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Prayer for Children
A Christmas Prayer for Children
Pray for children who are given everything except love and attention. We pray that the parents or the guardians of every child will realize that spending quality time, communicating and hugs are more important than cell phones, computers, and play stations, X boxes or a bedroom cable television.
A prayer of love goes out to every fatherless and motherless child who cries themselves to sleep because of the lack of food and fresh water. We pray that the physical, emotional, safety and spiritual needs of every child is met.
We pray for the children who have self esteem issues due to feeling that their physical appearance, academics or athleticism are not in line with the standards of the media or those of their peers or associates. We pray that young people who suffer self esteem issues will hear words of guidance and encouragement before experiencing psychological or emotional problems or before they physically act out or retaliate against others.
A prayer goes out to children who are extremely selfish due to excessive praise. We pray that self centered children will realize that the world does not revolve around them; they need know that they will encounter people who will criticize rather than praise.
We pray that parents, teachers, counselors, siblings, friends and associates acknowledge the positives in children before giving excessive constructive criticism. Children need to know that they are loved and appreciated. I appeal to all responsible persons to accentuate the positives rather than negatives when dealing with others say a kind word, perform a loving deed for someone other than self.
We pray for children who are afflicted with long term or temporary physical or emotional health issues. We pray that they will be healed or relieved of their pain and distress and that their families and loved ones will receive the emotional and spiritual comfort they need to live happy, peaceful lives.
Prayers also go out to children who are physically, sexually and emotionally abused by their parents, teachers, associates, relatives or strangers. We pray that all maltreated children will be protected from the long term effects of emotional, sexual and physical abuse and we pray that the abusers will seek professional help and realize the pain and hurt they are afflicting on innocent children.
We also pray for the children who are being bullied or tempted to participate in drugs, alcohol, crime and illicit sex. We pray that all children will weigh the short term and the long term consequences of their actions and we pray that children will think before acting on behavior that will lead to deadly or harmful consequences.
Let's pray for children who are depressed or have feelings of hopelessness. We pray that all children are aware that there is a rainbow beyond the clouds of disappointment for in life there is usually the break through, the disappointment and then the miracle. The miracle or the victory will not be experienced until the disappointment is confronted and overcome. In the words of Frederick Douglass "If there is no struggle there is no progress."
Pray for children who live in war torn, disease stricken, poverty laden countries. We pray that the hunger of poverty stricken children will be satisfied or relieved and that their hopes and dreams will be restored and that they will experience the peace and the joy of Christ Jesus.
I appeal to all teachers, parents, friends, relatives and all adults to serve as role models and show love toward our most precious resource our children. Let us remember the African Proverb that says "It takes a whole village to raise a child." If you possess the gift of love, time or finances share your resources with needy innocent families and children during this Christmas season and throughout the year. Support the local Family Assistance Program and other programs like it, or give directly to needy families and children.
Rev. Micheal J. Darby