The Power of Prayer...

Dearest Maddie,

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve written to you! There are no excuses, we’ve probably been busy having fun with Josie and I didn’t make time to write.

First of all, you are so-o-o loved! Your smile and charm melts me, to tell the truth, I’m not the only one who melts, everyone is enchanted by you! You are so beautiful and smart and you know it and I’m thrilled you do! We were together recently when, I said ”You are so smart, Maddie!” Do you know what you said? You replied “I know!” I’m glad you know, you should always know you are smart, beautiful, talented, and blessed!

A few weeks ago you went to Hopkins for one of your routine checkups. The results of your tests came back just fine, but we held our breath a little until your doctors answered a few important questions.

Please, pay close attention to this…while we held our breath, people all over the world joined their prayers with ours for good test results. God heard and answered every prayer, Maddie! You are loved, your Daddy & Mommy, all of us asked friends, even strangers to pray for you. Why is it important for you to know that prayer warriors from all over prayed for you? It’s important because, we are all God’s children and each of us is called to serve each other in prayer and service when anyone is in need. One day, you’ll be old enough to understand the power of prayer and how important it is to pray and fast.

St. Augustine said "True prayer is nothing but love." Jesus tells us in the Bible that “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 In other words, everyone who prayed for you did so out of love, isn’t that cool? Did you know that praying to God is really just talking to Him? Do you know you are precious to God and that He loves you with ALL of His heart? It’s true! It is really important to pray, to talk with God every day and many times during the day. You’re lucky, your Daddy and Mommy taught you and Josie to pray every day. Guess what, you girls are really good pray-ers! You pray for lots of people every day. God loves you and has a very special plan just for you, and one for Josie, for Daddy, for Mommy…for all of us.

Keep up the good work, NEVER stop praying! When you get older, some people might try to make you think it’s not important to go to Church. They’re wrong, they might not know they’re wrong, but they are. You play with your big sister, Josie. and your friends, right? You talk with Josie and your friends, right? Of course you do! The more you talk and play with them, the closer you become and the better you get to know and love them! The same is true for God, talking with Him every day helps all of us to better Know Him, Love Him, and Serve Him! So, always pray, always go to Church, always love and serve God, no matter what!
Keep smiling, Miss Maddie - God uses your smile to show others how much He loves them and you!

Maddie, you are in my prayers every day, so is Josie, Daddy, Mommy, and many others! I love you with all of my heart, precious Maddie!