Today, I share prayer for all of our children in this country, many of whom will walkout of school to remember the seventeen students who were killed and many who were injured in a school shooting in Florida a month ago and remind us all that this should never, ever happen again.

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away. (Matthew 19:13–15)

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you in prayer today for our nation’s children and all children in this volatile and troubled world:

And we bow our heads to honor all of the students and teachers who have been lost in our Nation’s schools,
And we honor all those who have been injured,
And support all of those who have survived,
And we honor your courage to say #neveragain,
And for showing us the way,
And we promise to work harder to protect you from harm,
And may we help you to make a difference, even in areas where the adults have struggled to do so,
And give you hope for a future,
And provide you books to read that inspire you,
And in safe and thoughtful classrooms, that honor all of your gifts,
And to provide you with a place to learn and grow,
And a place to make friends,
And a playground to play, safely,
And in a classroom that helps you to learn, safely,
And we strive to make your days filled with curiosity, not fear,
And that all adults show love to you, with hugs and cheers,
And light a safe path for you,
And hold out a hand to guide you,
And offer a shoulder to cry on when you need it,
And are so very thankful for what you have taught us all these difficult weeks, months and years,
And let us show how much we love you and hope to bring you a better world, by making changes for you,

We are listening to you! And will work hard to make the changes that make all of your lives matter. You showed us the way….
This is my prayer of thanks for you, our dear children.  May you always have the strength to stand up for what is right and just.

Amen.

Shared by Marcie Doll

The fence at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City is filled with orange ribbons symbolizing our prayers that one day we might live in a world where gun violence has ended.  To read about our Prayers for Peace to end gun violence, please go to the following website:   Marble Collegiate Church’s Prayers for Peace Project 2018