Today is October 30 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.  
 
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.  
  
I love what this story tells us about the heart of God. As we begin to enter into prayer today, center yourself on this phrase, spoken by Jesus, to his very followers: “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Imagine you’re in the crowd, watching this situation unfold. How do you respond to Jesus?  
  
I also love what this story shows us about the heart of God. Imagine again, this crowd. Imagine unruly kids running around. Imagine the disciples, trying to get everyone under control. Now imagine Jesus: not just speaking into the situation, speaking welcome to the kids… but then actually leaning down, getting himself low, and lifting up one of the wild kids in his arms. Imagine a huge smile on his face as he holds this child. Imagine hearing his quiet word of blessing spoken over him or her. Listen again, and enter the story…  
  
Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means receiving the kingdom through grace: not through our own works, but through the work of Jesus. Jesus did all the work necessary for us to come to him, and for us to enjoy the welcome of His kingdom. As we end our time of prayer today, invite God to give you a fresh experience of His Father’s heart – for you, and for the least… the last… and the lost around you…   
 
Music: "As Children" - Vineyard Worship 
AS CHILDREN [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Sarah Elmer