A Prayer for Children
By Emma Danzey
Matthew. 19:14 says, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
Children are the future of the world. They are young and growing now, but one day they will be the leaders and the society shapers of their day. Jesus placed a special emphasis on children. He wanted the young people to come to Him because His kingdom belongs to them too. He warns us not to hinder children from coming to Jesus. This is an important concept because children need to be taught the gospel and invited to see how Jesus works on their hearts. As someone who genuinely accepted Jesus at a young age, I know the power of the gospel to transform any life.
Today, as we take time to pray for children, think about those whom God has placed in your life. Whether this is your own kids, nieces or nephews, neighbors, or friends, we each have a role in training up the next generation to know the love and forgiveness found in Jesus.
Let's Pray:
Father, we thank You for the gift of sharing Your gospel with the next generation. Just as Eli was there to confirm Your voice in Samuel’s young life, we pray that we would be voices to children of Your love for them. We ask that there would be a hunger for eternal truth and salvation among the young people of today. Would You help us to teach about Your love in our homes, churches, and communities? Remind us how much You value young people and welcomed the little children to Yourself. Help us never to hinder the curiosity of a child who desires to come to You, Jesus.
You say in Matthew 18:6, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Lord, we pray over those causing little ones to fall into sin. We pray against abuse, neglect, and immorality being taught to them. Protect their innocent young minds and hearts. Keep them physically safe. Remind them of Your constant presence with them.
We confess that we are sinful and do not always treat children the way that we should. Please forgive us for our harsh tones, selfishness, and missed opportunities to show Your grace in teachable moments. Help us to love well and discipline like You. Give us Your wisdom and discernment when children misbehave or need to learn valuable life lessons. May our words be sprinkled with gentleness and grace. Give us great patience to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Help us to live out the fruit of the Spirit among children. Help us to model lives that live Spirit-filled. When we fall short, give us the humility to apologize to young people. We pray that by our words and actions, they would be intrigued to know more about the life-changing work of Christ.
In a world filled with technology and social media, Lord, would you help us to implement and encourage a healthy balance for kids? Give them protection from what they are exposed to. Help them to find their identity in You and not what others think or say of them. We pray against bullying and any avenues where the devil wants to cause confusion and discouragement in children’s lives. Provide rest for their souls in You. Let spiritual wisdom and discernment guide parents in making decisions in an ever-changing culture.
We ask that we would train up the next generation to know and love Your Scriptures. Help us to speak about it regularly, memorize it with them, pray it over them, and motivate them in their growth of study. We ask that they would be anchored in Your truth to combat the lies of the enemy that are thrown their way in society. Give them boldness to stand for what is right and what is holy. Help them to live out the truth in love. Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/BethanyPyle
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Originally published Monday, 01 August 2022.
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