We have been praying over my oldest son since he was born, and also before each of our meals since he started eating.  It was such a joy to hear him say his first prayer over six months ago.  It's an even bigger joy that when I pick him up from his pre-school, I often see his name under the assigned Prayer Leader for the day.  What an honor!  I'd ask why he gets to do it so much over the other children in class, but presumably, I already know the answer to that question.  He always wants to do it, and well, he's right down hilarious when he prays. 

Therefore, I thought I'd share some of my son's sweet little prayers.  For example, when I asked him what he prayed for in class today, he responded quickly, "For my three baby pumas and two pet sharks.  And, that I would get chicken nuggets and ketchup for dinner every night of my life."

Another one that got me going was when he and I were having a tough day with him calling me names.  We were driving home and I had finally had it and lost my patience with him.  He responded by praying, "Dear Lord, please help me not to call any more names, and to be a nice and good boy for my stinky mommy.  Amen."  I didn't know whether I wanted to spank him or laugh my tail off.  I figured, hey, at least he's praying! 

Before he prays for meals, he asks for the dogs to not smell like corn chips, for the pool to be hot in winter, and for the Teenage Mutant Turtles to come out of the TV and train him ninja style.  He's prayed for Jesus to pop out of his heart and smash the monsters that live in his room and then to pop back in and make him stronger.  This is all as our warm dinners are cooling rapidly.  But, how can you not encourage it? 

The best, though, the best when he prayed over his little brother when we brought him home from the hospital that first day.  "Dear Jesus, I pray that you would help me protect my baby brother from harm or danger.  But, I also pray that I would never have to hear him cry.  Because that stuff bothers me.  Amen."

Endearing to the heart, and yet, still entertaining.  That's my little praying man.