God has a purpose for the life of our children, just like He does for us. They are not just ours, they belong to Him, and we ought to pray God’s purposes for our children every chance we get. June is the time set aside on our Church Calendar to pray for and focus on our children. Pastor Washington is always mindful to recognize the accomplishments of our children and to build them up, almost as often as we meet for worship. It is a known fact here that as much as we praise and honor our God, we are grateful to Him for our children: our blessing. Mine are yours and yours are mine. It does indeed take a village. So it is in the month of June, as we attend graduations, and look forward to the bright futures of our children, that we also commend them for their service as unto the Lord, and their Christian Walk before us.
Jesus, our example, Himself a Son, reflected the heart of God, His Father, when he prayed for the disciples, in John 17:9, where He said, “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those, you have given me, for they are ours.” Therefore, as fathers, and mothers, and sisters and brothers, corporately and individually, we can pray that our children will focus on the purposes of God. Every chance we get, we ought to pray that our children will Live for Christ Joyfully …we should “(Say) these things while still in the world so that they will have the same joy…” (John 17:13b). Every chance we get, we ought to pray that our children will Grow Strong Spiritually…we should “Not ask to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one” (John 17:15). Every chance we get, we ought to pray that our children will Serve Christ Effectively… (Saying)…Lord “Make them ready for your service through your truth; your teaching is truth” (John 17:17). Every chance we get, we ought to pray that our children will Experience Fellowship Personally, praying as Jesus did, “that they will be of one heart and mind just as you and I are…and the world will believe that you sent me” (John 17:21). Every chance we get, we ought to pray that our children will Come to Christ, and Bring Others to Christ regularly, just as Jesus prayed, “I pray not only for them but also those who believe because of their message” (John 17:20).
In the month of June, and the days ahead, we hold fast to the declaration of the Psalmist, who has said, “Behold, our children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV). It is our profession that we will honor the purposes of God in the lives of our children, and we will begin and end with prayer.
Submitted By Deaconess Irene Gardon