Recently, I have become more anxious and disheartened over the current state of our nation. All across America, there are active celebrations of sin. This defiance is no longer hidden but in your face demanding affirmation and praise. Specifically, my home state of Colorado introduced more legislation targeting children in elementary classrooms. Evil is rampant and fully integrated into the training and teaching of our youth.
This reality brings to mind the commonly know Bible verse:
“Train up a child in the way he shall go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.“
Proverbs 22:6
One of the greatest remedies to the pain, suffering, and immorality lies in education. We must teach and guide our children, the next generations, so they will not depart from the Living Word of God! Not too long ago our forefathers were taught and given specific tools to commit Biblical knowledge to heart. Specifically, this old textbook, The New-England Primer, provided prayers for young children to memorize. Since reading the elementary textbook, I have been incredibly humbled to pray more because true revival begins on our knees.
The New-England Primer
“The New-England Primer” is the first American textbook printed in 1690 by Benjamin Harris. Almost every American child was taught to read with only The New-England Primer and The Holy Bible. This tiny blue textbook was used to teach children equivalent to today’s first graders. Thus the lessons of the Primer revolutionized the hearts, souls, and minds of American children for centuries.
My dad, who is also a lover of American history and our Christian founding, gifted this tiny blue book to me many years ago. Even before I attended Hillsdale College, I was reading early colonial American history books. As a young girl, The New-England Primer revolutionized my understanding of our Puritan ancestors, American Founding Fathers, and the incredible ordinary men and women of America.
Allow me to share two powerful prayers from this small textbook.
1. A 240 yr. old Child’s Prayer
Oh Lord, God who knowest all Things, tho seest me by Night as well as by day. I pray thee for Christ’s sake, forgive me whatsoever I have done amiss this Day, and keep me all this Night, while I am asleep. I desire to lie down under thy Care and to abide forever under thy Blessing, for thou art a God of all Power and everlasting mercy. AMEN.
“Infant’s or young Child’s Evening Pray” by Dr. Watts
Remember this is a 1st grader’s prayer!
This small little primer amazes me as well as humbles me! This specific prayer has been treasured in the hearts of American children for over 240 years. Oh, how different our world would be if in the early 1900s schools would have kept this precious little blue Primer.
God does know ALL things! Let us also not be afraid to have a dialogue with our Heavenly Father! Similar to Micah, we may have heartfelt questions. “Why God, why us? Why in America?” God answers. Though the answers may not suit our inquiries similar to Jonah. God will answer. Let us humble ourselves, live righteously, and pray.
2. Prayer Before and After Dinner
In the hustle and hardship of early colonial life, this textbook instructed children to say prayers before and AFTER meal time. I honestly do not remember a time when I have ever prayed or have given thanks after a meal.
I know I will have food at every meal. The likelihood of me missing a meal is truly only due to my own laziness! However, going without food was a constant reality for early colonial children before, during, and after the American Revolution. I’m truly humbled that parents, teachers, pastors taught children to pray and give thanks after each meal. All things truly do come from our Heavenly Father! He is worthy of ALL praise!
I’m humbled and inspired! Since reading this small little prayer in a 242 year old textbook, my husband and I have sought to intentionally give praise and thanks before and after our meals! My wonderful husband has set to make this one of our family traditions.
Inspired to Pray
My fellow friends, I share these wonderful examples of early childhood prayers to inspire!
We are their posterity!! I know they prayed for us! They lived in a time in which they were moving across the seas for religious freedom and signing revolutionary documents for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” not just for themselves but for generations yet unborn! May we be inspired to humble ourselves and pray!
Prayer is real, prayer is powerful, and prayer is life changing!
I challenge you to pray intentionally and to teach your children to pray wholeheartedly!
[…] firmly believe gathering as the Body of Christ is essential! God works miracles through prayers said alone and unbelievable comfort can come from letters far away, such as Paul’s letters […]