Short Story – Daniel’s Pray

I have received abundant blessings lately and I would love to share them with you, as God has shared His with me.

It might be better if I just start telling you about how Daniel was praying.

Daniel is one of my ‘babies’.
(Remember my story about I became a babysitter in Veenendaal?)
Last week, I came to Family Baak’s house, to take care of the children because the parents had to lead youth meeting. Thus, I happened came to their house, for the forth time I believe.

Lisanne, 7 y.o., was already in bed, though she hasn’t slept yet. Rosaline, 2.5 y.o., was still hanging around asked me to read books for her. Daniel, 9 y.o., was just finished practicing his first presentation about doctor (Mr. John Baak, the father, is a doctor). Christopher, the oldest son, 12 y.o., was busy with his homework.

After I read books for Rosaline and her mom brought her in bed, I went to Daniel’s room. He told me a lot of things about his school, his presentation tomorrow, football club, friends, vacation, and many more. We played some games, too; not that game board again, but he had a nice book with games in it. He taught me to play Game Boy as well. How sweet was it?!

It was finally 8 o’clock and Daniel had to sleep. Thus, we’d prayed together before he slept. I told him I couldn’t pray fluently in Dutch, thus he had to pray; so he prayed, and it went, something like:

“Dear Jesus in Heaven, I would like to pray for people in China, please bless them. (I stunned, I was speechless). I pray also for people in Asia, please help the people that suffered because of Tsunami. (Oh my goodness…! I couldn’t hear what he said further, because I was so amazed). … God, why is there any machine to create animals? Why are there a lot of machines that cause problems and war,..God, I pray for a machine to create animals. Amen!”

In general, you might think it is silly. Maybe, but not for me.
I was out of words. I couldn’t say anything more.

You know how I normally pray? I usually pray for my own sake: to be healthy, to have enough money for coming weeks, so that my parents will live well in Indonesia, for Stefy, for my relationship,.. it’s always about me, me, and me!

I do sometimes pray for Indonesia, for people there, but not quite often. I heard simplicity in Daniel’s pray; I heard his honesty to pray for the world, for other people.

Thus, have you prayed today? For others, too?