Dedication Prayer

Dave and I dedicated all three children yesterday, at the first dedication offered by the new church we've been involved in planting. He wrote and read this prayer during the service, which he said could be shared-- plus I think it's becoming a bit awkward trying to abbreviate all the kids' names here since they all start with the same letter..

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Our heavenly Father, thank you for these three children, Elise Joy, Eric Edward, and Elijah Jack that you have given us to parent, love and support over the past four years. We acknowledge that these are your children, and dedicate them to you today, in the presence of our church family.

Help give us, as parents, strength, perseverance, and a selfless love that reflects you, and forgive us for the times we have fallen short of that.

I ask that you would break all the generational sins, curses, and unhealthy thought patterns that could be passed down from us or other family members. In the name of Jesus, I proclaim that these three children would be set aside for you, free from bondage, free to pursue you and love others without being hindered by the past.

Send your Holy Spirit to guide Ellie, Eric and Elijah. That when they lose their way, they would still hear the quiet voice behind them and remember that there is a Father waiting for them who wants them to come home again.

Ellie Joy, you have been a joy to us, and to our family and friends, since the day you were born. We love you and are so thankful for you. We pray that you would become a joy to the nations. We pray that God would woo you, protect you, surround you with the cozy comfort you love when you feel alone, and always be the foundation of your sense of value and identity. May God develop your creativity, kindness, and perceptive spirit to reflect his glory to everyone around you.

Eric Edward, you are a delight to us, and you have amazed us with your indomitable spirit over the past two years. We love you and are so thankful for you. We pray that you would always walk the narrow straight path, and never be swayed to the left or right by popular opinion, in a way that would quietly win over many to Christ. We pray that you would be the wisest steward of all the gifts God has given you, so that you would touch the lives of thousands with your faithful witness. May God give you power, perseverance, and the wind behind your back to run the race well.

Elijah Jack, we love you and are so thankful for you. When you smile, you suspend time, and make us feel that there is no better, no more wonderful place in the world, than to be right there in front of you. We pray that you would be a prophet of God, courageously and lovingly pointing the way to Jesus through your words and actions. We pray that God's words and truths would always come easily to you. May God give you discernment, wisdom and strength to live a life worthy of the calling God has given you.

May all three of you know, experience and be overwhelmed by the love of Christ, so that you may be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God (Ephesians 3:17-19). To Him be the glory for your lives.

In Christ's might name we pray, Amen.