The other day we were reading the letter “V” in our ABC Bible Verses book. I have really come to love this book and the kids look forward to reading and memorizing the verses every day. This day’s verse was John 6:47 in the KJV, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” Obviously, they had no clue what that meant so we read it in the NIV, “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” We made up simple one finger motions for each section of the verse:
Very truly: point with your finger like you are telling someone something
I tell you: point up to Jesus
the one who believes: hold up finger for #1
has eternal life: use your finger to make a giant circle all the way around your body {this was a big fun action for them!}
We read the story and I was only nominally interested. I mean, it was fine. But nothing outstanding. The dad explains the scripture and the little boy (who has in previous stories acted on God’s Word and professed his love for the Lord) says, “I’m a sinner. I want everlasting life. I want Jesus to be my Savior.” And he prays with his family–to be saved and ask Jesus into his life.
So, I nonchalantly (really, thinking nothing of it) say, “Lydia, do you see how Billy stopped and asked Jesus to come into his life?” (Or something equally brilliant.) She said, “Yeah. I wanna do that!” And she was as happy and serious as she could be. I was kinda shocked and said, “Really? Right now?” She said, “Yeah!” and grabbed her brother’s hand to pray. (I kid you not!)
I said, “OK. Let’s do it! I’ll say a prayer and you can repeat after me. You’re not talking to me. It doesn’t matter about the words. You’re just talking to Jesus, I’m just going to help you.” She was as happy as if we were taking a walk in the park, “Ok!” We said a little prayer similar to this…
“Jesus, thank you for loving me. I believe you died on the cross for me. I know I’ve done bad things and I’m sorry. I ask you to come into my life and take away all my sins. I want you to be my best friend. And I want to live forever with you. Amen.”
When it was over I said, “Lydia, did you mean that prayer with all your heart?” She said, “Yes. I’ve prayed that lots of times.” Now, I was really shocked, “You have? When? Where?” She shrugs, “In my bed. I’ve been born again lots of times.” (SERIOUSLY!)
We talked about this a little more and I explained that once you really stop and give your life to Jesus and ask his Holy Spirit to live inside you, you don’t have to do it again. You can just thank God for what He’s done in your life. But it is a really big deal and it’s an important day to remember. So, we wrote down in our ABC book under the letter V, “Lydia prayed and asked Jesus to come into her life. And take away her sins. She said she’s done it before alone but asked to do it again now” and the date.
At naptime we read Stormie Omartian’s book, The Prayer That Makes God Smile
And like we’ve talked about in some of the past salvation posts, I really believe that when we consistently lay out God’s Word for kids, they just get it. They soak it up, just like everything else we teach them. And at some point, they will begin to internalize it (because God’s Word is living and active, you know) and it will begin to grow in their lives. If you want to get technical, based on Lydia’s conversation with me, I personally believe Lydia was already a Christian when we prayed the other day. But I think she finally had something in her that needed to make it official or out where others knew.
We ended the day with a special park outing and ice cream! And next year? We’re going to have a mini-celebration to remind her of the most important decision she’s ever made!
I love how God works- when we LEAST expect it! It’s a neat way of reminding us that HE is the one who saves. Thrilled for you as you begin to experience the work of the Holy Spirit in her life!!!
Wow wow wow! What a beautiful moment in your family’s journey. Thank you for sharing… makes all the tough stuff worth it!
“When it was over I said, “Lydia, did you mean that prayer with all your heart?” She said, “Yes. I’ve prayed that lots of times.” Now, I was really shocked, “You have? When? Where?” She shrugs, “In my bed. I’ve been born again lots of times.” (SERIOUSLY!)”
Ok, help a Catholic friend out, will ya? 😉 That prayer is a BIG deal, I know it is. But here’s the thing, and I do NOT ask this to belittle this day in ANY way. I’m just really, really trying to understand. How is THIS day any more special than the times that Lydia prayed the prayer in bed? Is it because she prayed it with you this day? Would not the first time she ever prayed it be THE special day? Am I making any sense at all?
I ask because on one hand, I don’t have a “special day,” but on the other hand, I don’t remember ANY day where I wasn’t FULLY Christian and ever WITHOUT Christ. I’ve been taught to love him and trust him from the beginning, just like your children. So then, would not EVERY day be equally special?
I guess I’ve always been a little confused by THE DAY thing. (Please excuse the long comment/question, and … Yay, Lydia!)
No, Amy. I completely agree w/you! I don’t think this prayer WAS different. I just had no idea she’d prayed that prayer. I just think from a mom’s perspective, now that she asked me to pray with her that I want to help her remember that day.
I’m with you. I don’t remember the day I said “the prayer” either. My mom told me it was when I was at camp when I was 7yo. She told me I got tears in my eyes when I told her about it. But for me? I just always loved God. Always.
I just don’t want the enemy to come to Lydia and say, “You were too little. You didn’t know what you were doing. You didn’t understand.” So, now that we’ve HAD this prayer-thing that she initiated, I can use it as a celebration of a day.
If she never initiated a prayer w/me, it wouldn’t matter. I think I said in the post, I believe she was a “Christian” before then b/c the Bible is clear–BELIEVING is what saves you. Period. (ie. the verse we learned for the letter V!)
Does that make sense? I just didn’t want to gloss over her active, “Hey! I wanna do this” declaration w/, “Honey, you already believe. Don’t worry about it.” You know?
Absolutely, makes perfect sense! I’ve just heard before from various sources that “if you don’t remember praying THE prayer you BETTER pray THE prayer, or else!” And I have sometimes felt LESSER because of it. Bummer that people will do that to a person!
ps–also, this is coming from a completely not-remotely Catholic girl. We are from two totally different backgrounds! So, I hope I said everything ok!
PS — I’m married to a completely not-remotely Catholic boy. 😉 12 1/2 years in, and we KNOW that what unites us is SO MUCH STRONGER than the details that divide us. 🙂
(Love chatting with you!)
That’s so awesome! And in a bit of response to the above comments, I really appreciate what you said about marking this prayer to thwart the enemy in the future. I wouldn’t have thought of that aspect.
Yea for Lydia! Thanks for sharing the exciting news with us! Praising God with you!
Amanda – this made me cry! What a beautiful post – and thank you so much for sharing this special time with us!
So wonderful! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Lydia is so sweet.