At four years old, I was curious about how Jesus “could come into my heart.” When I questioned my mom, she guided me to her bedroom, where we knelt together by her bed and prayed. It was there that I committed my life to Jesus.

My first Sunday School teacher, Mrs. (Vera) Brenner, taught me more about Jesus and the Bible. She was unpolished, old fashioned, but a dynamo. She adored “her kids” and fondly referred to us all by the nickname “Beaver.” It was she who presented me with my first Bible—a white one—a reward for memorizing Scripture. Her steadfast presence in that little neighborhood church left me with cherished memories I will forever hold dear.

Mrs. Brenner also explained that my prayers were important and that I should pray whenever I needed help. One time, when I was five years old, I accidentally cut my finger, and it began to bleed. Today, as an adult, I know it was a small scratch, but at the time, it felt like a huge crisis. That small child promptly knelt by her toybox, bowed her head, and prayed for the bleeding to stop. After an earnest “please” and “thank you,” the bleeding indeed stopped!

Although seemingly trivial, it bolstered the faith of that five-year-old girl who approached Jesus with innocence and unwavering trust. That moment planted a seed of confidence in prayer and in God’s nearness and care for me. Over the years, as live grew more complicated, that seed continued to grow roots.

Jesus Himself reminded His disciples of the importance of childlike faith when He said:

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3 (ESV)

As Jesus sat with a small child in their midst, He used that moment to teach a powerful truth: entering the kingdom of heaven requires the humility, trust and dependence as what is found in a child’s heart.

Sometimes, I wonder what would happen if I approached prayer today with the same raw faith and openness I had as a child. No overthinking. No hesitation. Just a simple belief that my Father is listening—and willing. How often we overcomplicate prayer, when Jesus tells us to simply believe, ask, and receive! (Matthew 21:22)

There is beauty in approaching Jesus with a childlike faith—it doesn’t matter if we are five years old, the parent of a five-year-old, or ninety-five years old. No matter the size of our requests, He wants us to entrust them to His care and then watch in amazement and wonder as He intervenes with His might.

As you go about your day, remember that no request to God is insignificant. He is not just our Lord; He is also our Father. And there is nothing more precious than the bond between a kingdom’s daughter and a Heavenly Father who loves her unconditionally!

Journaling Prompt:
Take a moment to reflect on your early experiences with faith. When was the first time you felt close to God? Was there a moment—big or small—when you knew He heard your prayer? Write about that memory and then consider how that same God is still listening today. What small (or big) thing can you bring to Him right now in childlike trust?

Disclosure: The featured image at the beginning of this post was generated using AI and is not a photograph of a real person or actual event.