Praying For Children On This Last Day of School

Kids and Last Day Of School

There are different school schedules around the world but locally this is the last day of school for students in elementary and middle school.  Parents and teachers have spent a lot of time and effort teaching students new things in this past school year.

I thought we could switch the focus today, as Jesus taught us, to reminding ourselves what lessons children have to teach us.  Remember this familiar story of Jesus and the children?

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:1-6

Help us today, Loving God, to pay attention to children, as You teach us to.  Help us to turn away from our arrogance of thinking we know so much are are secure in our own knowledge and resources.  Help us instead to recognize and reshape the way we live today around You call to us to become humble dependant on You as children are on their parents.

We want to live inside Your promise to make our lives truly great as we keep our focus on Your love for us, Your protection for us, Your guidance to us, and Your enjoyment of just being with us in this day.  Keep us from making this day more complicated that that.

In spite of circumstances that may challenge and even threaten, You are a good Father who loves to care for His children and You will care for us today, giving us generously all we need. 

We smile a bit at the ridiculousness of our thinking that has anything that anyone can do for us seem better than what You promise to do:

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Matthew 7:11

And then there’s that interesting bit where You remind us that their angels are in the presence of our Heavenly Father right now and every day – always. 

Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

Matthew 18:10

Such a reminder for us, Lord, to care for all children and do all we can to support their protection whether they are unborn, vulnerable babies, young children, or youth whose minds and hearts are being formed.  Bring truthful and caring people around kids today.  Provide loving homes for the vulnerable.  Strengthen and fill with power and wisdom all parents and care givers to be able to provide a healthy environment in which these children can thrive. 

As they head out to summer vacation, we bless children and youth, in Your name.  Amen