Maria Cunningham, how wonderful it is to be able to talk to God! When you or Diana, Beatrice and Matt talk to God, it is called praying.

You can pray anywhere you go in Columbus, OH. In fact, Maria, you can pray anywhere you go in this whole wide world that God has made.

Sometimes, Maria, you may wonder about the words to say to God. You want to thank Him for all He does for you throughout your day. This special book was written to help you talk to God.

You can pray anytime, Maria, no matter what you are doing. God is always ready to listen to you. You can even make up your own prayers. Say anything and everything you want to God.

In the morning, Maria, awaken with a smile on your face. Thank God for a brand new day!

Dear God, who kept me through the night
and woke me with the morning light,
Let me thank you for this day
now before I run to play.
Help me, Lord, to love you more
than I have ever loved before.
In my work and in my play,
be with me throughout my day.
Amen.

On some mornings, Maria, do you wake up like a hungry bear who has been sleeping all winter long? Here is a prayer you can use with any of your meals.

God is great and God is good.
Let us thank Him for this food.
By His hands we all are fed.
Thank you for our daily bread.
Amen.

It's great to be alive, Maria! There are so many fun things to do with Diana, Beatrice and Matt. Maybe today you'll read or write or play. Remember to thank God for your:

Two little eyes to look to God;
Two little ears to hear His Word;
Two little feet to walk in His ways;
Two little lips to sing His praise;
Two little hands to do His will;
And one little heart to love Him still.

Maria, it must make you very happy to know you are surrounded by people who love you so much.

Dear God, thank you for my family and friends. Please help me to say only kind words to Diana, Beatrice and Matt.
Dear God, please let me play in a loving, sharing way with Diana, Beatrice and Matt today. Amen.

Animals can be your friends also, Maria. Have you ever watched a puppy chase its tail or two kittens playfully biting each other? God must have made animals to be loved and hugged!

Lord, please bless the puppies and
kittens and bunnies and chicks and
ponies and hamsters. Oh, and don't
forget the turtles and frogs and
fish. Thank you for all my animal
friends. Amen.

This book of prayers was written for you, Maria, to make it easier for you to talk to God. Share it with Diana, Beatrice and Matt. You may wonder if God hears all your prayers.