here's your Jesus

Our bedtime routine includes all the usual and ends with each kid picking out a book, one or two stories from their kids Bible and finally bedtime prayers.

Here's the thing: my bedtime prayers have been really terrible. I'm so done with the day that often I say them while tucking them in, praying a litany of thank you's for all that we did that day and then closing their door and walking down the stairs.

Obviously there is no such thing as a bad prayer, but I believe in the power of prayer and always knew I wasn't using that time very well. I wasn't modeling the importance of prayer and I wasn't saying much of impact of influence over their little hearts.

I heard recently of the power of praying a blessing over each child before they go to bed. For a few weeks now I have been trying this and I love it. We finish the three books and then I get Elsie tucked in first, make the sign of the cross on her forehead and then pray with something specific I noticed in Elsie during that day, "Dear Jesus, I thank you that Elsie is such a good listener. Thank you that she listened well to her teachers at ecfe, that she got her crocs on quickly when I ask her to. Lord, I pray that she would learn to listen for your voice, listening for your lead and to do the work you call her to. I pray that you would always speak into her life and that she would have ears to hear. Amen."

Then I go to Ivar and do the same thing. The kids are usually pretty quiet for the other kid, wanting to hear what I'll say. And they lay so still. In some miraculous way, these bedtime blessings have now become a favorite part of my day. This time is now filled with meaning and is precious to everyone in our family.

Rory came down from tucking them in a few nights ago and told me that after her blessing, Elsie was singing loudly and bouncing during Ivar's blessing. So Ivar sat up and told her, "No Elsie! You already had your Jesus!"

The blessings are short, they are specific and they are special to each kid. And the kids love it.

So go give your kids their Jesus.