Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Praying for children is so important. They have future peaks and valleys in life to navigate through, and a future decision to make on whether to follow after Jesus or not.

Jesus’s disciples did not understand how highly he valued children. They probably saw the need to pray for them as less than the needs of those who were sick, hurting, or suffered from demon possession.

How highly do I value children, and am I willing to pray for them and invest in them?

Jesus elevated them to the highest place and said: “For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” What qualities of children made them instant heaven-goers?

It is the simplicity and strength of their faith in those who are over them, their honest integrity and their humility.

How can I have a childlike faith? I must place myself in the position of a child and place God in the position of my Father. I must approach him simply, with honesty and humility. And I must trust him to have my best in store for me.

Lord, thank you for the ways you connect to me as my Heavenly Father. May I approach you as a child does his papa, and seek to be with you frequently. Relationship with you is a rich treasure!