Reading
Matthew 18:1-20
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018:1-20&version=NIV
Scripture
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
Observation
This is probably the one verse in the Bible that provides justification for the idea in folklore that everyone has a guardian angel.
In a general sense, Psalm 91:11-12 illustrates how angels watch over human beings:
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
I also observe here the concept that God may be more attentive to the prayers of children. I remember one of my seminary professors, Dr. Robert Tuttle, telling me that if you want God to hear the prayers for your church, get the children to pray. He said, “When children pray, God perks up and draws close to their prayers.” Is it the innocence of children that pleases God? Not necessarily. More than likely, it is the sincere faith of children, not jaded by skepticism and doubt.
Application
I am going to get my children to pray with me for our church, our world, and also the things they want to pray for like “gold stars at school” and “going to Dairy Queen with Papa”.
Prayer
Dear God, teach us to have the tenderness that you do for all your children. Teach us to listen to our children’s hopes and dreams as you listen so attentively to their prayers. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.