My First Prayer

I was six and in the first grade.  We had just moved from Louisiana to Missouri and few understand my southern drawl.  Of course being a "preacher's kid" I found myself in a new church with a new Sunday School teacher and being shy I wondered how all this was going to work out.  But there she was a small thin woman called Mrs.White who talked with a southern accent!  If I had been older I would have said "Praise God!"  but as a child all I knew was at least she would understand me.  Mrs. White not only taught our Sunday School class she led the Elementary Sunday School opening each Sunday.  One of her requirements was to learn the "Lord's Prayer".  Now this was WAY back when first graders were barely able to read anything other than Dick, Jane or Spot so learning a big long prayer meant listening and remembering. Each week we would repeat more and more of the prayer until we could finally say it along with the rest of the older kids in the Sunday morning opening. Now you are probably thinking kids are like sponges and can memorize easily.  After all there is little stuff to clutter their sweet minds. True, but Mrs.White made a big impression when she said this is something you will use for the rest of your life.  She didn't spend a lot of time telling us what it all meant.  It was Jesus' prayer and everyone just needed to know it.  THEN I discovered the same prayer the children were saying was said in church each Sunday by the adults.  I remember thinking Wow!, even they have to say it!

I am so thankful for Mrs. White; she loved me enough to teach me a life long prayer which has sustained me for all my life.  I wonder what I have taught that will last that long?  Maybe we all are supposed to keep teaching, praying and loving.  Sounds like someone I call Jesus.