I Talked to God Today
Reviewed by Paula R. Kincaid, January 21, 2000
Cover of I Talked to God TodayPray in the morning, pray in the evening, pray often, pray in times of trouble and believe when you pray. I didn’t find these words of advice in some academic textbook on theology, or even in an adult Bible study. I found them, instead, in I Talked to God Today, a Scripture-based book that teaches children ages 8-12 why, when and how to pray.
With bright, colorful pictures on each page, easy to read text, and Scripture from the New International Reader’s Version of the Bible, I Talked to God Today helps teach children that prayer can make a difference in their lives.
Sample page from
I Talked to God TodayOne suggested morning prayer is “Lord, guard my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips. Don’t let my heart be drawn to what is evil,” (Psa. 141:3-4a). This prayer and other Bible verses show a child how to praise God, thank God and ask God for help at the start of each day.
What better way for a child to make sure he or she is safe from the monster under the bed than to pray, “I will lie down and sleep in peace. Lord, you alone keep me safe,” (Psa. 4:8). And if the child has questions about believing in prayer, the book quotes from I John 5:14-15, “There is one thing we can be sure of when we come to God in prayer. If we ask anything in keeping with what he wants, he hears us. If we know that God hears what we ask for, we know that we have it.”
God’s smile
The chapter, “God’s smile,” asks “Do you ever think about God smiling at you? God takes great pleasure in those who come to him. Go to God and ask for his smile to shine on you.”
When I think of the children I work with at my church and how positively they respond to a smile, I realize what a great analogy this is. “God, show us your favor. Bless us. May you smile on us with your favor” (Psa. 67:1).
Sample page from
I Talked to God TodayNot just for children
While intended for children, I believe that I Talked to God Today can be used as a prayer guide or devotional for adults. Whether a child or an adult, a good way to learn about prayer is through the Bible itself and a good way to learn how to pray is by reading the prayers of Jesus, Mary, Paul, Moses, Jacob, Jonah and Daniel.
The advice on the last page of the book must be meant for children and adults — “pray always!”