Pray ... "For Our Children"

I have never had any children of my own, but having taught for over 40 years I have had the wonderful opportunity to love hundreds of children. Over those 40+ years, I have seen many changes in our culture, changes which create great concern for "my" children and the children of "my" children.

Scripture says, "... whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Everything contrary to what that Scripture verse says was present 2000 years ago when it was penned, but in today's culture with the media, the internet, facebook, etc. etc. the contrary is ever so much more readily accessible. All of this can be used for good, but the temptation for our children (and for us) is ever present for the contrary.

I am always challenged and/or encouraged by reading Amy Carmichael's books. She was an Irish missionary to India in the last century who worked to rescue children from temple prostitution. Today I came across this prayer/poem that she wrote. Lord, help me to be faithful to pray for "my" children.

FOR OUR CHILDREN

FATHER hear us, we are praying,
Hear the words our hearts are saying,
We are praying for our children.

Keep them from the powers of evil,
From the secret, hidden peril,
From the whirlpool that would suck them,
From the trecherous quicksand, pluck them.

From the worldling's hollow gladness,
From the sting of faithless sadness,
Holy Father, save our children.

Through life's troubled water's steer them,
Through life's bitter battle cheer them,
Father, Father, be Thou near them,
Read the language of our longing,
Read the wordless pleadings thronging,
Holy Father, for our children.

And wherever they may hide,
Lead them Home at eventide.