Love Everybody
The prayers of children often reveal the wide and generous love of God at work in the world.
My friend and colleague Jodi-beth McCain recently shared a beautiful glimpse of God’s generous care through the reflections of her students. As a group of seven, eight and nine year-olds prepared to receive communion for the first time, they reflected on a prompt:
“If you want to have the Kingdom of God, observe the commandment ____________.”
One child suggested, “Love everyone.” The group agreed, but they were not yet satisfied. Another child suggested, “Love everybody.” Many agreed and spoke of loving more than just humans, that “everybody” could include animals, plants, and all of God’s creation.
On the day of their communion celebration, they shared prayers they had written together:
We pray for help for people who are in need or are hungry or homeless.
We pray that everyone feels they are part of our community and that we celebrate all of our differences.
We pray for all of God’s creation, for plants and trees and for Oak Flat to survive and have peace.
We pray for people who are having hard times, who are scared, or who have lost loved ones.
We pray for wasps, chihuahuas, and horses, and for animals with diseases or without a home.
We pray for animals in danger of extinction — for koalas, northern white rhinos, and endangered snakes — that they may live as long as possible.
We pray for light, hope, equality, and family for all.
The children’s prayers move between people, animals, plants, communities, and creation itself. Their vision of God’s kingdom is expansive, tender, and deeply hopeful.
We are in the season of Pentecost, when the church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gathers people together across differences and renews the world through love. As we enter this season, children can teach us about the radical communion and expansive love of God.
Holy Spirit, come!
Parents! Would you like to explore more about this season with us? Send a story, question, or suggestion in the comments.
Family Celebration: Love Walk
Love becomes larger every time we practice seeing another person, creature, or part of creation as belonging to God.
When we observe and listen to God with children, they can sometimes help us notice aspects of God we might otherwise miss. Young children share their gifts of awe and wonder and call us to root ourselves in thanksgiving for God’s gifts all around us. Older children might reveal gifts of wisdom and counsel, reminding us of the work still to be done in building God’s kingdom of shalom.
To celebrate these gifts together, take a “Love Everybody” Holy Spirit walk outdoors. Use your senses to notice the feeling of the wind, the smell of flowers, and the sights and sounds around you. As you walk, wonder aloud:
- What do we notice that God loves?
- What needs God’s care today?
- What can we do to help show care and love?
Pause to give thanks for and bless what you see: trees, birds, insects, neighbors, gardens, clouds, and creatures small and large.
You may wish to end by praying together: “Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth.”
Family Prayer: Come Holy Spirit
The prayers of children can reveal the wide and generous love of the Holy Spirit, like the prayers Jodi-beth shared from her students. During a meal, family prayer time, or after a “Love Everybody” walk, wonder together with your child about the people, creatures, and places God loves, and how we are called to love them too.
You may wish to write your own prayers together or follow this simple liturgy. Let the things your family notices and loves guide your prayer.
Leader: Holy Spirit, come.
All: Renew the face of the earth.
For people who are hungry, homeless, or in need…
Come, Holy Spirit.
For animals, squirrels, ants, and pets…
Come, Holy Spirit.
For peace, hope, equality, and belonging for all…
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Help us become people of peace, compassion, and courage, so that the light of Christ may shine through our lives and in our world. Amen.
Music can also be a wonderful way to pray! Singing expresses joy, peace, comfort, and love, giving children and adults a natural way to pray together.
For example, the song “A Place in the Choir,” is a joyful celebration of God’s diverse creation and the unique place all God’s critters have in the world. You can listen to it and other songs for children here, or download the sheet music with simple arrangements for piano and guitar.
You may also enjoy our Pentecost playlist for a Spirit-filled celebration at home, in the car, or wherever you are.
Grace Space Shelf
Look for these books at your library or local bookstore, or if you purchase using these affiliate links, we will get a small percentage. Thank you for supporting our work!
The Seed of God
By: Genelda Woggon
Illustrator: Alicia Jewell
$25.00
Ages 3+
This bilingual five-book set from Center for Children & Theology introduces young children to the heart of the Gospel message through simple language and gentle illustrations. Small enough for little hands, these beloved books invite children to wonder about God’s love, presence, and care for all people and creation.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
By: Cecil Frances Alexander
Illustrator: Bruce Whatley
$15.99
Ages 3+
This beautifully illustrated picture book brings the beloved hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander to life for a new generation of readers. Rich with imagery and wonder, the familiar words celebrate birds and flowers, mountains and rivers, and all the “bright and beautiful” things God has made. This book is a joyful invitation to notice the beauty of creation with gratitude and awe.
Bright Morning Stars
By: Nancee Pace Cline
Illustrator: Charlotte Joy Cline
$20.00
Ages 6+
This celebration of creation invites children to wonder at God’s work, integrating the Creation accounts with our expanding understanding of the universe and life. It reverently declares the gifts of the solar system, humankind, and the earth with its creatures small and large (including references to the wonderful song “A Place in the Choir!”). Quotes from the Bible, saints, and scientists show the child how humanity celebrates God’s work through discovery and wonder.
Grace Space Families is a project of the Center for Children & Theology. These resources are made possible through the generosity of our community. Please consider making a gift to the Center for Children & Theology to support our ongoing efforts to learn from and share the insights of children.