Blessing the Children
Some children were brought to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. The disciples told them not to bother him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” And he put his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. Matthew 19:13-15
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While the disciples were rebuking the children and those bringing them to Jesus, Jesus stretched out his arms to welcome and bless the children. God has always valued children and has invited them into vital, prayerful communication with him that they can maintain throughout their lives. He responds to children’s prayer groups and answers the simple requests of an individual child. Are you welcoming the children you parent or teach to Jesus? Are you praying with them and teaching them to pray so that they will know God and not just know about him? Ask for his help. Model a vibrant prayer life with God yourself. Pray fervently for these children. Ask God to help them see Jesus in you. Teach them all you know about how to pray to their heavenly Father. Do all you can to bring them to the One who loves them even more than you do.
Prayers:
LORD, thank you for the children in my life. Whether they are mine or someone else’s, draw them close. Help me teach them by example to go to you in times of need and times of praise to trust you with every part of their lives. Jesus, I will be your hands and feet in the lives of children. Show me how to bless them as you would.
Quotes:
Holy Father, save our children Through life’s troubled waters steer them, Through life’s bitter battle cheer them, Father, Father, be Thou near them.
Amy Carmichael (1867–1951)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Exodus 8:1–9:35; Matthew 19:13-30; Psalm 24:1-10 and Proverbs 6:1-5.
