Even before birth, we touch them. When they kick, we poke back at them, hoping to encourage more movement.
At the moment of birth, the tiny body is placed on Mom. Skin to skin is best, the nurses sing out. And with the touch comes bonding.
Somewhere in between birth and 2 years of age, the toddler becomes harder to keep up with, harder to keep still. If you’re like me, you’ve found that opportunities for intentional touch have to be sought after.
One of my children would sit for hours and be caressed and kissed. The other one- not so much. There’s nothing wrong with that; they are just different from each other. They’ve been that way since birth.
But I’ve recently discovered something unique.
It all started with my love of listening to Scripture being read aloud. I can’t even put into words how much it moves my spirit and blesses me to hear God’s words read aloud on CD, especially when the verses are backed with good music.
One day while listening to Betty Panosian read aloud on one of the Scripture Meditations CDs, I was almost startled to hear a verse that I had never really stopped and thought about. I stopped washing dishes, dried my hands and replayed the track.
“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray.” Matthew 19:13
“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” Mark 10:13
“And he took them up in his arms, and put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:16
Can you visualize this incident with me? On this day in history {and perhaps many other days like it}, parents bring their children to Jesus with the simple request that He would touch them, bless them, pray for them. The disciples become nervous that these little hard-to-keep-still offspring will disrupt Jesus’ very important schedule. They rebuke the parents. Jesus becomes much displeased, and I imagine that He is almost offended that someone should suggest such a thing. He rebukes the disciples and brings a bit of reality to their perspective as to why He is even on the earth.
Then He softens and turns his gaze on the precious little ones. He reaches out and touches them.
They become still.
He picks a few of them up. He prays for them. Blesses them. Returns them to their parents.
I don’t know about you, but I’m so humbled by this picture! Christ obviously felt that it was very important to touch the children while He prayed. And still there are many other places in the Gospels where we read of His touching those whom He ministered to.
I wonder, who were those children who received that very special touch and prayer that day? Did they grow up to be great servants of God? Are they mentioned later in Scripture? Did they remember that moment as long as they lived? Did their mothers scratch an entry in their parchment baby books, “Held by Jesus today. Touched, blessed, and prayed for by the God of the universe.” I just wonder.
Back to my discovery…
I’ve noticed that when I put my hands on my children while I pray for them, they become still. Perhaps they are at the perfect age to realize what Mommy is doing. Nonetheless, it touches ME to see how they respond during my prayers for them. With my cuddly one, it’s pretty easy to touch and pray. With my independent one, it takes a little more effort on my part to initiate the touch. It takes some intentional calming on the child’s part to allow the touch. It’s with this child that I see the greatest effect.
I don’t know why, but it comforts me. It makes me feel like I’m doing something Jesus did for children, and that someday it will matter that I put my hands on my children while I prayed for them.
I’m not talking about some magical power- just a deeper connection during prayer.
It’s a gift we can give to our children. A gift that, were Christ on earth in person, we know He would give to our children.
Try it with me? See what a difference it makes over time.
Something about that gentle touch with children, it gives a sense of contentment.
It is a way of saying “I love you” I like your suggestion about putting your hand on
them while pray with them, it will give them that feeling of LOVE. I don’t think we
can give too much love.
I agree- it communicates love, and probably a lot more than we realize.
I always put my hand on Ezra’s back when we pray before bedtime and naps. I have noticed not just with kids, but even when praying with sisters in Christ, what a difference touch can make. When I first started hanging around with non-IFB ladies and they wanted to hold hands or lay hands on each other during prayer I thought it was SOOOOOO WEIRD, but in time, I came to not only accept it but realize how often touch is associated with prayer in Scripture, and should not at all be shunned. Love this post!
Oh, Absolutely! I often put my hands on a lady while I’m praying for her. I’ve found that it actually helps them relax if they are feeling stressed or even awkward about me praying aloud. It does wonders to soothe a soul! 🙂
I have never thought of that before. I did realize the other day – the more I hug, the more I grab their hands and hold them, the more I dance with my daughter in the kitchen – the more joy is found in our home. Thank you for this reminder
Rebecca, thank you for your kind words. This is an area where I, too, am learning! And…I did dance with my daughter in the kitchen the other day. It was fun! 🙂 Blessings to you!
[…] Bless Them With Touch: Leah shares how important it is to hug, cuddle and just be next to our children. This post is one that can change the entire mood of your home. It is one of my very favorites of all time! […]