Topical Bible: Children: Prayer in Behalf of

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Prayer for children is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the deep concern and love that parents and communities have for the younger generation. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of interceding for children, seeking God's guidance, protection, and blessing upon their lives.

Biblical Examples of Prayer for Children

1. Hannah's Prayer for Samuel: One of the most poignant examples of prayer for a child is found in the account of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed earnestly to the Lord for a son, promising to dedicate him to God's service. The Lord answered her prayer, and she bore Samuel, whom she later brought to the temple as she had vowed. Hannah's prayer is recorded in 1 Samuel 1:27-28 : "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD." This narrative highlights the power of a parent's prayer and the importance of dedicating children to God's purposes.

2. Jesus Blessing the Children: In the New Testament, Jesus Himself demonstrated the value of children and the importance of praying for them. In Mark 10:13-16 , people were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them. This act of blessing is a form of prayer, showing Jesus' love and care for children.

3. Jairus' Plea for His Daughter: Another example is found in the account of Jairus, a synagogue leader, who came to Jesus pleading for the life of his dying daughter. In Mark 5:22-23 , Jairus fell at Jesus' feet and earnestly begged Him, "My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live." Jesus responded to Jairus' faith and prayer by raising his daughter from the dead, demonstrating the power of intercessory prayer for children.

Teachings on Prayer for Children

1. Parental Responsibility: The Bible emphasizes the responsibility of parents to pray for their children. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This training is not only through teaching and example but also through prayer, seeking God's wisdom and guidance in raising children according to His will.

2. Community Intercession: The early church provides a model for communal prayer, which includes praying for the younger members of the community. In Acts 12:5 , the church prayed earnestly for Peter when he was imprisoned, demonstrating the power of collective prayer. Similarly, communities are encouraged to pray for their children, supporting families in their spiritual growth and protection.

3. Praying for Wisdom and Protection: James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, which is essential in guiding children. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Additionally, Psalm 91 is often prayed over children for their protection, invoking God's promises of safety and refuge.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a rich tapestry of examples and teachings on the importance of praying for children. From the heartfelt prayers of parents like Hannah and Jairus to the blessings of Jesus, Scripture underscores the power and necessity of interceding for the younger generation. Through prayer, parents and communities can seek God's guidance, protection, and blessings for their children, trusting in His faithfulness and love.

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Genesis 17:18
And Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before you!
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2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore sought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the earth.
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1 Chronicles 22:12
Only the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.
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1 Chronicles 29:19
And give to Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
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Job 1:5
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
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Library

Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font
... We did then bring our children to Christ as far as we could do it, by presenting
them before God, by earnest prayer on their behalf. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/children brought to christ and.htm

A Prayer to be Said for the Sick by them who visit Him.
... suitors unto thy divine Majesty, in the behalf of this ... thou art wont to look upon
thy children in their ... eternal grace and mercy, in that prayer, which Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer to be said.htm

The Song of the Three Holy Children.
... of the canonical text, describing the procedure of the three children in the
furnace.3-22. Azarias' confession (3--- 10), and prayer (11-22), on behalf of them ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/the song of the three.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... When the children of Israel were in danger of being overthrown by the ... set apart the
night before his expected execution, for special prayer in his behalf. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

The Content of Prayer: Its Four Moods
... where he with good reason employs prayer in our ... the Spirit because His intercession
on behalf of saints ... delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter ix the content of.htm

Prayer for and with Each Other.
... this double fellowship of life is rooted the love which mutually unites the children
of God ... For then there is danger lest our prayer in his behalf have the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xliii prayer for and with.htm

Concentration in Prayer
... and "shut our door" upon God and ourselves in their behalf. ... rules as to times or
as to places for such prayer. The Bible treats us as men, and not as children. ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xix concentration in prayer.htm

The Prayer of the Regenerated.
... renews His prayer, and cries unto God in our behalf. ... have made some progress in the
school of prayer, then He ... with our spirits that we are the children of God. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xlii the prayer of the.htm

Prayer and Importunity (Continued)
... Father's infinite willingness to hear and give to His children. ... Lord in an agony
of intercession in behalf of the ... What a season of importunate prayer was that! ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/vii prayer and importunity continued.htm

The Power of Prayer
... GOD and FATHER by living and serving as His beloved children. ... the promises were very
real, and that prayer was in ... with GOD, whether on one's own behalf or on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter i the power of.htm