When Children Pray | Blog written by CRY project partner in Northern Nigeria, Gotname Bitrus-Ibrahim.
"They are too young to understand" is a common refrain that I frequently hear from parents and caregivers, expressing concerns about the capacity of children to grasp complex or profound concepts. However, I firmly believe and often counter that such a notion does not hold true universally; indeed, the devil does not underestimate the potential within young minds.
It is crucial to seize the opportunity to teach children at an early age about the boundless love exemplified by Jesus Christ. Instilling in them a compassionate heart for nations, encouraging them to pray fervently for children like themselves across the globe.
It is of paramount importance. While formal education is undoubtedly valuable and serves as an important vehicle, it should be seen as a means to a greater end, which is spreading God's love and justice for our world. At our foundation (Hasken Arewa Foundation), we have made it our mission to engage with these young ones early, recognising the potential within them to be powerful advocates for divine love and truth.
Moreover, there is no "Junior Holy Spirit"; the workings and wonders He performs in an adult are equally accessible and desired within a child. The children we reach out to at the Hasken Arewa Foundation have endured the harsh realities of violence, deprivation, and illness. Through these trials, they have encountered the redemptive love of Christ and are ardently yearning for other nations to experience this transformative love as well.
As adults, we must face this challenge and reevaluate our priorities, particularly if we have neglected what truly matters to God: the souls of men. God's heart yearns for souls to be reconciled to Him, and that desire is as fervent now as ever. Therefore, if there ever existed a time to intercede with prayers for nations, that time is undoubtedly now. Let us rise to the occasion, nurturing the faith in our children and engaging in earnest prayer, so that the love and message of Christ can spread to every corner of the earth.
