Susanna’s Shabbat Prayer

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.

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caryjoOctober 9, 2012 at 12:03 PM
WHAT A BLESSING!!! Touched my heart. Would so have desired to see my dear ones also reach out so "dearly"...

You are blessed ...and, obviously, a blessing.
FloydOctober 9, 2012 at 1:29 PM
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...

God bless.
Debbie PetrasOctober 9, 2012 at 2:24 PM
Out of the mouth of babes! What a blessing this little one brought to the Shabbat prayers. I love that.

Blessings and love,
Debbie
DeniseOctober 9, 2012 at 5:17 PM
Beyond precious.
Mevely317October 9, 2012 at 6:28 PM
I love your family traditions, Mary ... but love Susanna's prayer the best!
http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/October 9, 2012 at 8:46 PM
No 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!
Just Be RealOctober 10, 2012 at 9:21 AM
Ooooo this was good. My step-father was Jewish, so I was around a lot of the tradition as well. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Kathleen October 10, 2012 at 5:58 PM
What 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.

How sweet that God would honor Susannah as He did; and to heal Papa as well.
AndreaOctober 11, 2012 at 6:43 AM
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!

Hugs,
andrea
a joyful noiseOctober 13, 2012 at 4:03 PM
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."

Choose Joy in the Journey

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