This is such a simple secret that we often discount it. But it has
transformed untold lives. It has the power to change any day from
chaotic to peaceful, from depressing to joyful, from boring to excit-
ing. Just knowing the Lord is present changes everything.
My brother Charlie is a wonderful poet. When his daughter Meg
was three years old he wrote a poem entitled “A Walk with My Small
Daughter.” In the poem little Meg would bound out ahead of Char-
lie, gathering the treasures of her day, and return to Charlie so that
he could help her identify them.
“What is it, Papa?” she would ask. “Rock... leaf... feather,” she
would repeat after him as he helped her understand her world.
I love this picture because it shows what our relationship with
God can and should be. We can bound out ahead of him in the
spontaneity of an unguarded moment, safe in the security of his lov-
ing presence. His eyes are on us. And we can trust that he is listen-
ing to our words. We don’t have to shout. We don’t have to use
four-syllable theological words. A three-year-old’s rhetoric suits him
fine.
Brother Lawrence described his prayer life as “a silent and secret
conversation of my soul with God.” We, too, can enjoy God like this.
In his presence we are treasured and watched over as he helps us to
understand and celebrate every step along the way.
Dear Lord, simplify my heart. I come to you as a little child. Wher-
ever I am today, it’s because you put me here. Teach me to listen for
your words, follow your ways, and most of all, Lord, to practice your
presence. Amen.101 MOST POWERFUL PRAYERS IN THE BI BLE 109