Request for Child Dedication

The Bible (NLT) says in Deuteronomy 6:5-7: " And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today.

Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again."

The commandment of God is that we should diligently raise our children with a faith and trust in God. It is customary that parents bring their children to present them to the Lord publicly and to declare their desire to fulfill the commands of scripture with regard to parenting.

The precedent for the ceremony of child dedication may be found in the Bible, as in the presentation of Samuel to God by Hannah (1 Samuel 1:28) and of Jesus to God The Father by Joseph and Mary (Luke 2:22). Paul reminded Timothy that "from a child" he had known the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15). Jesus considered "the little ones" infinitely precious, and he said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14).

The purpose of child dedication is really to be found in the purpose of the parents. Rightly understood, the ceremony is one also of parental dedication. The parents recognize the child as a gift from God and are challenged to give themselves to obey the command of Paul "Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) This ceremony is most meaningful when parents dedicate themselves, as well as their child, to God.

Child dedication is a time when together we ask God to bless, protect and keep the child in health and safety, and to direct their paths through life.

In the act of dedication, the parents are often asked to respond affirmatively to the following questions as an indication of their desire to publicly acknowledge the importance of their role as parents before God and the Congregation. We ask parents to respond by answering "We do".

1. Do you here this day recognize this child as the gift of God, and give heartfelt thanks for God’s blessing?

2. Do you here this day dedicate this child to the Lord?

3. Do you here this day pledge as parents that you do your utmost to oversee the development of this child physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? (i.e.: in the nurture and admonition of the Lord)

4. Do you here this day promise to give this child every possible benefit of home, of school, and of the church?

Following the affirming of these statements, the Pastor (or his wife) will take the child into his arms, when practical, and a prayer of dedication similar to this will then be prayed.

"Father of all life, we thank Thee for the life now dedicated to Thy love and care. We pray that Thy many mercies may follow (him/her) all (his/her) days. Bless these parents and give them strength to raise this child to become all you desire of (him/her). Help each of us in this congregation to discharge our sacred responsibilities for this precious life. In the name of Thy Son, Jesus who said, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me,’ we humbly pray. Amen."

Please complete the application so we can assist you.

 

Application For Child Dedication

Please take this important step prayerfully and as a matter of your own personal convictions. We are not interested in empty form or tradition alone, but we do love to bless children and dedicate them to the God for His blessing. This open witness of your desire to have your child blessed, and dedicated to God can be a landmark in your Christian experience and a means of blessing for your home and family.

The Pastor will arrange with you a suitable date for the dedication and confirm it with you.

Please contact the Pastor upon arrival the day of dedication for final instructions.

 

------------------------- Return to the Pastor or church office for the Church Records---------------------

 

 

PARENT’S NAME :                                                                                                                                                            

ADDRESS:   ___________________________________________________________________________________

CITY:                                                                                                                                                             

POSTAL CODE :  __________________________________    PHONE #:  _________________________________

FULL NAME OF CHILD:                                                                                                                                                            

DATE OF BIRTH PLACE OF BIRTH :                                                                                                                                                             

PREFERABLE DATE OF DEDICATION:                                                                                                                                                               

THE PARENTS PLEDGE:

We understand as parents, that Child Dedication is an act where we give thanks to God for His precious gift of life, and where we ask for God’s blessings to be place on his/her life. It parallels the beautiful principle whereby Jesus laid His hands on the little children and "blessed them". We also recognize that the Child Dedication service is also an opportunity for parents to declare their intention to nurture and raise the child in the Christian faith.

We would like our child to be dedicated to the lord and have read, and understand the explanation of child dedication.

 

Parent’s Signature:                                                            Date:                                                                   

 

‘TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO: AND WHEN HE IS OLD, HE WILL NOT

DEPART FROM IT" (Prov. 22:6)