Dedicating our Children to the Lord

12 years ago today, my eldest daughter Hannah was born into this world.  I still remember that day like it were yesterday...

• How my knees buckled the first time I heard her cry.
• How we hardly slept at all that first night when we brought her home from the hospital.
• How she started turning over, crawling and eventually walking.
• How she started talking and what her first word was as a child.
• How she laughed and smiled.
• Her first birthday.
• How she reacted when her sister was born.
• Her first day of school.
• How she called me affectionately as a child calls her dad.

The bible tells us in Psalm 127:3, "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." (NLT)

Today, as we celebrate her birthday, I would like to honor God and rededicate my daughter to her, just as Samuel was dedicated by Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:27-28,  I too proclaim that my daughter belongs to the Lord her whole life.

My desire is to raise her in such a way that she will recognize God as her Lord and savior.

My prayer is that I will be able to do just as Proverbs 22:6 says, to direct her onto the right path, so that when she is older she will not depart from it.

And I share the prayer of missionary, editor and writer Mary Fairchild entitled a Parent's Prayer for a Child, which I would like to share with you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this treasured child of mine. Although you have entrusted him/her to me, I know he belongs to you. Like Hannah offered Samuel, I dedicate my child to you, Lord. I recognize that he is always in your care.

Help me as a parent, Lord, with my weaknesses and imperfections. Give me strength and godly wisdom to raise this child after your Holy Word. Please supply what I lack. Keep my child walking on the path that leads to eternal life. Help him to overcome the temptations in this world and the sin that would so easily entangle him.

Dear God, send your Holy Spirit daily to lead and guide him. Ever assist him to grow in wisdom and stature, in grace and knowledge, in kindness, compassion and love. May he serve you faithfully with his whole heart devoted to you. May he discover the joy of your presence through daily relationship with your Son, Jesus.

Help me never to hold on too tightly to this child, nor neglect my responsiblities before you as a parent. Lord, let my committment to raise this child for the glory of your name cause his life to forever testify of your faithfulness.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

Thank you Lord for the opportunity to love and be loved by a child.  Hannah, you truly reflect God's grace and favor in all our lives. May God richly bless you. We love you!