The Father's Gifts...Kids/Childrens Prayer
   Every time the church doors open for worship, there are gifts waiting to be opened, or shared from our Heavenly Father. Some of these gifts are for adults, some are for children, and some are for "whosoever will."

Opening His Gifts...Kids/Childrens Prayer
   Have you ever opened a gift when a small child was near you? They get as excited, if not more so, than you do. Have you ever let them help you open a gift? Why is that? Is it because you couldn't do it on your own? No, you sensed that their enjoyment and excitement outweighed your right to open your own gift. Hearing the giggles and feeing the wiggles of excitement can be so invigorating. This doesn't mean that they are mature enough to handle the gift you received, but the mingling effect of their laughter and your joy is almost a gift in itself. Chances are when you talk about the experience later, you're sure to mention the help you received.

New Level of Excitement...Kids/Childrens Prayer
   Involving children heightens the level of excitement in a local church. When children are allowed to participate intergenerationally and use their gifts, interesting things happen.

•    The curiosity of children and their natural excitement touches off an emotional response in adults and youth. It's true, there may be some in the crowd who might respond with the spiritual equivalent of "Bah! Humbug!" If so, don't be discouraged. The old mentality of "children are to be seen and not heard" will be challenged, but for those who can grasp the implication of Joel 2:28, the extra effort will be worth the results!
•    Kids begin to feel like they belong and in time will get comfortable in their surroundings. 75% of kids who grow up in the church leave it when they leave for college. Why? Because what they learn seems so irrelevant and they are seldom allowed to use what they are taught to participate as they grow up in the church. Being included in receiving the offering, ushering, prayer leadership, altar service, testimonies, etc., helps give them ways to use their knowledge in practical ways. Allowing kids to express their spiritual gifts in a kid-friendly environment grows strong spiritual giants that will remain committed.
•    Adults take ownership of "their kids." When children are treated respectfully they respond in kind. The children who were once seen as a thorn in the church's side, are seen in a new light...which affects their chances of survival in the church. When singles, seniors, and parents begin to see the children participating in services as "our kids," then that vested interest and concern brings results. Children can be spiritual giants who stand on the shoulders of their mentors.

Submitted by: AC (c) 2004