Episode 3: The Boy Without a Prayer
Weekly Reading: Chapter 3
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine that you are hearing a whole chorus of birds singing. Sometimes they sound as if they are whistling; other times it sounds as if they are singing with real words.
God made every single bird that fills the sky, and he gave each one their own set of colors—from vibrant reds and oranges to subtle, shimmering golds and browns. He gave each of them their very own song because he loves them and delights in them—but he also made us to love them and delight in them as well. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?
Little Annie Ingalls certainly delights in all the colorful birds. It seems to her as if they are all singing just for her! She clasps her hands together and listens with a bright smile on her face. There’s a reason why Annie can enjoy all of this beauty that fills her soul.
But before we talk about that, we must first take a look at our main character, Kelly Nash. Do you remember how last week Kelly did not care for the beauty of nature, nor did he even see the splendor of the setting sun? This is very different from Annie! You might say that Kelly and Annie are like night and day to each other. What makes the difference? (Hint: It is all in how they start their day.)
We read on Page 33,
“Annie Ingalls did not forget she had a soul as well as a body, and that it must have its washing and dressing anew every morning.”
We usually don’t think about our soul needing to be washed or dressed! But if we forget to “wash and dress” our soul, we will become like Kelly Nash—thoughtless, foolish, and blind to the beauty around us. How do we wash and dress our soul? Well, we do what Annie did!
For instance, that morning Annie was having so much fun listening to the birds she lost track of time. Outside, she heard her brother and mother milking the cow. She had never seen a cow being milked before, and everything within her wanted to run out and watch the wondrous process. However, she remembered she hadn’t spent time with God yet. Instead of running out and doing what she wanted to do, she did what she ought to do.
“Very humbly she knelt and prayed that her soul might be made pure through the Saviour’s blood, clothed in His righteousness, and armed with the whole armor of God. Annie asked for what she really wanted. She asked to be made obedient and gentle and unselfish, a good daughter, a good sister, a faithful, humble child of God" (Page 33).
When we ask Jesus for help do you know what happens? He helps us! I know this sounds rather obvious, but it is easy to forget that God gave us a, “Helper, to be with [us] forever” (John 14:16).
As you step into this week, remember that you have a God who loves you and wants the very best for you. Everything that happens is His gift to you, whether it feels good, bad, or somewhere in-between. He wants you to delight in Him and in all the things he gives. When you are tempted to want your own way, or to get cross, take a moment to ask the Lord to help you. If you don’t know where to start, here are two prayers that you can pray no matter what is happening—“Lord, help me!” and “Thank you, Lord.”
Weekly Activity
Take a moment to go on a bird-watching adventure! Take a pen and paper with you and step outside (or go to the forest). See how many birds you can find (or hear). Sketch a picture of what the birds look like flying, eating worms, or even sitting on a cozy little nest. As you observe the birds, consider that God made them all for you to enjoy. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?!
Memory Verse
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1st Thessalonians 5:16-18
Study Guide Questions for Chapter 3:
Kelly Nash:
The Boy Who Didn’t Think
Every week there will be a reading assignment. So if you don’t have one already, be sure to purchase your very own copy of the book!
