God's Steadfast Love from the book Story Time At The Altar 86 Messages For Children Elaine M. Ward
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One night a mother, praying with her daughter, asked her how she felt when she prayed. Her daughter answered, "It feels good because I feel good inside. I feel peaceful and happy." Her mother listened. Because her mother was listening, she continued, "Something else is filling me, but I don't know what to call it."

Her mother was quiet, now listening inside herself. Then she said, "Could it be God?"

Her daughter replied, "Maybe, because it's like we're connected and safe, as if God is touching me inside, gently ... It's as if we're hugging."

Talk together: Have you ever had the feeling that God is hugging you? How do you feel when you pray?

Prayer: Dear God, sometimes it's our parent's hug or the church's "hug" that feels as if you are hugging us, and we feel full inside and happy. Thank you. Amen.