A couple days ago my mother-in-law called me. She quickly noted needing prayer as she expressed a health concern. It was humbling and endearing that she asked that I serve as her pastor, which I was more than glad to do. We talked for a few minutes as I sat outside on the lanai–and yes, sitting outside on the lanai in January is one of the perks of living in Hawaii! My wife, Lori, came outside as she seemed to inherently know that I was talking to her mother. Either that or she was eavesdropping!
I put the phone on speaker and gave Lori the cliff note version of what was going on with her mother. I also welcomed her as a partner in praying for her mom. Before we could pray and end the conversation Kaydan pressed himself against the screen door. At first I was slightly concerned how his intrusion would play out but I invited him out to say hi to Grandma hoping that would lift her spirits as well. He did not disappoint and seemed to lighten the mood considerably. However, I was uncertain how the prayer was going to unfold with him there. Don’t get me wrong, we pray regularly with Kaydan and he often will even initiate praying, sometimes in the most peculiar of circumstances. I asked if he would like to pray with us for Grandma. An emphatic “yep” was his reply. Kaydan rarely does anything without emphatic response for that matter.
I began to pray as sincerely and intentionally as I know how asking God to touch my dear mother-in-law and bring healing to her body. My prayer wasn’t long nor was it likely memorable. What was memorable and meaningful is hearing Kaydan mimic every word that I prayed. At least, I think that’s what he was doing. Maybe he was praying his own prayer in conjunction with mine. But he seemed to be reiterating, as only he can, every word that I prayed. To be sure, that probably meant more to my mother-in-law than even my own prayer. I know it did to me.
As the saying goes, “that got me to thinking.” How does God hear Kaydan’s prayers? Are they more meaningful and purposeful than my own? Prayer is a privilege to be sure. Prayer is a gift that God designed in order for us to communicate with Him, and more importantly that He might communicate with us. Prayer is a private matter, and it is also a corporate practice as well. And yet, with all that I’ve ever learned or read, or even prayed, my mind paints a picture of that moment as Kaydan prayed with me for his grandma. I’m sure my imaginative license is nowhere near accurate but if it were I can imagine God hearing the beginning of my prayer like any other I have prayed. But I also imagine Him perking when He heard a different voice. And although most of Kaydan’s language is unintelligible; I can picture the Creator of the universe summoning the angels in that moment and exclaiming, “Listen to this!”
If I were an angel, and I’m certainly not, I can imagine looking at God with a puzzled look and even asking, “What am I listening for?” I can imagine our loving Heavenly Father replying with excitement and pride, “Don’t you hear it? Kaydan is praying. Isn’t it beautiful?” Who knows? Maybe I’m not that far off. God hears the prayers of His children. And I am convinced that God also hears the prayers of His special children. And especially when they pray for their grandma!
I am uncertain to what degree Kaydan understands prayer. However, I am certain that he knows there is something special about it, as well as how to pray regardless of whether or not I understand his words. He typically folds his hands and understands that praying is different than the other times that we use words. In fact, sometimes at bedtime he even implores me to pray again, even after I just did! I’m always curious if he thinks I just didn’t get through the first time or maybe I missed something, but he insists that I do it again. How do I argue with that? Every now and then, he expresses that he wants to pray. Those are special moments to be sure. And while I often have no idea what he says in totality, I hear the words sprinkled throughout his prayer as only he says them, “Mommy, Daddy, Papaw, Issa (sister Marissa), Nayna (sister Shayna).” I’m sure he mentions others, I just can’t understand them. But my heart is melted to be sure, and I would be surprised if Heaven doesn’t perk up as well!
As always, I appreciate your prayerful support. Speaking of which, I’m thankful to report that my mother-in-law is better today. Maybe I should start asking Kaydan to pray more! Blessings to each of you.
Brad