Prayer and the Child

There are important things in life, like prayer. Perhaps we remember the days when as a young child we prayed to our guardian angel before we go to sleep or said the prayer before meals. Prayers are not just for a few but is universal.

They say that even the early man already had a sense of awe and probably prayed to something or someone that lies beyond who is far greater than him.

In the course of history however, the prayers that man says have become more of a mechanical mumblings and said without much sincerity or reverence. In going to church or to a Holy Mass for example, we automatically dip our hands into the holy water, hurriedly make the sign of the cross, kneel, sit, stand up and do the same process over and over again.

But did we ever ask why we should make the sign of the cross? Or kneel or sit or bow? 

It would be good to ask whether the early man was more pious or religious than modern man.  Notwithstanding our formal religious affiliations, was early man during the infant stages of mankind’s history more sincere and serious about the “religious” aspects of his life in the same token that young children tend to believe and thus pray more and better than adults? 

 When Christ said that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of God, probably He was trying to tell us that there are childlike qualities that should also be with us, especially with regard to prayer, and that is, to pray like a child.  

Some two thousand years later after Christ, a Jesuit Theologian said that in prayer, one is actually talking to God and his holy minions like the angels and saints. There could be other nuances about the act of prayer with regard to intimacy, holiness, attitude, psychology and the like, but for Fr. John Hardon, prayer is first of all talking to God.

It wouldn’t be whimsical if we stretch the principle earlier espoused with regard children and praying, and place this in the context of what the good Fr. Hardon would like to happen in order to have a better ,if not the best prayer.

There are four (4) childlike traits that can be most useful in praying. And these 4 traits actually fit the four effective ways that Fr Hardon suggests in order for one to pray. 

                First, children are probably the only beings in the world who will take you for what you are, no more no less. If you are little John, then you are little John and not someone else. Children do not compare much least discriminate in the pejorative sense of the word.

Children will like you for what you are. Notice that if left among themselves, they even forget the wrongs of the today when the new tomorrow comes. For children it is more important to enjoy and live the day rather than nurse a grudge.

                Fr Hardon tells us that if prayer is to converse with God, then one must first be aware of God’s presence. And to take God for what He is, as a loving creator of all, the heavenly Father of mankind. For a child, the notion of God as God is …, is good enough to recognize God as such.

 If like a child we are able to believe God as God and not something or someone else, then there wouldn’t be the problem of idolatry which is actually substituting other things like money or personal fame or even other persons for God Himself.

                In prayer we have to be aware of God’s presence like a child. There are other things that may come in as more important, but God is God.

Moreover as adults, we may have had some bad experience or hurts in the past as regard to our own personal dealings with Him and perhaps this has not been forgotten. If like a child we are able to forget however the hurts and enjoy each day of our life with Him, then praying to Him will become more intimate.   

                Second, when a child has a friend, he/she shares to a friend whatever there is to share, and with gladness. Notice the absence of protocols among children. They invite their friends for a cold drink or a delicious cookie or a nice cartoon. They barge into the house, sit nonchalantly on the sofa, and enjoy whatever they do.

In the like manner, Fr Hardon tells us to share with God our innermost feelings or thoughts or wishes without reservations and with joy. And this sharing should be rather spontaneous, without the protocols. Remember, God is present anytime, anywhere.     

Third, children are united with their friends almost instantaneously. Children create songs, play, climb trees and roofs, even with new acquaintances, doing it as if they have known new friends for a long time. In other words, children are united basically by the way they openly and communicate or deal with each other and not by virtue of their creed or cult or nationality.

Fr. Hardon also tells us that the same thing is true in prayer. We are united to God not by virtue of our status in life or nationality or religion, but simply because we are conversing with Him. And just imagine the many different things we can do if only we prayed or conversed with Him.   

Fourth, children are results oriented. Notice that a child is probably the most persistent beings around. If they ask for a piece of candy, they will ask not just once or twice but until they get what they dearly want.

Moreover, a child wants not just the “talking or pleading” or the conversation itself but the action that will result in whatever “talk” that has transpired. Call it child’s play, but a play or some piece of “action” it really is. Seldom shall you see a child just talking about something – a game, a new adventure, etc. with someone and not actually doing it or getting it done.

The same thing is true in prayer. Fr Hardon tells us that an unanswered prayer is no prayer at all! God may answer you in whatever way, subtle or otherwise, but an answer there should be lest the prayer, which is actually a conversation, becomes more of a monologue than anything else.

We should all pray like children. Being childlike is not just a thing of the past but something even our own dear Lord advised us to do then … and now.