Topical Bible: Children: Often Prayed For

◄ Children: Often Prayed For ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, children hold a special place in the heart of God and are frequently the subject of prayers by their parents and the community of believers. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of praying for children, reflecting their value and the hope for their future in the faith.

Biblical Examples of Prayers 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 for a son, promising to dedicate him to the Lord's service. Her prayer was answered, and she fulfilled her vow by bringing Samuel to the temple. "For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:27).

2. Job's Intercession for His Children: Job, a man described as blameless and upright, regularly interceded for his children. He offered burnt offerings on their behalf, concerned that they might have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. "Thus Job would do regularly" (Job 1:5), demonstrating the importance of parental intercession.

3. Jesus Blessing the Children: In the New Testament, Jesus Himself emphasized the significance of children. When the disciples attempted to prevent children from approaching Him, Jesus rebuked them, saying, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). This act of blessing underscores the value placed on children and the importance of praying for their spiritual well-being.

Theological Significance

Children are seen as a heritage from the Lord, a reward and a blessing. Psalm 127:3 states, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward" . This perspective encourages believers to view children as gifts from God, deserving of prayerful support and guidance.

Prayers for Protection and Guidance

Throughout the Bible, prayers for children often focus on their protection, guidance, and spiritual growth. Parents and communities are encouraged to pray for children to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man, as Jesus did (Luke 2:52). Prayers for protection from evil and for the development of a strong, godly character are common themes.

Role of the Community

The responsibility of praying for children extends beyond parents to the entire faith community. The church is called to support families in raising children in the knowledge and love of the Lord. This communal aspect of prayer is reflected in the practice of dedicating children to God, seeking His blessing and guidance for their lives.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a clear mandate for believers to pray for children, recognizing their inherent value and the potential they hold as future bearers of the faith. Through prayer, parents and communities entrust children to God's care, seeking His guidance and protection over their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 1:10,11
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD, and wept sore.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zacharias: for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elisabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer Taught and Encouraged.
... brief to be sufficient, especially as Jesus often prayed so long ... before him [In the
summer Orientals often travel by ... door is now shut, and my children are with ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxvi prayer taught and encouraged.htm

"Jesus Says So. "
... and unobtrusive, she seemed to the outward observer like most other children; but
"the ... In allusion to the last of these, she often prayed, "O Lord Jesus, hear ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/jesus says so/jesus says so.htm

A Wonderful Children's Meeting
... in a mission hall in G"". Among the children gathered there ... knelt with those who
were seeking and prayed for them ... Very often do we call to mind that scene ...
/.../a wonderful childrens meeting.htm

The Child Moses.
... So the poor Israelites were very unhappy, and often prayed to God that they might ...
them more cruelly still, and at last ordered all the boy children that were ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child moses.htm

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... God that your children might be God's children, and you ... How often have you presented
before God your business ... our most sanguine hopes; we have prayed for sinners ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

Blessing Children. Concerning Childlikeness.
... pray [According to Buxtorf, children were often brought to ... then, that the mothers
of these children desired the ... the hand upon the person prayed for, probably ...
/.../the four-fold gospel/xcix blessing children concerning childlikeness.htm

Those for whom Christ Prayed --"Sanctify Them. "
... He had prayed for their sanctification; they desired it. ... Answer: All who are truly
children of God ... In a revival of religion it is often a matter of considerable ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iii those for whom.htm

The Faith of Little Children.
... A little boy, one of the Sunday school children in Jamaica ... been very ill, and in
his sickness often wished his ... said the missionary, "I hope you prayed." "Oh, yes ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm

Paul's First Prayer
... the eater he getteth honey; yea, out of stony hearts he raiseth up children unto
Abraham ... but I have one whom I dearly love, who, I doubt not, often prayed for me ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm

Christ's Curate in Decapolis
... must not go yet; I know that your children are grown up ... and you must stop till you
have prayed them to ... infirm in body, shattered in nerve, and often racked with ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/christs curate in decapolis.htm