Learning to Pray

After seeing a great example set by my brother and sister-in-law, we have been reading scriptures and kneeling together for family prayer each night. I was pleasantly surprised that Ben will just sit and listen, and wait for his turn to read (or, you know, repeat what we read). We started 2 weeks ago and it seems to already be ingrained in him. One night as we put Ben in his bed, he recited the routine for us! "Scriptures, and knees, and stories, and Ben's prayers, and hugs and bed!!" It seems he's picked up on some other things as well... :)

On Sunday we arrived outside the chapel during the prayer. I told Ben they were saying a prayer and we all folded our arms. I didn't have my eyes closed though, and Ben turned to me and loudly whispered "Mom! Close your eyes!"

And the last few nights at bedtime have been precious. Ben has wanted to say his own personal prayers, rather than have me tell him what to say, so before his prayers I give him suggestions ("Maybe tonight we could say...."). One night I suggest we say that we're thankful for each person in our family. Ben said "Thank Thee (yeah, he says thank thee) for Mommy, Thank Thee for Daddy, Thank Thee for Tristan.... Thank Thee for Uncle Bart. Jesus Christ, Amen." I didn't mention Bart at all, he just decided to include him!

And another night I just asked him "What should you say tonight in your prayers?" He looked around his bedroom and said "Um.... for Bed, for Mommy, and for Daddy work." And those were the things he said he was thankful for in his prayer! I love that boy!