Lynne Taylor

They may be your own children or grandchildren,
nieces and nephews, neighbours,
children in the church, and others.

Think about, imagine the faces of, those children now.

God,
We pray for the people
who parent the children we love
Grant them wisdom and grace.
Help them to raise these children we love
to be strong and whole people.
Help them to discover the unique individuals
you have created these children to be,
and to work positively
to develop those unique giftings.

Help them discover ways of shaping and disciplining
that are appropriate for their children.
Help them respond to disobedience
in ways that are appropriate for the child,
and for the “crime”
in ways that teach and train the children
without harming them physically or emotionally

Thank you that as much as we love these children
and the people who parent them,
you love them even more

As a community of God’s people in this place
Help us to always welcome the little ones
So that Micah and Samuel, Olivya and Daniel, Monique and Emily, Eloni and Shannon, and all our lovely children
will know that this is a place where they belong
this is a place where they are welcome
this is a place where they are valued
valued as individuals
with a special and unique contribution to make
to our church life together.

Thank you Jesus for your example
in loving and welcoming the little ones