From time to time, I love reading (and even praying) the prayers from early church leaders. Many of the prayers are so rich with Biblical truth. With that in mind, here’s a 1st century prayer from Clement of Rome. We’ve adapted it to be a prayer for children’s ministry leaders. (You can read the original version here.)
This week, let’s pray this prayer together over the children whom God has entrusted us to shepherd.
We ask you, Master, be our helper and defender. Rescue the children you’ve entrusted to our care. Raise up those that are in broken homes. Assist – and help us to assist – those in our community that are in need. Heal hurting families. Turn the hearts of these children towards you. Feed them – and help us feed them – physically, if need be, and spiritually. Release the children whose hearts are captive to fear. Revive the timid and the insecure children we serve. Encourage – and help us encourage – the ways you’ve gifted and impassioned these children of Yours. Let every one of the children you’ve entrusted us to serve realize that you are the only God, that Jesus Christ is your Child – and that you want to make us Your sons and daughters – and that you want them to be counted among your people. God, enfold them as sheep into your flock – always following the voice of the Good Shepherd.
I love Clement’s prayer. It’s so simple and yet so profound. I think he’d love knowing that nearly two thousand years after he penned this prayer, it was being adapted as a prayer for children to come to know Jesus.
I hope you pray this prayer right now. I’m praying it for you right now.
Comments