GOF book 5: Prayer and Praise 
Received by: CQ and DE, and contributing children

Fun Times
Dear Jesus,
Thank You, for all the fun things I get to do. When it’s sunny, I can play outside or go on an outing with my mummy and daddy. Sometimes it’s rainy and I can’t go outside, but Mummy always helps me find something fun to do. Sometimes we do art, or make a snack or play dress-up. I also like to play with my friends. Thank You for all the many ways I can have fun.
Help me to always play safely and to do what those caring for me tell me to do, and follow their good ideas. Please help me to be obedient and always stay close to You so I don’t get hurt or have an accident. Thank You for always keeping me safe when I play and have fun.

Trust
Dear Jesus,
I know You are always with me and will take good care of me no matter where I am. I love You and I am so glad that You love me too! Sometimes there are things that make me feel worried and I wonder if things will be okay. Please help me to have faith, and to trust in Your loving care. 
I want to remember to talk with You about anything that is bothering me. Thank You for always listening to me when I tell You things. I’m so glad that You know how to take care of everything that I need Your help with. I know You will protect me when I ask You, and You will be near me no matter what. You understand me, and love me, and that gives me peace. When I remember that You are close to me and I pray for You to make things better, I can trust You to take good care of me.

Playtime
Dear Jesus,
Thank You that we can have fun playing today! I’m so glad that I can see, and hear, and talk. I can use my hands and feet to get around and to do things. I enjoy the times of play and I learn many things also. I have discovered that I am happier, if each one that I am playing with is happy and also enjoying the time. Please help me to know how to make our times of play together pleasant. 

Jesus, please teach me how to play kindly and to share the toys joyfully. I know that if I am concerned that others are having a nice time, then we’ll have more fun. Help us to play safely and not to do things that might cause an accident. Thank You for Your angels that are helping to keep us safe as we play.

Parents and Caretakers
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my mummy and daddy. Thank You for my teacher and for all those who take care of me. Thank You that they love me and take care of me, and thank You for the fun things we get to do together. Jesus, please bless my daddy when he’s driving and when he’s working. Keep him safe and protect him from accidents. Please help him in his work and give him the strength to do things well.
Please also bless my mummy in everything she has to do. Please keep her strong and healthy. And please bless my teacher, too. Thank You for all the things she teaches me and how she’s always so nice and kind. Thank You for blessing me with all the loving people who take care of me. Help me to always appreciate them and be thankful for them!

Bible Stories 
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all the stories in the Bible! I like them all so much. I especially like it when Mummy or Daddy read me stories from the Bible. It’s so nice to cuddle up and listen as they read. It’s like being with You, Jesus!
Please bless our story time together, dear Jesus. Please help me to listen really well and learn from the stories. And please help me remember the good lessons from them too. Your Word is so important and I always want to follow it and obey it. Thank You, Jesus, for these fun Bible stories we get to read!

Food

Dear Jesus,
I’m so glad for all the delicious types of food that there are. Thank You for sweet and juicy fruit, tasty vegetables, and all the other nourishing foods that You help farmers to grow. 
Please supply what I need to help me grow healthy and strong, and teach me to enjoy the foods that are best for me. I pray that children all around the world will have enough good food to eat as well. I know You always take care of those that trust in You.

Encouragement     
Dear Jesus, 
I really like it when somebody says something nice about me. I guess it’s called encouragement, right? Thank You for encouragement, Lord! It’s like sunshine after a rainy day. Thank You for my mummy who encourages me when I do my best to tidy up my room or pick up my toys. Thank You for my teacher who encourages me when I work hard to learn something. And thank You for Daddy who always makes me laugh.
Please help me to think of nice things to say to people, too, and encourage them. Even if it’s only giving someone a smile and a wave, I know that will make them happy. Please help me to remember to do that, Jesus. Thank You!

Patience     
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your beautiful creation! I love to sit outside and watch the sunset or look all around at the beautiful world You made. I can see that lots of things in Your creation need time to grow, like flowers and baby birds that grow and learn to fly. 
Sometimes it’s hard for me to wait for something and be patient. But You’re never in a hurry, and neither is Your creation. Please teach me how to go slow and be patient, Jesus. You are never impatient with anyone. You are always loving and kind, and You showed us that You were this way when You came to Earth. Please help me to be patient and kind, like You!

Bonks      
Dear Jesus, 
Even though I get bonks, thank You that they always heal up. You made my body so amazing in that way. I’m so thankful that everything in my body works so well. And I’m especially thankful that even though it hurts to get a bonk, You always make it feel better and heal it. Dear Jesus, I need Your healing touch right now for this bonk that I just got. I know nothing is too small for You to notice, so please heal it and make it feel much better real soon. Thank You, Jesus! You’re the best!

Seeds     
Dear Jesus, 
Thank You for seeds. Every time I eat a pear or another kind of fruit, there are always seeds inside. I’m glad the world is never going to run out of pears because of all the little seeds that we can just plant again and again. Thank You for Your amazing plan for Your Creation. We’re never going to run out of anything because of all the little seeds inside. And that makes me think of what kind of seeds I can plant. 
I can plant seeds in a vegetable garden, but I think I know the kind of seeds You like best, Jesus. They are special seeds of love and kindness. Please help me to plant those kinds of seeds, too, Jesus. I know that makes Mummy and Daddy and all my family happy. When I speak kind words and give love and encouragement it’s like planting a seed in someone’s heart, because then good thoughts and feelings begin to grow in their heart and mind. Soon they too begin to do deeds of kindness as a result. Just like we get good things to eat from the seeds we plant in the dirt, we get good things in return from the good thoughts and kindness that we plant in people’s hearts and minds. Thank You, Jesus, for helping me to plant the best kind of seeds of all!

Clothes    
Dear Jesus, 

Thank You, for my clothes! I’m so glad for all the clothes I have. I like my pyjamas and my swimsuit and even my school clothes. But most of all, I’m thankful for my favourite outfits, the ones that I like wearing best of all. How did You know what my favourite colour was? It seems like You knew, because You gave me nice outfits in that colour. Thank You, Jesus! 
I want to make You happy, too, Jesus, by putting on what You like me to wear. People don’t always notice the clothes I wear, but they for sure notice the way I act, and what I do and say. Having good manners can be like wearing a fancy outfit. So please help me to remember that no matter what else I wear, I can always put on love and humility, and a smile too!

Forgiveness     
Dear Jesus, 

Thank You that You always love me and forgive me. You make it so easy to say, “I’m sorry!” Thank You for that. Whenever I ask Mummy (or Daddy, or my teacher, or my friends) to forgive me, I know they do. And I know You forgive me, too. 
I wouldn’t know what to do if my friends or my mummy and daddy stayed mad and didn’t forgive me. I would feel so bad and so sad. That’s why I’m thankful they always forgive me and love me. Help me to also love others and forgive them in the same way. Thank You for loving me, and for loving everybody in the whole world! Help me to share Your love with others by being forgiving and understanding. 

Music     
Dear Jesus, 

I love music! Just hearing my favourite songs makes me happy. Thank You for all the happy, cheery music there is. I like music to sing along with and to listen to. Sometimes I like to dance to music, too. I know that You like music, too, because You inspired so many people to write songs. 
You also gave lots of people musical talents so they can sing, and play instruments, and make people happy. Help me to also learn how to play and make nice music. I know it’s a gift from You when you help me to use an instrument well, or I get a nice new tune. I want to do my best to work on my musical skill so I can use it to make You and others happy.
I like to make You happy, Jesus. And when I’m being happy and praiseful, that is like beautiful music to You. So please help me to always be praiseful and show You my thanks. I love making You happy, Jesus!

Sweet and Sour     
Dear Jesus, 

Thank You for all the things that taste sweet, like delicious fruits. And thank You, too, for things that taste sour, because they sure make me appreciate the things that taste sweet. No matter what happens, Jesus, I know I can still be happy and thankful. Even if something sour comes my way, I can still remember all the sweet things and the sweet times You bless me with. 
Please help me, Jesus, to always be sweet and not get sour if things don’t go my way. You bless me with so much, Jesus! Please help me to remember that and always be thankful, through the sour things as well as the sweet!

Warm Blanket     
Dear Jesus, 

I like to cuddle up with my nice warm blanket, Jesus, especially when it’s chilly at night. I feel so warm and secure when I’m all wrapped up like that. It’s just like all the nice warm love I get when I’m hugging Mummy or Daddy. It makes me feel so loved. 
Thank You for my warm blanket, Jesus! Please bless all the people around the world who are cold and hungry and don’t have a blanket like I do. Please supply lots of food and warm things for them to wear. And especially help them feel Your love around them, just like the nice warm blanket that covers me. 

Pillow     
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my pillow! It is so soft and fluffy and I love to snuggle up with it! I love it when Mummy lets me bring my pillow for comfy-cosy story time. Thank You for all the things You made that are soft and so nice to touch. 
Jesus, that makes me think of how nice it is when I’m soft and kind to others. Who likes to brush against thorns? I sure don’t want to be like that, all prickly and poky. Instead, help me to be soft and kind and gentle with others, just like my pillow is for me. 
When someone is feeling grumpy, please help me to know what soft words to say that will help them to relax and feel loved. When I feel like saying something unkind back to someone that has done something I don’t like, please comfort my heart, and give me Your gentle Spirit instead. Help my words and the things I do to be like a soft pillow for others. Thank You Jesus, for Your soft and comfy love that You can make me feel inside. 

Bed       
Dear Jesus, 

Thank You for my bed! When I’m tired, there’s nothing like curling up in my nice bed and going to sleep. I have my bedtime toys and my blanket that goes right up to my nose and I feel so warm and secure when I’m all tucked in. Thank You for my bed and for making my sleep time so nice and comfy.
My bed is strong and it’s going to keep me safe and secure all night long. That’s just the way You keep me safe and secure, Jesus. You and Your angels are always around me, keeping me safe. I never have to worry about a thing! I can just trust You and know that I’m safe in Your care. 

Animals      
Dear Jesus, 

Jesus, I’m so thankful for all the animals You made. And thank You so much for my pet. He’s so cute and does such funny things. I like to watch all the interesting things he does and I like to play with him. Thank You for all the fun times I have with my pet. 
Thank You, Jesus, for all the people who love animals and help to take care of them. Please bless the vet who knows all about what pets need. Bless all the zoo keepers too, who work so hard to take care of the animals in the zoo. Please bless the forest rangers that take care of the wild animals. Please protect them and help them. I’m so thankful for all the animals You’ve made and the people who love to care for them!
The Bible says a lot about animals, and reminds us how You care for them, and make sure that they have food to eat. I’m looking forward to the day when all the creatures will be at peace and gentle again. I can hardly wait for a chance to play with some of the amazing animals that will be friendly at that time.

House     
Dear Jesus, 

I’m so thankful for this house, and that You provided it for us. Thank You, too, for the garden and all the fun play times we have there. Please keep our house safe, dear Jesus, all through the night and the day. Protect us from storms, and keep it nice and dry in rainy weather. And please send Your angels to keep our house safe. Thank you for that promise in Your Word that says, “Your children will have a place of safety.” 
I’m eagerly looking forward to the day when I get to see the Heavenly home that You have prepared for us. That will be the best and most beautiful place to live, ever! It’s like that song that says, “My home is in Heaven just waiting for me, and when I get there, how happy I’ll be!”

Exercise    
Dear Jesus, 

I sure enjoy it when I can play outside and have fun exercise time. Sometimes I like to just run around the yard or kick a ball. I’m so thankful for my feet, and legs, and arms. Thank You for every part of my body that moves and works so well. Thank You that I can have so much fun playing outside.
Please help me to be careful when I play and to always play safely. Please help me to care about others, and make sure they are having fun too. Help me not to only want to be the winner all the time, but to be happy when others win too. That way we can all play safely and have fun together. 

Toys     
Dear Jesus, 

I’m so thankful for my toys! I have so many kinds of toys! There are my bed toys and my stuffed animals. I also have lots of books, puzzles, and games. Best of all are my outside toys, like my ball and tricycle. Thank You for all of them, Jesus!
Please help me take good care of my toys and try to keep them nice. Help me not to be rough with them, or leave them out in the yard where they could get wrecked. Help me to always tidy up and put them away, where they will be safe and ready for the next playtime. 
Please help me to have fun play times, and give me good ideas of what to play or make. I know there is a lot that I can learn, even when I’m playing. I can learn patience, and how to be a cheerful giver. I can practice using creativity. I can make things that are interesting and fun to look at and play with. 
I want You to enjoy watching me play. I want You to be glad that You shared these toys with me when You see the nice way I play, and how I chose to say things that make You happy. I know You are right with me, even when I’m playing. You love to be with me. I want to please You in all that I do, as my way of saying, “Thank You” for giving to me all that I have.

Sun  
Dear Jesus, 

Thank You, that it’s a sunny day! I love it when the sun is shining. It makes everything look so cheery and beautiful. Thank You that each day is new and full of fun things to do. I’m so happy for the sunshine that makes the flowers grow and the fruit trees bud. On warm sunny days it’s fun to splash and play in my wading pool.
Please help me, Jesus, to have a happy day with You today. Thank You that I always have sunshine in my heart with You, Jesus. So no matter what kind of weather, even when it’s rainy and gloomy, I still have the sunshine of Your love to keep me happy.

Wind     
Dear Jesus, 

Thank You, for the wind! It’s so nice to watch it blowing through the trees. I love the way it blows kites and sailboats. Wind is also good for making windmills move, and blowing seeds everywhere so they can get planted. Thank You for making the wind! I like to think of how the wind blows everywhere, and touches my friends and family the same as it touches me. 
Your spirit is like the invisible wind. It’s all around us and helps us in many ways. Please bless all my family and friends, and help them to have all that they need. Send them the answers and the help they need, on the wings of the wind of Your spirit. Thank You, Jesus!

Missionaries
Dear Jesus, 
I’m so glad that someone told me and my parents about You. Now I can look forward to going to Heaven! I will be so happy to see You, and to enjoy all the wonderful things that there are to see and do there. It will be nice to never again get sick or hurt, and we will have so many things to make us happy in Heaven!
I want all the children on Earth to get the chance to hear about You, and to receive Your love into their hearts and lives. Then they will be happier, and when I get to Heaven I’ll have so many new friends too! I know that the reason You came to Earth Jesus, was to show and tell everyone about Your love. 
You then gave the job to Your disciples, of passing on the news. That way You can be with all of us, all over the world, at the same time—rather than just on Earth in one place, like You were for a while. Those disciples were faithful to tell everyone they could about You, and then those people told even more people! Today there are many people who love You and are doing their best to live for You and to pass on Your love to others all over the world. 
I pray for each of these people, each of the missionaries, that You will give them good health and provide all that they need. Please help each one of them to have the food, clothes, transportation, and supplies that they need. Please help them to know what to say and what to do in the place they are living, so that those they talk with can come to know You. 
I pray that people in those countries will make it easy for the missionaries to do their job. Please encourage each one around the world who is telling others about You, Jesus. Help them to not give up but to keep on going, so that many people will be able to go to Heaven and will be happier while on Earth too. I know that will make You, Jesus, so happy!

Difficulties
Dear Jesus, 
I’m so glad, that no matter where I am or what I am doing, I can be with You. Whether I am hurt or well, healthy or sick, You know right where I am and You know how to heal and care for me.
I know that one day the world will be made all nice again, and there won’t be the kinds of difficulties that are now in the world. People will be happy and safe everywhere. There won’t be big and dangerous storms, or flooding, or other hardships. But even when there are nowadays, You still care for each one, and want to bring help, supply, and safe-keeping. 
I know that You listen to my prayers, and the prayers of others, and that it makes a difference to a situation when we pray. So I ask You now to help anyone and everyone that is in the middle of a difficult or dangerous situation, or at a time when they are losing things that are special to them. I want You to be so close to each one, that the love they feel from You, and the miracles they see You do for them makes them feel special and happy inside. You can make them so happy just knowing about You and how much You love them, that the hard times, or loss, or hurts don’t seem as bad anymore. 
Please supply all the food, water, warmth, care, and healing that each one needs. Please take away the problems quickly, and bring them safety and miracles of protection, while they wait for things to change for the better. I know You can help each seemingly wrong situation turn out for good, for those that love You. Help each one to have a chance to know about You and Your love, and experience Your loving care, right now.

A Friend
Dear Jesus,
I love my friends so much. I’m glad that You let us meet and be friends. I miss seeing them at times, and it’s hard to live so far away from where they are. I wish they could just drop by right now, today, and have some play time and we could talk about so many things. That really would be fun.
But the world is so big, and travel takes so long, that it’s just not possible right now. However, when I pray for them it can be like taking a very fast trip right to where they are. Through my prayers it can be like I’m helping them with whatever is hard for them to do right now. Maybe I can pray for them to have fun today, and they will all of a sudden feel glad, and have a great day—just like if I was there helping to think up fun things to do. Or perhaps they are feeling sick, and my prayers can help to make them feel better—even better than if I was just there bringing them a nice drink or doing something with them while they are recovering. 
I think the effect of my prayers sent their way could even make them happier than if I was right there. So as my gift to them today, to show them my love and care, I ask You, dear Jesus, to please bless them in every way. Please give them lots of fun and great things to do. If anything is bothering them or they aren’t feeling well, please heal them and strengthen them. Please help them to have good friends where they are, so they won’t be lonely. And when the time is right, help us to be able to meet again. I’m so glad that we can have all the friendship time we want to have in Heaven! I’m looking forward to that!

Farmers
Dear Jesus,
It’s such an amazing thing to think that one tiny seed can grow and grow and become a plant, and that a plant or tree can produce food for me and others. I know it takes a lot of hard work, and that the farmers have a tough job. It’s not easy for them to keep the weeds away, and plough the soil, so that the seeds and crops can grow easily. They need to make sure the seedlings have enough water so they can grow big and well. 
Please help all the farmers today as they work hard to help the crops grow, so that people have what they need to eat. Please keep away the pests so that each plant can grow healthily. Provide enough rain for the crops, and just the right amount of sunshine too. Help the farmers to grow good, healthy, natural food, so everyone can have what they need.
If there are farmers trying to grow food in places where there are lots of people who need food and there’s not much rain, please do miracles for them and make abundant food to grow well. Help me to always be thankful for the food that You provide. Each bite of fresh good food is because of the hard work of patient faithful farmers, and because of Your loving care. 

Read and Write
Dear Jesus,
I’m so glad that I can see. And that means that I can read books and stories, and see pictures and learn about new things. I can read an instruction book and learn how to do or make something. I can read letters from friends, and write a note back to them as well. These things are fun!
Please help children and adults around the world to have the chance to learn to read and write, especially in places where it might not be so easy to do so. And then, please provide Bibles for them to read, so that they can learn about You and Your love. Help people to teach them in fun and interesting ways, and to make it easy for them. In places where there aren’t many Bibles or it hasn’t been translated into that language, please help some people to be able to translate and print Bibles in their languages so that they can read and understand it.
I know it’s important to make good choices about what I read and look at, and also in the words I write to others, or the stories or songs I write, too. Please help me to choose to read things that will benefit me and make me able to do a better job for You—not things that will weaken me in heart, mind and body and take away my joy. 
Help the words that I write to others to be ones that You would like me to say—words that are kind and true, honest and helpful. Thank You for Your words, Jesus. They are always good, and bring great things our way when we listen to them and read them. Please bless anyone who is trying to type or write Your words for others to hear. Help them to listen carefully to You, and to pass Your words on to others. You need people to be like pens for You—just like the prophets of old. They wrote down what You wanted to say. Help us who know You to be faithful like the prophets, to hear from You and to tell others what You tell us, and what You have said in the Bible too.

A Project
Dear Jesus,
I like to be busy doing fun and interesting things. Thank You for the new ideas that You gave us; of some projects that we can be doing. It’s going to be great working on these things. I know we won’t get everything done in one day, although it would be fun. It’s going to take a lot of patience and perseverance to get it all completed. But I’m looking forward to seeing our project completed, so I need You to help us not to give up or quit until we are done.
There are a few things that we need and we’re glad that we can trust You, as the owner of everything on Earth, to supply what we still need in order to reach our goals and get this project done. You said in the Bible, “ask and it shall be given unto you”. (Matthew 7:7) It’s so nice that we can just ask You, and then You’ll do the miracles that we need. Please supply each thing we still need so that this project, this idea and this job can be completed!
It’s like we are working together with You on the project, Jesus. We can talk with You, get Your ideas, and ask You to help with the things we can’t do ourselves. You’re a great person to work with. You make our life filled with so many new and interesting things, if we just ask You and teamwork with You. 
You know how to start great projects, and how to finish them too. It’s kind of like us: we are one of Your very special projects. You made us, and You are helping us to grow and develop in skill and wisdom. You are helping to teach us all kinds of things, and You are with us all the time. Finally, we, Your projects on Earth, will stand before You in Heaven. We want to make the right choices and use our time well, doing helpful and positive things, so we’ll make You happy when we meet face to face. I’m reminded of the verse that says, “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

Cleaning up
Dear Jesus, 
Thank You for my hands and all the great things they can do. Sometimes I get to do things that I really enjoy, like climbing and building and drawing. Other times I need to use them to work. Now is the time when I need to use them to work and clean things up. 
No matter how clean things are one day, it never stays the same forever, and that’s just how it is. We need to keep eating, and plates and bowls get dirty again. We need to wear clothes, and then need to wash them and put them away again. We need to keep busy, have fun learning and working on different projects, and then there are things to put away again afterwards. Floors get soiled and sinks need scrubbing. Toys need tidying, and surfaces need wiping and dusting. 
Please help us to clean things up, so our place will look nice and fresh again. When things are clean and tidy it always makes us feel better, because You like orderliness and organization, and You made us, so we like it too. It makes us feel good, but it’s also hard work sometimes, so we need You to give us the strength. 
Those verses in the Bible, that talk about Nehemiah and his men working hard to fix things up and make the walls of the city again, are good ones to remember. “The people had a mind to work,” and “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 4:6; 8:10) We want to be like that—to focus on our job and to do it joyfully. It will seem easier then, and get done faster too! Thank You for helping us, Jesus. We know that in Heaven we won’t have to worry about dirt and mess, and it will look nice all the time! And if we are faithful to do these jobs while on Earth, then when we get to Heaven, You can reward us for a job well done, and we’ll have an even more enjoyable time!

Manners and Politeness
Dear Jesus,
I want to treat each person I am around as if it’s You there, because it matters to You how I am with others. If I am nice and polite, and speak kindly, then not only will people appreciate it but so will You! But even if I want to be this way, it really isn’t so easy all the time. People do things that upset me, and that makes me feel discouraged. I need You to fill my heart with Your love for each person. That’s the only way I think I can manage to treat people with the loving care that You would appreciate. 
When I talk with people, or when they talk with me, please help me to listen well, and answer in ways that I would like to be listened to and talked with. When I’m given things, or I would like to receive something, please help me to remember the polite and kind words to use. Jesus, help me not to focus so much on what I want to get, that I forget to show Your love to others—which is even more important than gaining possessions. 
When people think about me, I want to be known and remembered for the kind way I treated them. I want people to remember the love that I shared in all the ways I could—through gently spoken words, through sharing what I could, through letting others have the first turn, and through showing my thoughtfulness in caring more about others than getting what I wanted. 
I know You have many rewards and treats for those who live their lives on Earth in love. And I will even have a happier life down here too, if I live in ways that make You and others happy, through my kind words and actions.

Travelling
Dear Jesus,
I’m glad that no matter where we are, You are there with us too. You can travel around with us. It’s not always easy to travel, and we really need Your protection and safe keeping. We pray that You will keep us safe in every way, and bring us safely home again when the trip is done. It says in the Bible that You will bless our going out and our coming in, so I ask that You, dear Jesus, will do that for us. 
If there are any special people that You want us to meet, please help us to be in the right place at the right time, so we can be a blessing to them, and them to us. May our paths cross at just the right time, and help us to be listening to You so we can be aware of who they are and we can speak Your words to them as well, and do what is best.
It’s not easy when we forget important things that we need for our trip. Please remind us of anything that we may have forgotten to bring or do before we leave. Then, while we are out, please send Your angels to help us not to lose anything along the way. 
Help all those that we need to talk with while travelling, to be helpful and to make it easy for us to do what we need to do. Help any transportation that we will be taking to be in good working order, and the drivers to be wise, careful and alert. It’s really great to get to do new things, see new places, and meet new people. May this trip be one full of miracles and knowing Your loving care, every step of the way.

Dreams
Dear Jesus, 
I’m so glad that I have a nice place to rest. It’s better than what You and Your disciples had while travelling around telling everyone the good news of Your love, healing the sick and preaching God’s Word. I’m so thankful for a good place to sleep. While I sleep I can relax, knowing that You never sleep, and that You are watching over me all the time. I can trust in Your constant care. 
Please keep us safe all night long, in every way. Heal up anything that isn’t right in our bodies, renew our strength and energy for a new day tomorrow, and help us to grow well too! I would also like to ask for good and pleasant dreams while we sleep. Please put Your protection on our hearts, and minds, and spirits, so that we can enjoy our time of rest. Help us to learn something good in our dreams, and to be able to do things that are fun—things that we might not get to normally do, like flying, or exploring, or eating extra special food, or meeting friends and relatives that live in other places. 
As I go to sleep, please help my mind to think good and pleasant thoughts, and to have words of praise on my lips and in my mind. I want to think about You and Your love for me while I go to sleep. That way it will be easier for You to direct my thoughts and to give me great dreams. I’m so glad that You are with me always. 

Brothers and Sisters
By: Deryk (6)
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my brothers and sisters, near and far. I praise You for being able to have so much time with them, like I have so much time with You, Jesus. I love You so much! Jesus, I want to hug and kiss You on the cheeks like they do with me.
I love how my older brothers and sisters can teach me things they‘ve already learned and how I can then teach these things to those younger than me. Older brothers and sisters are kind, and when I fall down they help me up. We can share with each other and have more fun together than if I was alone. 
Jesus, You are so big compared to me and no matter how small I am when I read Your Word, I feel Your love in my heart that overflows on to other people. It’s fantastic to have the love You give us for each other. Those in my family can be my best friends and always be there for me, just like You want us to be for each other.
You always take such nice and cosy care of us. Help us to take really good care of each other as well, and keep us very close to You and safe in every way.  And for all the girls and boys that have no brothers and sisters, I pray You send them very good friends that can be as brothers and sisters to them.

Rainbows
By: Kiara (7 ½ )
Dear Jesus,
I love rainbows! They make the sky so beautiful. They also make me smile, just like You, Jesus. You always make me smile. Thank You Jesus for rainbows, they always show Your love. So, Lord, every time that I feel grumpy, I will pretend there is a rainbow of Your love that shines down on everyone, and especially on me. Jesus, thank You that You send rainbows for everyone to look at, even if they do not know You. It still makes them happy. And if everyone is sad, we can also make them happy, because we are like rainbows for You, shining with Your love!
Jesus, I call on Your help for me to shine with Your love like a rainbow in the sky. Just like a pretty rainbow brightens even the cloudiest sky, You can help me see good things even when everything looks so bad and I want to feel sad instead of glad.
Good can overcome bad. 
Happy can overcome sad. 
And good + happy = happy!
Sad can be good in some ways, but bad + bad will always = bad.
So if I am good, happy or even sad, You can make me strong and beautiful by shining Your light through me. 

Water
By: Adina (9)
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for making water. Water is fun to play with and it helps to keep us clean. Praise You Jesus, that swimming is so much fun; when we are splashing and playing games. I love swimming under water with my eyes open, it helps me see where I am going so I can catch the coins and rings I’m diving for. 
Water is so important, without water we could not exist. Thank You, Lord, for the way we can store water in dams when it rains. Thank You for the rain, Lord. I love it when it rains. And in the monsoon, when it rains almost every day, our dams fill up. Dams give us drinking water and without clean drinking water we would be sick a lot, so thank You, Lord, for drinking water.
Thank You for our clean clothes too. They smell nice, they look and feel nice, and I can make a good impression when I wear them. It helps me be a better sample for You!
I thank You for using the water of Your Word for cleaning my heart. You constantly keep cleaning my heart with the waters of Your Word, so that I can be a good example of You. People shouldn’t only see me but You, Jesus, and my words should show and express the beautiful things that You’ve put in my heart. I really love You, Jesus!

Stars
Dear Jesus,
I really like it when, like a hidden surprise, the stars all of a sudden can be seen appearing in the darkening evening sky. They are so beautiful and remind me of angels, sparkling and shining in Heaven, and watching over us.
I want to shine too, in my own special way. I want to be like a bright shining star, that reminds people of You and Your love. I want to let Your love shine out of my smile, and the things that I do to be worth watching—just like people like to stargaze. I want to be a nice and pleasant example of You, and to be filled with Your light and joy.
Help me not to hide my light, and positive words, and fun personality behind a rain cloud of grumpiness or selfishness—like the stormy nights that cover and hide the stars from view. Help me to let the light of Heaven shine through me so I can lead others to You, even in the darkest or most difficult times. Your light and love can shine all the time!

Colours
Dear Jesus,
The world is so colourful! There are flowers and leaves of all kinds of colours and shades. The sunsets and sunrises display gorgeous colourful designs and beauty. Some birds and fish can be brightly coloured. Fruit and vegetables come in all different colours. I think You must like colourful things, because You like to make things nice for us on Earth to look at. You could have made the world all grey, but You didn’t. You wanted us to enjoy it!
You even made people all over the world have different shades and colours of skin, hair and eyes. I think You like variety and beauty. Today, I want to notice the pretty things around me. I want to appreciate the colours that You use to paint the world. And I want to show my appreciation by showing care and kindness to each person and everything that You created. 
I want to show thoughtfulness to anyone that I see or meet. I want to notice the good and be accepting of them for just how they are, and the colours that You chose to give them. I want to realise that no matter what shade or colour someone is, that inside each person there is always a heart that needs love and wants to be treated with kindness—just like me!

Time

Dear Jesus,
Every day You give us the gift of time—time that will pass by very quickly. Before too long this day will come to a close and the time will be passed. I’m glad that I have a chance to live another day! I’m thankful I still have time today!
Please help me to know what to use my time for, when I have a chance to decide what to do. And in the times that I already know what I am meant to focus on, help me to do things well, to show love, and to do a good job. Help me to say words that will lift people up and encourage them, and not waste my time doing things that will sadden or hurt others.
I don’t want to waste time by using it unwisely or foolishly. Please help me to remember that today comes only once in my life, and to use each minute of this day to live life joyfully and to do the things that will be a benefit to myself and others. I want to please You today Jesus, in return for Your gift of time and the opportunity to live yet one more day.

Nose

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my nose and the good things that I can smell. I like the fresh morning air and smelling a beautiful flower. It’s always nice when I’m healthy and can breathe easily too. You’ve given me the gift of smell to help me in many ways. I can tell if there is a fire nearby, or if there is something on the stove cooking, or if something smells right, before I eat it. 
Please help me to be healthy and safe, and protect me from dangers. I’m glad for the amazing ability You gave me to be able to smell, it can make me feel happy as well as alert me and keep me safe.

Eyes
Dear Jesus, 
When I first wake up and I open my eyes in the morning, that is one of the first miracles of the day—that I can see! Not everyone can do that, but I’m so thankful that I can see! I love looking at the sky and all the different things it shows. You make it change often and show gorgeous displays of light, colour and shapes. The sky can be real dark with twinkling shining stars. Or it can be light blue with clouds that are constantly changing shape. It can be pink, orange and purple at sunset, or even totally white on an overcast day. I’m so glad for my eyes and that I can see.
Please keep my eyes safe and help me to choose to look at the kinds of things that will make me feel happy inside—the good, the beautiful, the inspirational, and things that are helpful to know. I’m glad I can use them to read books and look at pictures. I’m able to learn about different people that have lived and see what it’s like in different places around the world, or even in space.
Just like my eyes like to look up to the marvellous sky, Jesus please help my heart to look up to You and to know that You are always looking down at me. There is never a time when You can’t see me. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place,” Your Word says.  (Proverbs 15:3)
I want to look to You, so I can learn how You want me to be and what would be the best thing to do. Just like someone looks to their guide when they are exploring in a new place or climbing a mountain, if I look to You in prayer and read Your Word, You will help to guide me through my life too. 

Ears
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my ears. I like to listen to the sounds of nature. I like to listen to my mummy or daddy singing to me. I like to hear what’s going on around. If there is a neat vehicle driving past, or a song bird, or a thunderstorm, or a friend at the door, my ears let me know. Please help me to take good care of my ears, so they will work well for a long time. Guard them from anything that will make them sick, or hurt. 
I want to use them for things that will benefit me—like listening to songs that build up my faith and give me joy, or audios of people talking and reading helpful and inspirational things. I can learn so much when I am listening to the right people, or programs, or a good book being read. Being able to hear is a special gift that I really appreciate having. Help me to not only listen to what is good on Earth and around me, but to also listen with my heart; to hear and know what You, Jesus, want to tell me. 
One day I’ll be able to talk to You face to face, just like I do with my friends. But until then, I still can talk to You each day, and learn to hear Your words. Even though I can’t see You or hear You with my ears, out loud right now, I can still talk to You, and most of all listen to You. 
Thank You for being so near to me. I love you! 

Mouth
Dear Jesus,
I like that verse in the Bible that says, “With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness!” (Psalm 89:1) I think that is one of the best uses of my mouth, to say words that tell others about the great things You did and can do. When I just say what first comes to my mind, the things I say aren’t always the best. But if I stop to notice the good that is around, the things that You supplied for me and the many ways that You care for me and others, then there is always something good to say. 
Just like I need to choose to eat the right foods, and to not put dirty things in my mouth if I want to stay healthy, I need to choose the right words to say as well. I’ll stay stronger in spirit when I do that. It’s a funny thing, but the feelings in my heart, and the thoughts in my mind seem to eventually come out of my mouth. I guess that’s the first place to start, if I want my words to bring good health like King David said. I need to keep my mind on the positive and good, and my heart filled with love and faith. These things will then bubble out in the words I say. 
Please teach me patience, Jesus, so the words I say will be kind. Please teach me how to be an encouragement to others. To not only notice the great job they are doing, but to take the time to put those kind thoughts into words. Please teach me how to pray, so that I can use my mouth to help others, many others, both near and far. I want to please You with my words. When I do, I know that it will make good things come into my life in return as well.

Christmas
Dear Jesus,
We sang some songs today about Your birth on Earth, and that special night so long ago when you were sent to bring us God’s love. I hope there are many, many around the world celebrating Your birthday—the real meaning of Christmas. Sometimes I wish You would just appear with us here, right now. If You could, I would sit close to You and ask You so many questions. I wish I could watch a show of the real way it all looked—the town of Bethlehem, the star that the kings from the East saw, and how you looked as a tiny baby. One day I hope to see it all. But it was fun thinking about it while we sang songs to celebrate You and Your arrival on Earth.
Happy Birthday, Jesus! I hope this year You have the best and most fun birthday ever. I hope there are piles and piles of gifts given to You, of the kinds of gifts that You like the best—people coming to know You; people showing love to others and giving to those in need; people listening to You and reading Your Word; and people, like me, stopping to talk with You. Help us not be too busy to stop and take time to make You, Jesus, happy. You are the reason for all these festivities! I love You so much! 

Easter
Dear Jesus,
I’m so glad for the gift of Salvation, and how we get to celebrate Your life and love today. You chose to come to Earth to bring us a priceless gift—Your love brought to us personally. There are so many things that Easter makes me think of, and each one of them makes me feel happy inside. I’m glad that I can look forward to Heaven and living forever with You! I’m glad there isn’t anything that is too hard for You to do. You can heal and help us no matter what, because You can even bring life again, just like You rose up alive again and will live forever. 
Easter makes me think of Your disciples and how they had to let You go, and You then weren’t with them in a visible form like You were before. But they were brave and continued to do what You needed them to. I’m glad they did, and that they told as many people about You as they could. Because of that, I know You are always with me. That’s why we have heard the good news today, and can celebrate Easter.
I hope that many people around the world today can get to hear the story about Your life and Your love and how You are with us forever. Then they too can live forever with You, Jesus, if they believe in You, and receive Your gift of forgiveness and love. 
Please help me to do my part too, and to reach as many as I can, in whatever way I can, with Your love and truth. And here’s a big hug for You, Jesus, to tell you, “Thank You,” for all that you have done for me. You make me so very happy!

Birthday

Dear Jesus,
Thank You that it is my birthday today! I’ve lived a whole other year. Each day is a gift from You, and I’m glad to know that You are with me always. Please help me to make wise and careful choices in this next year. I want to do things that will make You and others, and even myself glad that I did them. When this next year is over, I want to feel pleased that I used the time for all the best things. 
I need You, Jesus, to keep me safe and to teach me all the many things that I still need to learn. Please help me to notice all the things that You are trying to show me, as I live each day. Show me what goals to reach for, and give me determination to make progress in each area of my life. I want to live a healthy and good life, and I want to have good habits of happy living in this new year. 
Not everything was easy for me last year, and there were many things that I didn’t understand and that were hard to experience, and there were some things that I really wish didn’t happen. But I know that no matter what happened, You can wipe away the tears and make me a better blessing and a more compassionate person as a result. 
I want to live this next year with as much joy as I can have. To do that, I need You to wipe away the sad feelings and hurts of the past year. Please help me to forgive those who I have bad feelings towards, and please fill that part of my heart with Your peace and faith and love instead. I’ll need as much of those qualities in my heart and mind as I can for the coming year. They are like stocking up on good supplies for a trip.
I know there will be tough challenges and times when I’ll cry or I won’t like the way things are. But if I have gotten a whole lot of Your spirit in me and I’ve let go of the past hurts from my heart, then I think I’ll be able to have a great year, no matter what happens. Together with You, I know this year will be a good one in so many ways. 
I’m looking forward to all the new things that I can learn and will get to experience for the first time. Each day is fun, because each day I can learn things that I never had the chance to learn before. 
Please let me walk closely to You, Jesus, today and every day of this new year. I love You, Jesus! You are the best gift I could have on my birthday—to know that You love me, care for me, and that You will always stay very close to me.