Cookies and Prayers

It happens to me about once a week. As I walked down the hallways of PCA, I was met with an overwhelming sense of delight. Each step becomes lighter, memories of childhood and special holidays fill my thoughts. Is it the sight of 4^th graders dutifully studying history? As a former history teacher, hmmm . . . maybe. Could it be kindergarteners practicing phonics? Likely not, since I do not always have fond memories of phonics. Indeed, these memories and emotions run much deeper than history and phonics. It is the aroma of chocolate chip cookies being lovingly prepared by our faithful kitchen staff. You know this experience well. If I asked you to close your eyes and envision the fragrance of fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies, your shoulders would droop and your head would tilt gently back as you imagine the aroma drifting through the room. Then, from the corners of your lips, the small smile of contentment would appear.

Powerful experiences such as this remind me that we are created in the Image of our Creator. He, too, responds to fragrance! “Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2) “Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Revelation 5:8) When teaching young people to pray, I explain to them that their sincere prayers to our Heavenly Father are like fresh baked chocolate chip cookies to Him. At least it helps them understand how much God desires to hear His children pray!

Prayer is foundational to the ministry of Christian Education. Middle school students develop a heart for ministry by leading small student groups in prayer throughout the school. The staff begins each day with prayer. Stakeholders can join others in praying for the school. Moms will be praying in the morning during the school year. Even the silent prayers whispered by parents, staff, and students throughout the day create that fragrance for our Father. I don’t know about you, but this place smells good!

If you want more information concerning Mom’s In Prayer International or how to start a program at your school, visit their website at http://www.momsinprayer.org.