Reviews
“Ellenor Shepherd’s lovely little book speaks to an important and rarely addressed need. With simplicity, clarity, gentleness, and an obvious love for children, she helps adults give the gift of prayer to children. Ms. Shepherd’s approach goes beyond “Thanks,”“Please,”“Forgive,” and “Bless” which, though deeply important, are by no means, all that we can teach a child about a personal relationship with God. She includes a way of prayer which means all the world to me: to open one’s heart to receive the love of God and, in quietness, to discover the holy presence of the One who made us all.
God is always with us and will never “lose” us, but we are inclined to forget, get detached, and distracted from our Source. We have been taught by Jesus to “abide” in him, for without him, “we can do nothing.” But to abide is to “stay connected,” and that, of course is what prayer is all about! If our children learn to stay connected when very young, and continue as they grow, nothing will matter more between here and heaven.
This book is recommended, not only to parents, grandparents, and pastors, but to Sunday School teachers and summer Bible School leaders, as well.”
Grace Adolphsen Brame, Ph.D.
The Integration of Theology arnd Spirituality
Graduate Religion Department
La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA
“Ellenor has provided us with a unique and valuable tool, helping plant the seeds of a vital Christian faith in the rich soil of our children’s lives. Prayer can be described so well as “HOLDING GOD’S HAND,” for the very young to the very old. Where do we begin with children? Where do we find such caring and useful guidance’? When Ellenor’s search for her own answer didn’t satisfy, she felt a deep need to write her own response. We teach children to pray by praying with them, in the same way we help them grow in their faith by walking faithfully with them. This is what Ellenor is asking us to do, and she expresses it so well.”
Reverend Dr. Brady Faggart
“HOLDING GOD’S HAND” is an easy to read book that lifts up the importance of prayer as it encourages parents to teach their children how to talk and listen to God. Such a book helps adults share the faith with the next generation and has the potential to draw them closer to God.”
Bishop Leonard Bolick
North Carolina ELCA