The following prayer of confession is included in the 2021 Discipleship and Christian Education Guide, downloadable from the ABHMS website. Easily photocopiable versions of the prayer in English, French, Spanish and Traditional Chinese are available for download there as well.

 

 A Prayer of Confession

 

Leader: We say, “The children are our future.”

Group: You say, “Children are a heritage from me.”

 

Leader: We say, “Sit still and be quiet!”

Group: You say, “Out of the mouths of children I have ordained praise.”

 

Leader: We say, “My house, my rules.”

Group: You say, “To them belongs my kingdom.”

 

Leader: We say, “I’m in charge here; obey me!”

Group: You say, “Humble yourself like a child or miss the kingdom.”

 

Leader: We say, “Their parents shouldn’t have brought them here!”

Group: You say, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.”

 

Leader: We say, “They are illegal.”

Group: You say, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.

 

Leader: We say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Group: You say, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.”

 

ALL: Forgive us when we are stumbling blocks to little ones. Replace our words with yours. Temper our actions with your love. Open our ears to the voices of children and make us answers to their prayers.