In these times, we’re doing faith formation differently to keep us safe and healthy. Here, on this new blog, every day you’ll find a video of Eli’jah reading from Desmond Tutu’s Children of God Storybook Bible, plus a child-friendly reflection and three prayers for your day.

April 21: Samuel in the Temple

When God calls, we answer. But, wait. How do we know if God is calling to us? I like to think about it like this. If my teacher calls on me in class, I know it’s her because of her voice, her placement in the class (standing up front most likely), and what she looks like. My teacher has things about her that define her. God has those things too.  Just different.

With our example teacher, all of the ways we define her are physical things: voice, where she is standing, and what she looks like. With God, it’s a little different. My simple definition of the God I believe in is love.

Let me give you an example. We at Mayflower stand up for the earth. We protect her as much as we can, and would like to do more. Our hearts tell us to protect the earth because it’s one of the most loving things we can do. It’s a loving thing to do. God is love too! When we feel like doing something loving, we are listening to God– this God that’s main definer is love.

When God calls on us to love, make sure to answer!

Daily Prayers

• In the morning when we wake up: May today bring joy in new ways. Amen.
• At mealtimes: Dear God, thank you for health. Thank you for the earth. Thank you for the hands and hearts that made this food. May the earth and your people be healthy. Amen.
• Bedtime: Dear God, thank you for resting from the top of my head down to my toes. Your love will be with me even in my sleep. Amen.