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