Day 28 In The Lenten Season – Very Rev. Prof. Konyinsola Àjàyí, SAN.

 

*April 1: Day 28 – A Prayer for the Safety, Protection, and Well-being of Children*

 

Dear Heavenly Father, the Eternal Source of Life, the Loving Shepherd Who gathers His lambs in His arms, the Watchful Guardian Who never abandons His own, the Everlasting Guardian, the Shield of the innocent, the Keeper of Israel Who neither slumbers nor sleeps, I lift before You the children of this generation—those whom You have fearfully and wonderfully made.

 

From the moment of their conception, You have known them; from the foundation of the world, You have ordained their steps – so reasonable – Lord, in Your fatherly love and boundless mercy, shield them, protect them, and raise them in the way of righteousness; cover them under the shadow of Your wings; surround them with Your consuming fire; and insulate them from the evils of this age.

 

Lord God Almighty, from Whom all fatherhood derives its name, this world grows darker, its dangers multiplying, its deceptions deepening—but You remain the Light that cannot be overcome, so Father, as unrighteousness  —especially amongst children— advances and deception entangles them, let Your light go before them like a pillar of fire, guiding their steps in righteousness.

 

Deflect their eyes from corruption, their minds from confusion, their souls from defilement, and their bodies from harm.

 

Guard their minds against the lies of the self-acclaimed god of this age, their hearts against the seduction of sin, and their bodies against the hands of the wicked. Let no evil hand snatch them from Your grip; let no foul spirit pollute their innocence; and O Lord, preserve them from the snares of the fowler that lurk in the shadows of this generation.

 

O Righteous Judge, silence the voices of perversion that seek to corrupt their minds. Frustrate the schemes of those who prey on the young and rebuke the spirits of rebellion, lawlessness, and deception that roam the earth, seeking to claim the next generation. Instead, O Lord, clothe these children with wisdom beyond their years, with understanding that defies the confusion of this world.

 

O Lord, let these children be holy in an unholy world, set apart in a generation that has lost its way; let them be lights that cannot be hidden, voices that speak truth, and hearts that burn only for You; let them walk in discernment, knowing good from evil, choosing truth over lies, righteousness over compromise, and holiness over defilement.

 

Grant these my prayers for the sake of Your little children, which Your Son —Jesus Christ— so loves, as I ask the same, in His Name.

 

*Amen.*

 

 

 

*Patriarch’s Note.*

 

 

I cherish you, in the love of the LORD!

 

*HAPPY NEW MONTH!* Thank you for the grace of contributing to such a significant theme as we celebrate our entry into a new month, April. It is an honour, especially regarding the innocent lives we strive to safeguard. Here are the *KEY BIBLE VERSES* that resonate with our prayer.

 

1. *Psalm 91:11-12*

*_“For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.”_*

 

2. *Matthew 19:14*

*_“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'”_*

 

3. *Isaiah 54:13*

*_“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children.”_*

 

4. *Proverbs 22:6*

*_“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old, he will not depart from it.”_*

 

5. *Mark 10:16*

*_“And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”_*

 

These Bible verses reinforce the themes of divine protection, guidance, and love surrounding our children. They remind us that children are a precious gift from God and that His angels are appointed to guard them. As we lift our prayers for the safety and well-being of the young, we can have confidence that God cherishes their innocence, watches over them diligently, and teaches them peace and wisdom.

 

Let us continue to pray for a generation of children who will be lights in this world, equipped to face challenges with the strength and discernment that come from a relationship with Christ. May our prayers bolster their spirits and shield them from life’s adversities, allowing them to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and faith.

 

*May God bless these little ones abundantly, raising them to be steadfast in His ways. May He inspire us to be their protectors and guardians in faith, ìn Jesus’ Name.*

 

AMEN.