“Let the little children come to me.” Matthew 19:14
Jesus knew what an important gift children are, and how valuable they are to our church family. Child dedications are a way for us to lift up families and their children in prayer, honoring the parents’ commitment to raise their children to know and love Jesus. As a church, we want to encourage and partner with families in this meaningful moment for them and their children.
On October 2, four families dedicated their children. Read their prayers for their children below and join us in supporting and praying for these parents!
The Hawes Family
“Today we are dedicating three-year-old, Jack. This is important to us because we know that the most crucial part of being Christian parents is to raise our children in a way that they come to know and love Jesus with all their heart. We know that being a Christian in this world doesn't come easy and that it will require love and attentiveness from us, our families, and our church family.
That being said, our prayer for Jack is that he come to know the depth of God's tremendous love for Him. We pray that Jack will know that he can lean on Jesus in times of need and celebrate with Him in times of joy. We'd like to share the same words we said at Chloe and Oliver's dedication:
How sweet to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy He gives. But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days, just because He lives!”
The Roman Family
"Lord Jesus , Good Father in Heaven,
We thank you, God, for Jacob; he is Your reward to us. We ask for Your Spirit in protection, love and guidance throughout our lives as we raise Jacob according to Your Word. May he become the God-fearing man after your own heart that you have created him to be. Help us love him as You have loved us. Let us lead him to love you, Jesus, being loyal, trustworthy, loving, generous, faithful and most of all dependent on You in all things.
Jacob, we pray that ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.' And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.’
Let us teach this diligently to our children, talking of You Father when we sit in our house, following You, Jesus, when we walk by the way, hopeful when we lie down, and thankful when we rise up.
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
‘Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ.’
You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
The Pelletier Family
“Our prayer for Mac and Cecilia is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.
We pray that God would give us the wisdom and guidance we need to lead Mac and Cecilia to love and trust in the Lord. We pray that they would grow to seek the Lord, and be guided by Him always.”
The Docanto Family
“Father God,
You know what it is like to raise a son. Help us be good parents like You. Give us compassion and understanding toward our young sons when they make childish mistakes, and help us discipline them in love when dealing with sinful attitudes and actions.
We pray they will not only grow to know about You, but also believe in You and learn at a young age how to follow, listen to, and obey You.
Give them a heart for holiness even in their youth; show them how to deal with temptations and peer pressure quickly and with wisdom.
We ask You to give our sons encouraging and healthy friendships and a growing sense of purpose in this world.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!”