Wise words on prayer, parenting, and dogma

May 16, 2006 · Filed Under theology

If you haven’t already found it & subscribed to it (either via RSS or email), you’ll want to check out Memorial Moments by the Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray. At the risk of being redundant, it’s good, solid, practical theology, in a nice & easily digestible format. [HT: FatherDMJ]

Of note is the 5/15 entry, Dogma of the Spontaneous, in which Rev. Murray begins with the fabulous first paragraph,

As a pastor and a parent I am often appalled by the number of parents who allow their children to do everything in church but pray. They can eat Cheerios, scribble on the bulletin, tear pages out of hymn books, go to the bathroom three times during the service, gawk around, and so on. However, they don’t seem to be able to bow their heads, fold their hands, close their eyes, and pray, “Our Father…” I am not talking about toddlers who are a challenge to train in the discipline of prayer, but grade schoolers and teen aged children.

This is an issue with which I struggle each week. It’s been a challenge, but I think we’re finally starting to make some headway with our 8.5 y/o daughter (Melissa); however, the going has been much slower with our 7 y/o son (Matthew) — perhaps I should take solace that at least they’re beginning to understand that they actually can hold it & not run to the restroom for an hour, and that church really is about more than just putting in some time before getting donuts. There are times that I despair at the inadequacy that I display as the spiritual head of the household…
-ghp