Psalm 23: 1-6 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
I am always thankful to be a teacher. I do believe that He gives me a heart for teaching the kids. I always enjoy my time with the kids. I love telling a story, pray and sing together with them.
Every time I have a devotional time with the kids (my students, nephews and nieces), there is always a question for myself "How can I explain a prayer to them well?" As we know, we learn to pray by praying. I love Psalm 23 and I memorize these verses since I was a kid (in my own language - Bahasa). And all believers have learned this psalm by heart and found comfort, peace and security in its words and images.
Children understand easily the images of the psalm and often see themselves as the sheep. They imagine resting on soft grass beside the fresh water safely and peacefully. They also can imagine the guidance of the shepherd who takes loving care of them and protect them from danger. The children then transfer their feeling of trust into their prayers and enter the dialogue with God about their lives and struggles.
When I was a kid, my parents taught us to have the intimacy with God through a prayer. I do believe many children love the intimacy of prayers, too. I think everyone who is growing in God knows that in prayer, we experience God as a friend who protects us and looks after us. The words that spring from heart reflect a growing relationship with God.