The Family that Prays Together, Stays Together - Part 2
The Family that Prays Together, Stays Together • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 6 viewsIt's a cliche phrase, but it really is true: the family that prays together, stays together. In a world full of so many churches that commodify family ministries, it's critical to remember that the family unit is something very intentional and holy in the eyes of God. When we export our faith responsibilities to church programs, we miss out on the glue that keeps families together: God's design. This second, in a two part series, message will look at what it means to parent in a Godly way, prioritizing God's place in our lives and letting our parenting decisions flow from that point. It is a powerful thought that holds us accountable towards something more than ourselves.
Notes
Transcript
Thoughts on Dedication
Thoughts on Dedication
My testimony: I always wanted kids and even joked that if I had things my way, we would have gotten married and had kids soon thereafter.
Once we finally decided to have kids, we did so much prep-work to do everything “right”.
Despite that, we lost our first child early on which was devastating.
Shortly after, I remember seeing a friend who was a mother acting exasperated at her child and venting about how much trouble they are and all I could think was, “I wish I could explain to her how much I have prayed for the blessing of that inconvenience.”
NOT YOURS: Children are blessings from God
Nothing is owed; everything good is from above.
Jesus Christ showed special preference towards children...
13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 After placing his hands on them, he went on from there.
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a small child and had him stand among them. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.
It stands to reason that if JESUS CHRIST placed a special blessing upon children, we too much acknowledge the position of blessing they have in our own life.
OBLIGATIONS TO GOD: Raise the child correctly
Perhaps this is Solomon found it necessary to remind us...
6 Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.
It is the job of the parents to give their children Jesus; not the church, school, or society as a whole.
God blessed you with that child, so the least you could do it teach that child about the One who did the blessing!
Image of Dedication
Image of Dedication
My favorite image of child dedication is found in the story of Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel who also had complications with her own parental journey.
Characters
Hannah - Mother of Samuel
Elkanah - Hannah’s husband
Eli - Priest
20 After some time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, because she said, “I requested him from the Lord.” 21 When Elkanah and all his household went up to make the annual sacrifice and his vow offering to the Lord, 22 Hannah did not go and explained to her husband, “After the child is weaned, I’ll take him to appear in the Lord’s presence and to stay there permanently.” 23 Her husband, Elkanah, replied, “Do what you think is best, and stay here until you’ve weaned him. May the Lord confirm your word.” So Hannah stayed there and nursed her son until she weaned him.
Never Forget: Hannah remembered her need on God; remembered her thankfulness to God
Priorities: Elkanah wanted to celebrate, but Hannah wanted to honor God first (first fruits!)
24 When she had weaned him, she took him with her to Shiloh, as well as a three-year-old bull, half a bushel of flour, and a clay jar of wine. Though the boy was still young, she took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull and brought the boy to Eli. 26 “Please, my lord,” she said, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this boy, and since the Lord gave me what I asked him for, 28 I now give the boy to the Lord. For as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” Then he worshiped the Lord there.
Hannah remembered her dependency on God in her time of triumph.
As parents, we want peace and prosperity for our children… a chance to live with contentment and blessing.
We also know life will do everything it can to stand in the way of contentment.
This is why it is essential to bring our children up to know God so that they, too, can lean on Him during hard times and praise Him during good times.
Dedication Service
Dedication Service
Parents -
Please look at your children. After each statement, affirm these words by responding ‘I DO’.”
Will you raise this child to know their Creator and all His wonders? If so, state “I DO”.
Will you nurture their faith as they grow and learn about the love of Christ? If so, state “I DO”.
Will you guide and protect their footsteps as they live a life sanctified from the maladies of our physical world? If so, state “I DO”.
Will you surround them with a church family and cloud of witnesses who will aid in their growth into disciples of Christ? If so, state “I DO”.
Church Family -
Church family, after each statement, affirm these words by responding ‘WE DO’.”
Do you commit to supporting these parents on their journey following Christ’s teachings?
Do you commit to supporting these children as they grow, affording them all grace, instruction, and compassion deserving of any child of God?
Do you commit to living as examples of Christ’s teachings, to witness Christ’s love in action as these children grow?
Pastor - [Walks in front of each child, anointing their heads with oil.]
“All of these statements being answered in the affirmative, I dedicate you, Kai Biggs, Oliver Stanley, and Hudson Storke, to the glory and service of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
