SEPTEMBER 15, Psalm 55:17

Ruth glanced around, then bowed her head shyly as her dad led the family in prayer before their meal. “Why do we have to pray when we’re at a restaurant?” Ruth asked after Dad finished. “Don’t you think it makes people think we’re weird? Most of them don’t pray.”

“No, they don’t,” said Dad, “but we’re thankful for what God does for us, and we want to tell Him so, no matter where we are. And if it shows people that we love God, so much the better.”

A married couple at a nearby table – Bill and Christine – had not been getting along very well. They knew their children, Timothy and Tina, often felt hurt when they heard their mom and dad argue, but neither parent seemed able to stop. Both were trying to decide if they even wanted to stay together any longer. As they began to eat, they noticed Ruth and her family.

“Look,” said the husband, Bill, softly. “Do you see that family over there? Did you notice that they prayed before they started eating?”

“Yes,” murmured the wife, Christine. “You know, Bill, I just remembered a little saying-’The family that prays together stays together.’ Do you believe that?”

“I don’t know,” replied Bill, “but by the looks of that family, I’d say there might be something to it. Look at them now-laughing and having a good time.” He hesitated, then continued, “You know, Christine, I think we’ve both tried hard to settle our differences, but maybe there’s one more thing we should try. We were married in a church-that’s where we started our life together. But we’ve hardly been to church since then. Maybe we should go back now and see if we can find help there. Maybe we should pray and ask God for His help in getting along with each other.”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing myself,” Christine replied, “but I wonder if it’s too late.”

“It can’t hurt,” replied Bill. “We’ve got nothing to lose. I almost feel like we should thank that family for having the courage to pray in public-and let them know how it influenced us.” Christine gave him a small, tearful smile.

Thought: Do you have the courage to pray when others are watching?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to pray in public. I remember the story of Daniel – how he purposed in his heart to stand up for You. I know some kids might think that’s a strange thing to do, but praying in public is one way to be a testimony for You. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.