The Prayer of a Child

My husband was a carpenter, but when there were clients they didn't always pay. Often it was hard for us to find money to feed our six children. 

I usually went to a nearby store to buy on credit. But, because it sometimes created problems, I was careful to take as little as possible. One day, however, we were really in need. I sent my eight year old to buy something. He went and came back with the few items, but right behind him was the store clerk - visibly angry.

I welcomed him into the house, but immediately he demanded that I no longer send anyone to buy food, because he could no longer give me credit. "Go somewhere else! I have to pay for the stuff!" He made sense, to be sure. So, I wouldn't take credit anymore, and I would pay the debt. He left.

When I began to cry, my little one who was in the next room heard my tears. He came next to me, and said, "Mamma, I know why you are crying. I heard everything. But, don't worry mamma, I'll take care of it." He went immediately to the image of the Madonna. Knelt down, and began to pray with fervor.

He had just gotten on his feet, when we heard a knock at the door: it was the clerk. His attitude was totally different. He told me that he was sorry for what he said, and that I could go and buy whatever I needed without worrying about paying. After all, I always paid when I could....

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I thanked him with all my heart, and particularly thanked the Madonna. I continue to thank her to this day. My children are married, have good work, and above all have persevered in the faith. My husband still works as a carpenter, but he does so freely, teaching the skill in a center of for drug-rehabilitation. We live in peace, full of gratitude for all that Mary has done and continues to do for us.