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For Our Children and Our Childlikeness

     People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

Lord Jesus, this Scripture stirs my heart in three important ways. First of all, thank you for your perpetual, passionate welcome. You greet us with joy—in every state and stage of life. Secondly, there’s greater gift we can give our children than to keep bringing them to you. Whether they’re babies, teenagers, or adults themselves, our kids need you—just like we do.

For our children who’ve yet to find life in you—grant them faith, grant them grace, grant them salvation. More than we want Harvard, homes, and honors for our children, we want heaven. Show them how much they need you, Jesus, and show them how much you love them. Keep them restless until they rest in your complete forgiveness and perfect righteousness.

For our children who know you, but currently seem to have waning or zero interest in you—Jesus, make yourself unavoidably real, loving, and good to them… by whatever means. Give us patience with their doubts, forbearance in their struggles, and joy for welcoming prodigals home.

Thirdly, Jesus, we ask you to restore us to the childlikeness of our early days of knowing you. When did we lose the music of the gospel? Why did we stop dancing? Free us from childishness, indeed, but renew our hearts in childlike joy and playfulness, gratefulness and simplicity. Our bodies and minds are getting older, but cause our hearts to sing again… in the matchless delights and dazzling wonder of being loved by you. So very Amen we pray, in your glorious and grace-full name.

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