Chasing My Dreams Again
The little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:13-14
Bless the “little saints”
Jesus,
To you who love children more than we ever could, we commend the “little saints” we cherish and care for. They are growing up in a world that is anxious and angry, confused and callused, a world in desperation and distress. Would you lay your hands on them and bless them?
Bless them with wonder
To see your hand in each detail
and marvel at the silliest things.
Let their first word be WOW,
amazed by the splendor
of pretty flowers and play dough.
Bless them with courage
to color outside the lines
and try new colors and shapes.
Don’t let fear keep them caged,
imprisoned in “what ifs” and regret.
Teach them to walk steady,
especially when they’re afraid.
Bless them with innovation
that dares to scribble on walls
and glue mesh in odd places.
May they sense your delight in their scribbles
and feel your joy in imaginative play.
May they sense your Spirit’s nudging
to paint with colors they rarely use,
try a dance move no one has seen,
solve equations with unconventional methods,
cure diseases with God-given lab techniques.
Bless them with a heart for prayer
to listen to you in the stillness
of a spirit quieted by Love.
To pray with boldness
that matches your grandeur
and faith that believes you are able.
Let your arms be their home.
Let your presence be their safe harbor
in the midst of life storms that will surely come.
Bless them with unbridled trust
to say yes to your mission
and obey you with haste.
Let them march to the rhythm
of the drum in your heart.
May they be compelled
by the Beauty beheld.
Amen
Jesus,
Will you bless us too?
Bless us with humility
to be trained by the children
in the ways of your kingdom.
Our faith needs renewal;
make us like children!
May we marvel at the smallest detail,
may we have courage to fail and to fall,
may we look at the world with curiosity,
may we dare to scribble on walls
and color outside the lines.
Make us like the “little saints”
so we may grow into kingdom saints.
Amen