“Let the Little Children Come To Me!”
O, Church: That’s the way I imagine our Lord Jesus Christ saying that phrase: with an exclamation mark! You can find it in Matthew 19:14 within the context of the disciples trying to stop those kids who were excited to be hearing and hugging Jesus.
Sadly, many others, believers and non-believers, other adults – even parents! – who do stop the little ones in their excitement for Jesus. Please, don’t let this be you!
Sorry, I couldn’t help it, mainly today on the second day of VBS and seeing so much excitement in the faces of many many children of all ages as they sing and jump and hear and play and are exposed to the wonderful loving Word of God! Let me encourage you to love, serve and pray for the little ones as they come to Jesus. Let’s pray together for the rest of this week and beyond for the fruit we’ll bear to God and the future these kiddos will build in Him. Here I share with you 12 ways to pray for children, out of a handout we use at ACTION International Ministries, my missions’ agency:
12 Ways to Pray for Children
- Hear the Gospel – Savior, send people to share the good news about Christ with children so they can call on His name for salvation (Romans 10:13-14).
- Health and wholeness – Nurturing Father, help children grow strong in every way, as Jesus did – in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).
- Love and understanding for children with special needs – Jesus, help your people see all children as You see them, remembering that what we do for them, we really do for you (Matthew 25:40).
- Love for God’s Word – All knowing God, open children’s eyes to see wonderful things in your word, so it can light their path (Psalm 119:18,105).
- Hope and protection for refugees – God, our refuge, comfort and protect children and families who have had to leave their homes (Psalm 32:7).
- Freedom from racism and prejudice – Lord of all nations, give children love for people of all races and protect them from others’ hatred (Galatians 3:28).
- Give and receive kindness – Gracious God, help children to know Your compassion and forgiveness and to share this grace with others (Ephesians 4:32).
- More children’s workers – Lord of the harvest, send workers to reach children who have not yet heard the good news of Jesus (Luke 10:2).
- Place to grow in faith – Good Shepherd, lead children into church communities that will spur them on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Learn to love God wholeheartedly – Loving God, may each child grow to love you with all their heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).
- Place of belonging for orphans – Father to the fatherless, send families and workers who will love and care for orphans (James 1:27).
- Confidence in God – Faithful God, show children they can trust in You to be their hope and confidence in all things (Psalm 71:5).
In Christ,
Pastor Joe