Little Lamb loved bedtime. He loved the feeling of his soft wool against the cool night grass, and the way the stars twinkled like tiny diamonds in the dark sky. But tonight, Little Lamb felt a little bit worried.
He had so much to be thankful for: his fluffy white fleece, his yummy clover snacks, his kind shepherd, and the warm sun that shone on his meadow every day. But sometimes, Little Lamb forgot to say thank you.
His shepherd, a gentle man with kind eyes, often told him about praying. Praying, the shepherd explained, was like talking to God, thanking Him for all the good things in life, and asking for help when needed.
Little Lamb snuggled closer to his mama sheep. 'Mama,' he whispered, 'what does it mean to pray?'
Mama Sheep smiled. 'It means talking to God with your heart, Little Lamb. It's like having a special conversation with someone who loves you very, very much.'
Little Lamb closed his eyes and thought about all the good things: the sweet smell of the wildflowers, the soft bleating of his friends, the warmth of his mama's side. He took a deep breath and whispered, 'Thank you, God, for my fluffy fleece, my yummy clover, my kind shepherd, and for Mama. Thank you for everything.'
A feeling of peace washed over Little Lamb. It was a warm, cozy feeling, like a soft blanket on a chilly night. He felt closer to God, and he knew that God loved him.
He thought about the story his shepherd had told him about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who loves all His little lambs. That made Little Lamb's heart feel even warmer.
Mama Sheep nuzzled him gently. 'God loves you, Little Lamb,' she whispered. 'He's always watching over you, keeping you safe and sound.'
Little Lamb drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and loved. He knew that even in the dark, God was with him, and he fell asleep with a peaceful heart full of gratitude. He dreamt of green pastures and sparkling stars, and he knew that tomorrow would be another beautiful day, full of God's love and blessings.
And as the morning sun gently woke him, Little Lamb remembered his prayer and felt the warm comfort of God's presence, ready to greet a brand new day with a thankful heart.