Father, we love reading among your teachings in the gospels!   The  stories, the life lessons, and the rich, timeless illustrations draw us so much closer to you as you reveal your heart toward us and help us to understand your intention for the way you empower us to live our lives according to your design.  And father, we pray that you would grow within us more and more of the childlike faith you described to the disciples in today’s reading from Luke.  Protect us from our intellect in those times when we struggle with logic or reason or when others belittle or attack our faith, often seeking to draw us into vain arguments or conflicts.  Give us the child’s heart to trust you, our heavenly father who loves us, protects us, and gives us the best in all circumstances.  And help us to grow in the full understanding of your teaching, that to receive and enter into your eternal kingdom requires faith “like a little child.”  Give us that faith, father we pray!  Amen.