Let the Little Children Come to Me ...

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16

Today begins a week of pure joy and excitement for lots of little ones as they invade Good Shepherd for VBS!

Heavenly Father, as Jesus commanded us to "go and make disciples" and as he rebuked those disciples who were closest to Him, saying "Let the little children come to me", we come before you today asking You to guide and lead everyone involved in vacation Bible school this week at Good Shepherd. Make it a place where all little children will be welcomed and loved and taught the true story of Jesus and what He did and continues to do for them!

Holy Spirit, fill the building and fill the hearts of all who enter it! Do great and marvelous things by planting seeds in the little ones and fertilizing those that have already been planted. Guide the words and actions of each and every person who will be serving this week; use them to share the love of Jesus with everyone they come in contact with ... whether it be little children, the children's parents, teens that will be watching them, or other adults in their midst. Speak through each and every person at VBS, Lord.

Father God, thank you for providing beautiful weather; please keep the temperature and humidity at comfortable levels all week; keep storms at bay during the VBS hours.

Thank you for the wonderful building You provided for Your church at Good Shepherd; please keep it a safe shelter for everyone, and guard against any injuries or illness from entering.

Thank you for the technology You have provided; please let everything work smoothly so there are no hindrances or distractions and everyone can just focus on You, Lord.

Precious Jesus, as You continued in teaching Your disciples, You added, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." These are Your words, Lord Jesus, and may we heed them!

Jesus, may we all be like little children when it comes to humbling ourselves and believing everything You tell us in Your Word. Open our eyes, hearts, and minds to see everything and everyone around us as You see them. Help us to fully comprehend that You really do love us all so much that You gave Your very life for us so that we can live with You forever in heaven! Help us to know and believe that the Kingdom of God belongs to us ... Your children; young and old!

Fill us with You, God ... so that everything we do is centered on helping people to know, love, and follow Your beloved son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray! Amen!