For All the Precious Children
Like many of you, I think of the children constantly – especially this time of year as school supplies dominate the shelves of every store, and “first day of school” photos fill my social feed.
Oh, how my heart goes out to all the children.
Everywhere. Today. Always.
The most vulnerable among us in this past 18 months of pandemic turmoil. Those toddlers who have quite literally spent half their lives alone with little social interaction; for whom wearing masks is the norm. Those old enough to be aware of dangers and conflict, but too young to understand. Those on the cusp of launching out into a world where rules change daily.
As my word-for-the-year is “blessing” I am gathering and writing blessings for children these days. Perhaps you might want to use this one over your children as they return to an unknown school year:
Blessing for the Start of School
May smiling faces welcome you.
May helping hands welcome you.
May kind teachers welcome you.
May fears fly away,
tempers go away,
lies stay away.
May you make new friends,
learn new things,
grow strong limbs.
May God make you thoughtful.
Jesus make you happy.
Spirit make you friendly.
- Celtic Blessing
As I have mentioned numerous times, Amy Carmichael was mother “Amma” in Tamil to hundreds of children in India as she rescued them from temple prostitution and raised and taught them at her Donahvur Fellowship. Here is her prayer I pray often for children:
Finally, as I was praying for a precious newborn girl currently fighting for her life in the hospital, and for the suffering children in Afghanistan, Haiti, and those amidst floods and forest fires nearby, I was reminded of how much Jesus’ heart is for children. This Bible story prompted me to write a blessing.
“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hand on their heads and blessed them.” Mark 10.14, 16
Oh, precious wee one, did you know
Jesus loves the little children,
all the children of the world?
.
Sometimes grownups get it wrong,
wrapped up in our own importance.
When it is you – lovingly known before birth –
worthy of a King stooping to say,
“Let the children come to Me.”
.
Today, I bring you, _________, to the Lord Jesus.
May He wrap you in His arms of love.
May you feel His gentle touch on your head,
hear Him sing softly in your ears, and
receive blessing from your gentle and lowly Savior.
.
Thus, in honor of the great gift of you,
I shall also run to Jesus and
crawl into His arms, even as a child.
Forever welcomed in His kingdom.
©2021 Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Whether or not we are parents, may all of us open our arms widely every single day, joining with Christ in saying “Let the little children come…”
May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and strength, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
©2021 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Thank you, dear writer friend, for these beautiful prayers. I prayed these words for our grandchildren today.
What a beautiful prayer for children . I have grandchildren and pray every day for them. How precious they are and that Jesus loves the little children. We pray Jesus holds them tightly with love and protection. Thank you very much for sharing. 🙏🏻
Blessings,
Paula
I am copying out these prayers and blessings to keep in my prayer journal. Thank you.
Beautiful and meaningful as always dear Lucinda. Thank you.
Love this, Lucinda. Our children and parents need a lot of prayer in these difficult days. Thank you.
Thanks for the beautiful prayers for our children and to remind us to come to Him as a little child.
I love this for the children! I especially love the prayers and have prayed this prayer now for my own grandchildren. Thank you Cindy for having the right words at just the right time.♥️🙏