This Sunday (July 14^th) our son John will be dedicated to the Lord. Although my wife and I did this long before he was born, Sunday will be more of a public proclamation in front of our church family. Steph and I have the God-given responsibility of raising this child, but there is also an element of resignation on our part where we give John back to the Lord. In essence we are saying, “He is yours God – use him for the glory of your name.” This is our prayer – the prayer we have been praying for the past year and will continue to pray as John continues to grow and develop.

Precious Jesus,

Thank you for blessing us with our little man, John. When he was born, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I cried. What a wonderful blessing John has been to our family! As we prepare for his formal dedication service on Sunday, we want to commit him to you. He is yours. Use him as you see fit. Bring him to a saving knowledge of the Jesus, even at a young age. May he come to understand and glory in the gospel of Jesus Christ and may you raise him up to be a great man of God.

May John love you with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. Give him a good mind that is exercised in the things of God. Give him a heart that longs hard after you. Give him a mouth that proclaims your grace and goodness wherever you send him. Give him the courage to stand for truth – Your Truth – in a world that is constantly shifting and embracing evil at an alarming rate. Give John the strength to persevere and remain steadfast for Christ. Give him a love for Thy Word and give him wisdom beyond his years. Bless him with a wonderful wife who shares the same love for Christ. And give them children of their own to dedicate back to you.

What a gift you have given us in our son John! May you now give us the grace we need to “bring him up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Stephane and I can’t do this apart from your grace and wisdom. And when he is all grown up, help us to let go of him. Following Jesus is risky and dangerous and you may send him somewhere we don’t think is “safe.” But we give him to you – he is dedicated to your service, wherever and whatever you may call him to. Fill John with your Spirit. Guide him all his days. Empower him with your grace.

In Jesus name, Amen.