A Child's Prayer

A couple of weeks ago, Summer wasn't feeling well, so I took her to see our wonderful pediatrician. Summer has always detested the doctor's office. Sure, she enjoys the airy waiting room with the fascinating fish tank, but as soon as her name is called, she bursts into tears. Oh, it breaks my heart every time. She hates to be checked and poked and prodded. When we arrived, we were guided by the nurse to a small office and were told our doctor would come in a few minutes. I took the opportunity to cuddle Summer and let her know everything would be alright. She pressed her little face into my collar bone and cried. I tried to distract her with the office story books, but that didn't work for very long. She knew what was coming. I wiped away her little tears and hugged her some more. I felt so worried - until it occurred to me we could pray. I excitedly stood up from the chair with her in my arms and said, "Summer, let's say a prayer to Heavenly Father. We can always ask Him to help us when we feel scared or worried." I told her we'd say two prayers - the first one by me and the other by her with my help. As soon as I uttered the words, "Dear Heavenly Father", I stopped, unable to continue for a moment as my throat closed and my eyes filled with tears. The spirit filled that small, stark office. I felt strongly Heavenly Father heard our prayer because He is aware of our every worry. No fear is too small for the enormity of peace He provides. I asked for His help and comfort for my little girl, who was so frightened. I then helped Summer say a prayer sentence by sentence. As soon as our prayers were over, the doctor came in. The examination went just fine and he and I marveled over how well little Summer did, and how she wasn't scared and didn't cry like all the times before. Only Summer and I knew the real reason. The primary song, "A Child's Prayer" is one of my favorites. The words are beautiful and begin with, "Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child's prayer? Some say that Heaven is far away, but I feel it close around me as I pray." We all have, in this terrestrial world, opportunities to have celestial experiences that bring us closer to heaven. Prayer will get each of us as close to it as possible, and it sure brought us to heaven's outskirts that day. Heavenly Father blessed little Summer with the comfort for which she asked. He heard His child's prayer.