A Service of Dedication for Children

 

Invitation: When the people of Israel once brought their little ones to Jesus, the disciples rebuked them.  But our Lord Jesus said to them: "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them...for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Luke 18:15-17). Jesus blessed the little children and dedicated them to God.  Jesus himself was dedicated in the temple and blessed by the elder Simeon.

 

Let us follow Jesus example and bring the little children unto God and let us dedicate their lives to the glory of God Almighty. 

Presentation of the children by name (allow the childen to be held by mom or dad / grandma or grandpa, etc)

Prayer over each child with laying on of hands:

God of all creation, loving Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,we offer you grateful praise for the life of  name of child.  We thank you for sending him/her into our community.  We ask you to bless him/her with your presence and to surround him/her with your love, grace and strength so that s/he may grow up to be a faithful follower of Christ.

Lord, we also want to affirm the parents, grandparents, and this community of faith at this time of joy and celebration.  We ask you that you would enable us to surround him/her with your love, to provide instruction in the way of our faith, and to be living examples of faithful believers.  Fill name of child  with your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus, our Savior.  Amen.

Presentation of children's bible and dedication certificate.