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PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST DEDICATED TO CHILDREN

We invite you to create a sacred space and if possible, where you can pray with children and parents.

Holy One in your presence, we are gathered in the name of God, the Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen!

Song: The Least of These

Holy One , Your Word calls us to hunger and thirst for righteousness — a righteousness that leads to compassion for the poor and a renewing of minds. Lead us to this kind of faith and action that works to make a better world for all children.

KYRIE: Jesus Shepherd of all humanity

1. Jesus, shepherd of all humanity You came to look for those who were lost Have mercy on us, bring us back Bring us back to you, have mercy on us

2. Jesus, shepherd of all humanity You came to heal those who were sick Have mercy on us, bring us back Bring us back to you, have mercy on us

3. Jesus, Shepherd of all humanity, You came to save those who were sinners. Have mercy on us, bring us back Bring us back to you, have mercy on us

Gospel Reading: Mark 10, 13-16

13.People were bringing little children to Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them,

14.but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is too such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.

15.In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'

16.Then Jesus embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing."

Let us acclaim the word of God. Praise be to You Jesus Christ!

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Let us take the children to Jesus – the abused child, the trafficked child, the hungry child, the malnurished child, the child in bonded labour,

Let us take the children to Jesus – as we work to ensure that children receive a good education

Let us take the children to Jesus as we work to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation

Let us take the children to Jesus as we work and advocate ensuring right based services for all

Let us take the children to Jesus as we seek to eradicate poverty and share generously

Let us take the children to Jesus as we pledge to end child labour by 2025

Let us take children to Jesus as we implement at child safeguarding policies

Let us take the children to Jesus – the illiterate one, the one without a birth certificate, the one who has been married as a child, is pregnant, a mother or a widow and yet a child

Let us take the children to Jesus as we ensure girls are educated and valued.

Gracious, merciful and loving God, teach us to see with open eyes, feel with new hearts, touch with healing hands and hear with clear ears the needs of our children. May we be humanity in a world that can be inhumane, justice in a world that can be unjust and peace in times of chaos and confusion.

Our Father

Song: I’ll bless the Lord of (Jean Claude Giannada)

I will bless God at all times. I will bless the Holy One singing Her love is so strong and her name is so big At all times. I will bless singing. I will bless I will move forward with God , with a loving heart. I will walk with the Holy One with a burning heart And despite, the fog, the cold and the wind. I will say "God alone is great" I will say "God alone is great" Since I am her child forever. Since for me You are a Loving God Open arms, every day, every moment you wait for me I will say "God alone is great". I will say "God alone is great"

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Prayer: Reading Below with Musical Background Creator God, You gave us life. You are the source of all life. And you have given us children to take care of your life. Children are source of our joy, hope and our future. Yet, we confess that we have not lived up to our calling in this world. Children around us are dying of hunger, of disease and of violence. Innocent lives are abandoned and abused. Often times, we feel helpless and powerless in the face of such despair and brokenness. Have mercy on us! Forgive us of our greed and our complacency. Grant us the courage to trust you and to lead the world to your guidance. Help us to see and to know that children are our future and our purpose for being. We live for your children, as we are your children. Thank you for the promise of your abiding presence in our lives. We commit our lives unto you. Use us as instruments of your love and your peace for all the children of the world. — Heasun Kim, Scranton, United Methodist Women National Staff May the Holy One bless us and keep us, may God strengthen our steps in faith. In the name of God, the Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen!

Prayer prepared by Sr. Jeanne Dibor NDENE, Senegal