Home » Blog » Prayer » Inspirational Prayers » The Perfect Prayer

The Perfect Prayer

In this excerpt from Guideposts Daily Planner 2014, Van Varner shares the story of a child's perfect prayer.

little girl praying
Prayer is a powerful force for good. At Guideposts, we believe in the strength of prayer to bring comfort, hope, and healing. Your generous donation today will help us continue to share the power of prayer with those in need. Together, through prayer and support, we can make a difference.

You must love the Most High God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. Luke 10:27 (TIB)

Many years ago, my prayers to God tended to resemble letters to Santa Claus–long lists of things I wanted God to do for me.

Nowadays, however, I seldom close my eyes to pray that a simple little anecdote doesn’t flash across my mind. It was one that actor Robert Young told.

He was listening to the bedtime prayers of one of his four daughters and she, like me, was going through her list of wants and “gimmees.” But then she stopped, raised her head, opened her eyes to heaven and said, “And now, dear God, is there anything I can do for You?”

Ah, there it is again: the unvarnished faith of little children. And did I call that a “simple little anecdote?” It’s not.

That one tender question goes straight to the mark of what God expects of us children, big and little: to be mindful of God. After all, that was God’s first–and greatest–commandment.

Share this story

After Christmas Sale Holiday 24 Right Rail Ad

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Donate to change a life together

Scroll to Top