From the Gospel of Matthew 18:2

Then Jesus called a little child to him and set him in the midst of them, and said

“Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in my name receives Me.”

Jesus wasn’t telling the disciples to behave in a childlike manner, he was telling them to adopt the mindset of a child regarding a good father.

Children believe the promises of good things made to them will be made manifest by a father who claims to love them and look out for them.

Children believe their father will be kind to them, and protect them.

Children believe their father rejoices and shares in their happiness and sorrows.

Children are not afraid to go to their father with their concerns, and let him take care of it, whether by word, deed, or both.

Children believe their father with no reservations or doubt, and for their part, children should have a healthy fear of and want to please their father.

Therefore, I pray:

Lord Jesus, I want to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Help my unbelief, and help me to believe in the unconditional love my father bears toward me.

 Help me to remember His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments.

 Help me to fear Him, even as I come boldly before the throne of grace.

 Help me to pray for what I need, and give thanks as if I’ve already received.

 Help me to remember in holy fear that He will judge the work of my hands, and bring every secret thing to light.

 Help me to stay faithful to his precepts.

 Let me rejoice in His pleasure, and find peace in the song He sings over me.

I don’t hope to hear You say,“Well done, good and faithful servant,” because I haven’t been. I only ask that You dry my tears after I suffer the loss of reward for burned works.

 But let me receive You anew each day in my heart, soul, and mind, that I may hear You say “Enter into Your Father’s rest.”

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer.

Amen.