A Child's Prayer - Poem

Praying is one of the most beautiful and special things any person can do. From when we are young children we are trained and taught to always believe in the Al-mighty and that we can always pray to him at any time of day. We can pray to offer our appreciation and sense of gratitude when things are going well or when we are faced with a challenge, we pray that G-d will give us the strength to pull through and emerge well and happy from this situation.

One of the most well-known teachings about prayer however, is the fact that G-d has a special love and connection to the prayers of our youth. Those sweet and innocent cries are those that G-d loves so very much for the children sincerity in these prayer ring so true.

But what would a child say if he had to pray for the first time?

I invite you to read the poem below entitled "A Child's Prayer". I hope you enjoy it and that the message will connect to you in some way.

Happy reading,

Yitzy Schweitzer

A Child's Prayer - Poem

Dear G-d
I hope your listening
Is it alright to talk for just a few minutes?
Okay… Well here goes…

They tell me
Son, it is time to pray
But, I’ve never done this before
What is it I should say?

In this room we all stand
A person begins to speak aloud at the platform in front of me
Wrapped in a white, pristine garment
I think he may lead the prayers…
I guess I’ll wait and see…

Now, everyone is silent
Moving and whispering
What are they saying, I wish I knew
Yet I can’t hear a thing!

Now the person at the front begins aloud again
The people cry “Amen!” with so much passion and joy
How I wish I could say it with them, but I have no idea what I’m saying
I am just a little boy

But then a wise man taps me on my shoulder
I turn around to face him
He says “Young man, can I tell you something?”
Silently, I nod at him

“Praying” he tell me
“Does not come from the pages of the siddur, that is not always the main part
You can pray just as easy, just as well
When you pray from your heart.
If at first you are unsure what to say
Speak whenever you are ready
Cause G-d will listen to you any time of day”

So, I think I am ready now, G-d

To pray to you

I may not say the same words as the man in that room

But, at least now I know what to do…