I was reading Matthew 11 and looked up a commentary to further research Jesus’ words in verse 12.  “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been treated violently, and violent men take it by force.”

The commentary had this quote from Charles Spurgeon.

“Frequently complaints are made and surprise expressed by individuals who have never found a blessing rest upon anything they have attempted to do in the service of God. ‘I have been a Sunday-school teacher for years,’ says one, ‘and I have never seen any of my girls or boys converted.’ No, and the reason most likely is you have never been violent about it; you have never been compelled by the Divine Spirit to make up your mind that converted they should be, and no stone should be left unturned until they were. You have never been brought by the Spirit to such a passion, that you have said, ‘I cannot live unless God bless me. I cannot exist unless I see some of these children saved.’ Then, falling on your knees in agony of prayer, and putting forth afterwards your trust with the same intensity towards heaven, you would never have been disappointed, ‘for the violent take it by force.’”

What’s being addressed here is passivity.  Passivity is an acceptance of what happens, without active response or resistance.  To me, that’s akin to ignoring the fact that we have a powerful God who loves and cares for His children and is deeply interested in their lives.   

As Christians, particularly in leadership, we cannot afford to be passive, especially when it comes to the children in our care. The world and Satan never hold back, but ruthlessly and aggressively seek to destroy them.  And we may have as little as an hour one day of the week to influence them. Praying for the children in our classes is vital. 

Pray for Children Because Their Hearts Are Tender

Children have hearts like soft soil—ready to receive seeds of truth, love, and encouragement. What we plant through stories, memory verses, and simple acts of kindness matters. But when we pray, we’re asking God to water those seeds, to protect them from weeds of confusion, fear, or doubt. We’re asking for divine help to nurture lasting fruit: faith, joy, peace.

Pray for Children Because the World Is Loud

Even the youngest among us are bombarded by noise—from social pressures to fractured homes, to screens that speak louder than truth. Prayer becomes a shield, a covering of peace. It’s a way to stand in the gap and say, “Lord, let Your voice be the one they hear most clearly.” We ask for their ears to be tuned to God’s voice in a world that often shouts.

Pray for Children Because We Are Partners in Their Journey

Praying for the children in our Kid’s Ministry isn’t about us being spiritual superheroes—it’s about humility. We admit we don’t have all the answers, and we need help as we guide these young hearts. In prayer, we partner with God, with parents, with the Holy Spirit to lead them toward the One who knows them intimately.

Pray for Children Because They Teach Us, Too

We’ve all watched a child sing with abandon or pray with simple faith.  Jesus used the example of a child’s openness and trust as an illustration in Matthew 18:3: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” So, in that respect, we can learn from them.  Their questions challenge us. Their enthusiasm lifts us. Their honesty humbles us. To achieve this kind of environment, we need to soak our kids and ministry in prayer. 

Pray before you step into the Kid’s Church this week. Not just because it’s required, but because prayer is powerful.  Speak the names of your children aloud. Ask for their salvation. Pray for God’s protection, wisdom, and joy. And ask for His help to be the kind of leader who will not passively sit, but one who will actively seek the kingdom of Heaven for children’s lives.