Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
Matthew 19:13-15

As you may be aware, with the birth of Noah Sung-Joon Negley, my attention has been focused a little more intently recently on little children. As followers of Jesus, that is one place where should pay attention. Jesus spoke of the innocence and humility of children. He told his followers that “to such as these” belongs the kingdom of heaven.

In the Worshipbook (jointly published in the early 1970’s by The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, The PCUS, and The United Presbyterian Church), we find this prayer “For Little Children.” It may still be a way for us to talk to God about these wonderful gifts in our lives today.

Prayer

Great God Our Father, guard the laughter of children. Bring them safely through injury and illness, so they may live the promises you give. Do not let us be so preoccupied with our purposes that we fail to hear their voices or pay attention to their special vision of the truth; but keep us with them, ready to listen and to love, even as in Jesus Christ you have loved us, your grown-up, sometimes wayward children. Amen.