I just got a complimentary copy of a cute little book published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. It’s titled My First Prayer Book and the author is, needless to say, Scarlet Snow Belo (as her name is printed on the cover).
According to the article Learn How to Pray...at the back cover, “My First Prayer Book is a read-aloud collection of stories and prayers for kids of all ages. Teach children the value of praying and talking to God through easy-to-follow prayers, illustrated adventures, cute photos, and important life lessons. Perfect for kids who are about to begin their spiritual journey.”
Read on and you will realize that the book, as the author wrote, is for “kids of all ages” and that should include kids-at-heart as we all seniors actually are.
Here’s the Introduction written by Scarlet’s parents, Drs. Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo:
Scarlet Snow with parents, Drs. Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo
Dear Parents,
Teaching your child to pray is one of the simplest yet most important things you will ever do for their young lives. Through prayers, we are able to communicate with God on a personal level. Teaching them to pray is like introducing our sons and daughters to their Heavenly Father. Allowing them to talk to God at an early age will help them develop a good relationship with Him.
We hope with this book we can make it easier. There is no single correct way to pray. It is a personal act. Scarlet Snow’s My First Prayer Book is simply a read-along guide to help parents start their kids’ prayer lives. We believe that by learning how to pray and what to pray for, we can build in a child the right foundations of godliness, goodness, accountability, and charity. We’ve designed it to reflect the methods we’ve used to teach our Scarlet Snow. We sincerely hope it helps your family in your spiritual journeys.
Love,
Hayden and Vicki
Things to consider when using the book: 1. Stick to one prayer at a time and repeat, 2). Make praying a habit in your home, 3). Use stories to help them understand context, 4). Always be aware of teaching opportunities, and 5). Kids learn best through example.
Prayers demonstrated in the book include: Prayer When You Wake Up…Prayer Before Eating a Meal…Prayer Before Going to School…Prayer for Somebody Mean to You…Prayer Before Going on a Trip…Prayer for Mom/Dad When They’re Not Feeling Well…Prayer When You Did Something Naughty…Prayer When You Really, Really Want Something…Prayer to Give Thanks…and Prayer Before Going to Sleep.
Here are some of the prayers for the benefit of parents reading today’s Funfare:
• Prayer When You Wake Up
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the brand new day. I’m excited to see the world and play with all my loved ones and friends. I hope the day never ends. Lord, thank You for the brand new day. Amen.
• Prayer Before Eating a Meal
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the yummy food I’m about to eat. I promise to finish everything even if it’s fish, veggies, or meat. I know some food might look funny but I know it’s good for my tummy. I hope everybody has food to eat like me.
Amen.
• Prayer Before Going to School
Dear Lord,
Please guide me today in school. I promise to behave and obey every rule. I will listen to teacher so I will learn a lot. I will share with my classmates whatever I got. Bless us today as we read, laugh, and run. Lord, please make our time in school extra fun. Amen.
• Prayer for Somebody Mean to You
Dear Lord,
____________ (name) was extra mean today. But I understand people act this way. We have good days and bad days. But as long as You’re there, we will never lose our ways. So guide _____________(name) so she/he will no longer be naughty. And guide me so I can smile at her/him and we can all be happy. Amen.
• Prayer When You Did Something Naughty
Dear Lord,
I’m sorry because I was naughty. I did something bad and now ________(name) is mad at me. I know You’re also sad because I was naughty and I did not listen. I hope You can forgive me. I promise I won’t be naughty again. Amen.
• Prayer Before Going to Sleep
Dear Lord,
Please watch over my family and me as we sleep. Our home and our dreams, I know safe, you’ll keep. Please bless everyone in their beds tonight. I’m not afraid of the dark but for everyone else please make sure there’s always a light. Bless the poor and the sick. Grant their prayers quick. Bless the Philippines, too. Lord save the red, yellow, and blue. Thank You for another great day. And Lord, please keep the monsters away. Amen.
• Prayer to Give Thanks
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the blessings You’ve given me. Thank You for being kind to my family. Thank You for being a kind and forgiving God. Thank You for being there when we need You. I promise to follow Your teachings and be generous to everyone too. Amen.
(For more of Scarlet Snow's prayers, I advise you to get a copy of the book. I should congratulate those behind it: Alex Cruz, editor; Sherwin Llames, creative director; Carl Chuidian, editorial coordinator; CY Vendivil, illustrator; Angel Manalo, editorial assistant; Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. and Marc Henrich Go, photography.)
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(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)