You asked for my hands, that You might use them for Your purpose. I gave them for a moment, then withdrew them, for the work was hard.

You asked for my mouth to speak out against injustice. I gave You a whisper that I might not be accused.

You asked for my eyes to see the pain of poverty. I closed them, for I did not want to see.

You asked for my life, that You might work through me. I gave a small part, that I might not get too involved.

Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve You–only when it is convenient for me to do so, only in those places where it is safe to do so, and only with those who make it easy to do so.

Father, forgive me, renew me, send me out as a usable instrument, that I might take seriously the meaning of Your cross. Amen.

–The Worship Source Book from Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

Lord, there are so many things we want for our little ones–safety, comfort, joy, a great spouse, a fulfilling work–but all of that means nothing compared to knowing, loving, following You. So that is our true prayer. May this next generation be mighty warriors for Your kingdom.

We pray that our military children would be forged in this life to be Your servants. As they see their parents do hard things, may they see Your faithfulness and be emboldened. As they go through times of isolation, may they learn to rely solely on You. As they see teamwork, may they be strong against injustice. As they see sacrifice, may they learn to be selfless. As they see good leadership, may they become good leaders.

And Lord, please guard their hearts. Even as they are tough on the outside, may they follow hard with a tender heart.

We pray for the children of the deployed. Lord, hold them in Your arms.

We pray for the kids who are PCSing. Lord, please go before them.

We pray for the big kids finding their way in the world. Lord, please lead them.

We pray for the children of the hurting veterans. Lord, please give them and their homes a peace that only You can give.

We pray for the children of the fallen. Hold them close Lord. Be so very real.

We pray for peace in this world.

Lord, we can ask these things because we know You love them more than we do. You curled their pinky finger, their eyelash, their lock of hair. You opened their eyes and made them sparkle in so many colors. You set their mind turning with new ideas, new questions. You breathed Your breath of life in them. And we are so grateful.