky, a new girl from Oregon.

“This is my first tornado drill,” Becky whispered in a shaky voice. “How long will we stay under these tables?”

“Not long,” Tommy said. “A few minutes.”

“Okay.” Becky settled cross-legged under the wooden table and lowered her head.

Kaitlin was used to tornado drills. She and Tommy knew the students were supposed to stay quiet and wait for the all-clear bell to sound; then they could get back to the mystery section.

She tapped her shoes with her thumbs. It was quiet in the library, but…was that Becky’s voice? Kaitlin couldn’t see Becky’s face since it was hidden by her brown hair. Was she talking to herself? She looked at Tommy, wiggled her eyebrows, and motioned toward Becky. He shrugged.

“We’re not supposed to talk during a drill,” he whispered to Becky.

“I’m praying,” Becky answered. “My grandma taught me to say a Bible verse when something scary happens. ‘Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.’ It helps me remember that Jesus is with me.” She clasped her hands.

“Try to stay quiet,” Mrs. Chinn said, her voice sounding almost eerie in the quiet library. “The drill will be over soon.”

Kaitlin couldn’t keep from looking at Becky again, whose lips still moved in prayer. Even though she tried to be cool during school safety drills, her stomach always felt sick and sometimes her heart pounded, especially during the shooter drills. Would it help to pray to God? It seemed to help Becky. Kaitlin wished she knew how to pray too. Maybe she could talk to Becky at lunch.

Yes, she would definitely ask Becky how to pray. – Susan Holt Simpson

How About You?

When something really scary happens, what do you do? Jesus promises to never leave those who trust in Him. He died to save us, and we can trust Him to take care of us. That’s why Becky prayed when she was scared—she knew she could trust Him. And you can too! The next time something scary happens to you, try praying Becky’s prayer and remember that Jesus is with you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Pray when you’re scared