A lesson in prayer...

Last night, a band of storms strolled across Eastern Pennsylvania, flashing lightening and rattling the house with thunder. The storm hit right around 8:30pm, Kate's bed time. So, as we were reading her first book, she began to get scared.

Kate: Mommy, what's that?

Mom: Oh, that's just thunder. Jesus is bowling, Dear.

Kate: Bowling? I don't like thunder. I don't like bowling. It's scary.

Mom: You don't have to be scared, sweetie. Jesus likes to bowl. It just gets a little loud when he hits a strike and knocks all the pins down.

Kate: Well (pause...in deep thought)...maybe we can ask him to stop?

Mom: Sure. Do you want to say a prayer?

Kate: Well, (pause) will you help me (head slightly cocked)?

Mom: Sure. What would you like to say?

Kate: Dear Jesus...

Mom: Will you please stop bowling?

Kate: Because I don't want the thunder to come.

Mom: I love you, Jesus.

Kate: Love you, Jesus.

Mom: Amen.

Kate: Amen. Mommy?

Mom: Yes, dear?

Kate: Is the thunder going to go away? Is Jesus going to stop bowling?

Mom: He sure is, Honey. Just keep praying.

As I kissed her goodnight and closed the door, I heard her start her prayer again..."Dear Jesus.." Her head hit the pillow and eyes closed almost a half hour later, as the last band subsided. Thank you, Jesus.