Praying Can Have Much to do With the Guarding and Training of Young Lives

Once more we have a very touching and beautiful and instructive incident in Christ’s praying, this time having to do with infants in their mothers’ arms, like a parable as well as historical:

“Then were there brought unto him little children that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
“But when Jesus saw it he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.
“Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
“And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them and blessed them.”

This was one of the few times when stupid ignorance and unspiritual views aroused His righteous anger and displeasure. Very important principles were involved. The foundations were being destroyed, and worldly views activated the disciples. Their temper and their words in rebuking those who brought their infants to Christ were exceedingly wrong. The very principles for which He came to illustrate and spread were being violated.

Christ received the little ones. The big ones must become little ones. The old ones must become young ones before Christ will receive them. Prayer helps the little ones. The cradle must be invested with prayer. We are to pray for our little ones. The children are right now to be brought to Jesus Christ by prayer, as He is in Heaven and not on earth. They are to be brought to Him early for His blessing, even when they are infants.

His blessing descends upon these little ones in answer to the prayers of those who bring them. With untiring importunity are they to be brought to Christ in earnest, persevering prayer by their fathers and mothers. Before they know themselves, anything about coming of their own accord, parents are to present them to God in prayer, seeking His blessing upon their offspring and at the same time asking for wisdom, for grace and Divine help to rear them that they may come to Christ when they arrive at the years of accountability of their own accord.

Only holy hands and holy praying can have much to do with the guarding and training of young lives and to form young characters for righteousness and ready them for Heaven.