Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only take care, and keep your soul
diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they
depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your
children and your children’s children—
Our family is steeped in the Jewish roots of Christianity
and Friday evenings bring a form of a “Shabbat” service unique to us. The experience is not about Jewish
performance. It’s about thankfulness, surrender,
God’s promise to heal us and it’s about family. Jesus always shows up and joins us. How can He not in the breaking of the bread
in the midst of us?”
Finally, last Friday evening at sunset comprised our
whole family together under one roof!
Our plan was to celebrate Susanna’s fourth birthday. But before feasting and opening presents, we
all agreed to a Shabbat prayer time. Seated
around the dining room table, Susanna shouted “I will pray!” We usually let her lead when we say grace,
but this time her mom instructed her to listen to Papa because he was going to
say special prayers with bread and wine.
She was attentive as we shared the loaf and listened to each one of us
asking the Lord for a double portion of healing, direction, and favor, etc. It appeared to be over for us but not for Susanna! “Now
can I pray?” She asked. Her mom asked
us to stay seated and let Susanna lead us in one more prayer. It turned out to be the prayer of the
night! With a big smile on her face she
folded her hands reverently and thanked God for her mom, then Paul, her auntie,
Uncle Mark, Papa, and Me whom she calls Groggy.
You could have heard a pin drop…silence…humility of adults seeing a
child’s love from her sincere heart. I
saw big smiles on every face and I wanted to cry. Papa was in a fender bender the day before
and I suggested we pray for his healing.
My daughter nudged Susanna to pray for her Papa nice and loud so
everyone could hear. With a big voice
she shouted each word….JESUS, HEAL PAPA’S NECK.
AMEN. He told me the next day,
all soreness was gone and it stopped creaking.
Jesus showed up! He always
does.
I’m linking this post to Tell Me A Story hosted by Hazel
who encourages us to share our true stories!
WHAT A BLESSING!!! Touched my heart. Would so have desired to see my dear ones also reach out so "dearly"...
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed ...and, obviously, a blessing.
He indeed shows up! What an awesome tradition you've began in your family... Those occasions are the best things we get in this life... I'm sure your entire family already knows that...
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Out of the mouth of babes! What a blessing this little one brought to the Shabbat prayers. I love that.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love,
Debbie
Beyond precious.
ReplyDeleteI love your family traditions, Mary ... but love Susanna's prayer the best!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder Jesus loves the little children. Their hearts are so simple, and sometimes they 'get it' far better and quicker than we do. What a precious time!
ReplyDeleteOoooo this was good. My step-father was Jewish, so I was around a lot of the tradition as well. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to weave the old & new together. I love the beauty, power & glory of the O.T., and am always blessed when I remember it's powerful connection to our N.T. promises.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet that God would honor Susannah as He did; and to heal Papa as well.
Beautiful....Thank you so much for sharing your heritage with us:) Love how our little ones learn so easily and gently....You, my friend are a blessing in all our lives!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
andrea
And Jesus shows up - no surprise to you all! A little child's faith can move those mountains of pain and stiffness. Thank you for sharing at "Tell me a Story."
ReplyDelete