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LOUISE'S PRAYER


Louise's Prayer. An illustrated Gospel Story Booklet. Kansas: Living Stories, Inc.,1945.

Adapted by Rachel Olsen

GRADES: K-5

Louise loved to sing about Jesus. On this particular morning, she was singing about Him before she was out of bed. Mother called to her little 3-year-old girl, "Louise, hurry and get dressed because breakfast will be ready soon."

Louise found her shoes, and began the long struggle of lacing the worn laces. As she looked at her shoes, she noticed her blue stockings sticking out through the big hole in the toe of her shoe. She thought again how badly she needed a new pair.

Her father was a young minister of the Gospel and was living on a very meager salary. The small group of believers around them were faithful in bringing them food. There often was an abundance of milk and eggs, but there were no funds for clothing, haircuts, or even toothpaste.

"Perhaps Daddy will help me," she thought. She ran to find him. "Daddy, I need a new pair of shoes. Can you buy me some?

Mother was standing close by and both knelt by the little girl and drew her into their arms. "Daddy knows you need new shoes, Honey, but Daddy has no money, not even a penny. You will just have to ask Jesus for shoes."

Breakfast was now on the table and soon the shoes were forgotten as they talked of other things. Late in the afternoon, Louise was in the bedroom. Mother thought she was playing with her dolls, until she heard talking.

"Dear Jesus, I need some new shoes. Won't you give me some? All right.--Well, when will you give them to me?--by Sunday.-O.K.-I'll wait." With tears in their eyes, Daddy and Mother hurried into the kitchen. Louise said nothing about her prayer to anyone. That night she went to bed casting every care and anxiety upon Him who loved her and gave Himself for her.

She slept peacefully, confident that Jesus would not disappoint her.

The next day was Saturday and Mother took Louise to Mrs. Kent's house. Louise was playing about the room when Mrs. Kent said to her, "Why, Louise, you need some new shoes, don't you?"

She looked up at Mrs. Kent's face, "Yes, and Jesus is going to give me some by Sunday." The lady's heart was deeply touched and she urged the child's mother to permit her to take Louise to the store where she bought her a new pair of shoes.

Later in the day, Mrs. Kent was telling the incident to Mrs. Smith, a friend of hers. Mrs. Smith had a daughter just a little older than Louise. "Why, my little girl has outgrown a pair of white kid boots which are just as good as new that would fit Louise."

By Sunday, Louise had two pair of fine shoes. Her eyes were sparkling and her heart flooded with joy.

If you were to ask Louise today where she got her shoes, she would gladly tell you that Jesus gave them to her because she needed them and asked Him for them.

Do you have as much faith in prayers as Louise? Truly God will supply all our needs.

(A true story. Louise grew up to be a missionary on a foreign field.)

Worksheet: Louise's Prayer


  1. How old was Louise?
  2. Why had Louise been wearing the same shoes for so long?
  3. Did Louise's father have a job? If so, what was it?
  4. If Louise's family had no money, how did they get food?
  5. What did Louise's father tell her to do if she wanted a new pair of shoes? Did she obey him?
  6. Did Louise care that the kid boots were "hand-me-downs"? Why or Why not?
  7. Did Louise really get her shoes from Jesus? Explain.
  8. Have you ever had a prayer that has been answered? Briefly explain.

LOUISE'S PRAYER (Author Unknown)

by: Rachel Olson

Outline:

  • Louise loved to sing
  • Louise is 3-years-old
  • Mother called--Time for breakfast
  • Louise struggles with her shoes
  • Louise notices hole in shoe
  • Asks Daddy for new shoes
  • Daddy says to ask Jesus
  • Louise in room praying

--Jesus give new shoes

--Need shoes by Sunday

* Mother takes Louise to Mrs. Kent's house

  • Mrs. Kent buys her a pair of shoes
  • Mrs. Kent tells Mrs. Smith
  • Mrs. Smith gives her a pair of white kid boots
  • Louise was happy and thankful
  • Who gave her the shoes--JESUS!!!

Props:

Shoes with hole

New shoes

White kid boots

Blonde Wig

Answers to Worksheet:

  1. 3-years-old
  2. Family had no money.
  3. Yes, he was a minister of the gospel (pastor, missionary).
  4. A small group of believers brought it to them.
  5. Ask Jesus. Yes. she obeyed.
  6. No, she was very happy and thankful that Jesus answered her prayers.
  7. Yes, Jesus sent these people in her life to help meet her needs. (answers may vary)
  8. (answers may vary)

Sources:

Louise's Prayer. An illustrated Gospel Story Booklet. Kansas: Living Stories, Inc.,1945.