P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
Jesus proved time and time again how he loves children!
Together we will pray (P.R.A.Y.) each day – ‘P’: Pausing to be still as we come into the presence of the Lord. ‘R’: Rejoicing as we remember who our God is and what He has done, and Reflecting on His word. ‘A’: Asking God to help us and others. And ‘Y’: yielding to His will in accordance with His word.
As I come before you to pray, I still my thoughts and quiet my mind. I seek to make you the center of my focus.
Prayer of Approach
Lord, as I come to you this morning, would you take what seems ordinary and by your power bring an extraordinary, supernatural response? You are the God of Resurrection, so meet with me now.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in Psalm 127…
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:3-5
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:13-16
As I reread the passage, I reflect on the questions, “How is my life touched by this word?” and “How does this passage connect with my life?”
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:13-16
When people brought children to Jesus, the disciples treated them as an interruption. Jesus saw them differently. He welcomed them, held them, blessed them, and declared that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. This passage reminds us that ministry to children is never secondary to the mission of the church. Every child should be welcomed, valued, prayed for, and brought near to Jesus. We are also reminded to approach Christ with childlike dependence—trusting him rather than relying on our own strength, wisdom, or accomplishments.
Lord, I ask that you give me the eyes of a child that sees dependence on you as the only way to live this life.
Pray for the BCS Administrators this week! Pray for Erik Most (Headmaster), Dr. Sara Lott (Principal), Julie Brasington (Pre-School Director), and Sydni Stokes (Assistant Administrator). Pray for wisdom as they lead. Pray for soft and tender hearts as they deal with difficult situations. Pray against the attacks of the enemy and the doubts that come from him. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill them and remind them who they are in Jesus!
As I read the passage for the final time, I listen to how the Lord is inviting me to respond to him. Where in my life do I need to yield in obedience to what he has for me?
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:13-16
Yielding Prayer
Jesus, I yield my time, attention, and influence to you. Use me to welcome children in your name and help them experience your love.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Matthew 18…
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:5-6
Closing Prayer
Lord, enable me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love you today with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to serve you today, by loving and caring for others as I do my own self; and, to exalt you today, by telling the people in my world about the abundant and eternal life found only through faith in Jesus