Receive a child or other lowly person with real welcome, as if welcoming Jesus

Be kind when it is easy, but keep your real attention for more impressive people

Help children mainly so others notice your faith

Wait until the person is mature enough to be worth your time

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and that I need your mercy. I turn from my sin and from every proud way that resists you. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord, and I come to you like a child who needs to be received. Please receive me and make me yours. Amen.

Come to Jesus as a Child

Lord, revive your church so we receive the small, the young, and the overlooked with the same honor we would give to you. Break pride, heal indifference, and teach us to see your face in those the world treats as unimportant. Make us a people who welcome as you welcome, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Your Church Welcome Again

Father, thank you that Jesus is not ashamed to stand with a child like this. Thank you that when we welcome the lowly, we are drawn nearer to him. Give us grateful hearts that honor what you honor, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank You for Identifying with the Little Ones

Lord, forgive me for the times I have measured people by status, usefulness, or ease. Turn my heart from neglect and self-importance. Give me repentance that becomes gentle, ready to receive the small, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

From Pride to Welcome

Pray by naming one child, young person, or overlooked neighbor. Ask God to help you see them as precious to Jesus, and then ask for one concrete way to welcome them this week.

Pray for One Child by Name

Pray for children, the vulnerable, and those who feel unseen: that God would protect them, place faithful people around them, and give the church eyes to honor them well.

For the Vulnerable and Overlooked

καὶ{KE###KEH###(And)} ὃς{HOS###HOHS###Whoever} ⸀ἐὰν{e-AN###eh-AHN###(if)} δέξηται{DEK-see-te###DEHK-see-teh###receives} ⸂ἓν{HEN###HEHN###one} παιδίον{pe-DI-on###peh-DEE-ohn###child} τοιοῦτο⸃{tee-OO-to###tee-OO-toh###such} ἐπὶ{e-PI###eh-PEE###in} τῷ{TO###TOH###(the)} ὀνόματί{o-no-ma-TI###oh-noh-ma-TEE###name} μου,{moo###moo###my} ἐμὲ{e-ME###eh-MEH###me} δέχεται.{DE-khe-te###DEH-kheh-teh###receives}

Matthew 18:5 — FormalTAB

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