Prayer and Worship in Everyday Moments
Some of my most meaningful experiences of prayer and worship occur during the ordinary routines of daily life, such as while I am showering. This morning, as I worshiped God in the shower, a thought occurred to me: Why do I feel such a deep love for the Lord? In that peaceful moment, I sensed an answer from within my spirit: the Lord said, “Because we have that puppy love.” At the moment, I didn’t understand, but the phrase “puppy love” instantly reminded me of the irresistible charm of a puppy. Especially the feeling you get when you look into its eyes and see unabashed affection.
Just as a puppy displays unconditional love—greeting you with excitement, trust, and pure joy—our relationship with God flourishes. It thrives when approached with innocence and wholehearted devotion. A puppy’s love is characterized by sincere, pure affection, free from pretense or reservation. This kind of love also serves as a reminder to delight in God’s presence and to treasure every moment of spiritual connection. It encourages embracing puppy love with the same openness and enthusiasm that a puppy shows its owner.
A Memorable Experience of a Puppy’s Affection
There is a particular day that remains vivid in my memory as a clear example of this kind of love. I once managed a production shop for a man named Andrew, who eventually became a close friend. Andrew’s son, David, worked as the master painter under my supervision. Over time, our friendship grew even stronger. One day, David asked me to help him and Andrew move into their new home. That day became unforgettable—not because of the move itself, but because of an encounter inspired by puppy love. It was through a dog whose innocent, wholehearted love encouraged my reflection.
Poolside Greeting
It was an exceptionally hot day. We had to pass by the swimming pool in the backyard to get to the patio to their new home. As we carried furniture from the truck into the house, I noticed something unusual. Their little pug-nosed dog, who was seriously overweight, leaned forward to take a drink from the pool. Suddenly, he lost his balance and fell into the water. Expecting him to swim out, I was surprised to see him struggling—he didn’t know how to swim. I had never seen a dog that couldn’t swim.
I quickly set down the box I was carrying and rushed to the pool’s edge. Seeing the little dog struggling to stay afloat, I reached in and pulled him out. As I lifted him from the water, our eyes met. A mix of panic and gratitude reflected in his gaze. Instantly, he clung to me, not out of fear, but with pure gratitude. That simple, heartfelt gesture was a living example of “puppy love.” It was a tangible reminder of the innocent devotion that forms the foundation of deep relationships, both with our pets and, most meaningfully, with God.
God Loves Dogs Too
There is a story in Matthew 15:22-28 where a Canaanite woman approached Jesus, seeking healing for her daughter. She cried out, “Lord, Son of David, please help me! My daughter has a demon inside her, and she is suffering very much.” But Jesus didn’t answer her. The woman persisted, continuing to cry out for His help. Jesus said, “God sent me only to the lost people of Israel.” The woman began to worship Jesus, saying, “Lord, help me!” Finally, Jesus answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and give it to the dogs.” With tears in her eyes, the woman responded, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the pieces of food that fall from their master’s table.”
The Greek word for “dog” in this story is (κυνάριον) Kunarion, which means “little dog” or “puppy.” It is a diminutive of kuon, meaning dog. The fact that Jesus did not respond to the woman’s pleas for help until she mentioned “the puppies” amazes me. My thoughts went back to the little dog by the pool.
God Rewards Faith
Jesus concluded the encounter with the Canaanite woman by saying, “Woman, you have great faith! You will get what you asked for.” Right then, the woman’s daughter was healed. This story reinforces the power of innocent, persistent, and humble love—a “puppy love” that trusts in the goodness and mercy of God.
Reflecting on both the story of the Canaanite woman and my encounter with the little pug-nosed dog named Otis, I realized how the humility and persistence shown by both beautifully illustrate the essence of “puppy love” in faith. It is a love that is persistent, humble, and ready to receive even the smallest gesture of kindness from the Master’s hand. Just as the woman’s unwavering faith moved Jesus to respond with compassion, our simple, trusting devotion—like that of a puppy—draws us closer to God’s heart. It is a reminder to always approach Him with open arms, eager for His grace, and be confident in His willingness to respond.
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