Parenting (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Psalm 78:1-8 )
4“Tattao ti Israel, laglagipenyo daytoy! Ti Apo a Diostayo ket isu laeng ti Apo. 5Ayatenyo ti Apo a Diosyo iti amin a pusoyo, iti amin a kararuayo, ken iti amin a pigsayo. 6Diyo lipaten dagitoy a bilin nga itedko kadakayo ita nga aldaw. 7Isuroyo dagitoy kadagiti annakyo. Saritaenyo ida no addakayo iti taengyo wenno addakayo iti kalsada, no inkay maturog ken no bumangonkayo iti bigat. 8Igalutyo ida kadagiti takkiagyo a kas pagilasinan ken ikabilyo ida kadagiti mugingyo kas marka.
1Dakayo a tattaok,dumngegkay iti daytoy pannursurok,ket ipamaysayo nga allingagen ti innak isao.2Pangngarig ti innak aramaten;ilawlawagko dagiti palimed idi ugma,3dagiti nangngeg ken naammoantayonga imbaga dagidi ammatayo.4Ditay ilimlimed ida kadagiti annaktayo,no di ket isaritatayo kadagiti kaputotan a sumarsarunoti pannakabalin ken naindaklan a gapuanan ti Apo,agraman dagiti nakaskasdaaw nga aramidna.5Nangituyang iti linteg kadagiti Israelita;nangipaulog iti bilin kadagiti kaputotan ni Jacob.Imbilinna kadagiti kapuonantayonga isuroda dagitoy kadagiti annakda6tapno maammoan dagiti sumarsaruno a kaputotan a di pay nayanak,ket isurodanto met kadagiti bukodda nga annak.7Iti kasta, agtalekda met iti Dios,ket dida lipaten dagiti aramidnano di ket kanayon a tungpalenda dagiti bilbilinna.8Saanda koma a kas kadagiti kapuonandaa nasukir ken nasubeg a kaputotan.Saan a natibker ti pammatida iti Dios,ket saanda a nagtalinaed a napudno kenkuana.
Mark 19:13–15
13Adda tattao a nangyeg kadagiti ubbing ken ni Jesus tapno ipatayna koma ti imana kadakuada, ngem pinaritan ida dagiti adalan. 14Idi madlaw ni Jesus ti inaramid dagiti adalanna, nakaunget ket kinunana kadakuada, “Palubosanyo dagiti ubbing nga umay kaniak. Diyo paritan ida ta dagiti kas kadakuada ti agtagikua iti Pagarian ti Dios. 15Laglagipenyo a dinto makastrek iti Pagarian ti Dios ti siasinoman a di umawat iti daytoy a Pagarian a kas iti panangawat ti maysa nga ubing.”
16Kalpasanna, sinaklotna dagiti ubbing ket impatayna ti imana iti tunggal maysa kadakuada sana binendisionan ida.
DEDICATION PRAYER AND BLESSING
The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in a worship service when there is an infant baptism or dedication in it are listed on this page for the 17 different ways that are given below. If you click or tap on one of them, it will take you to its location on this page. You can also view “The Best Scriptures for a Mother’s Day Worship Service” and “The Best Scriptures for a Father’s Day Worship Service” which have to do with parenting.
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions
Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace
Introductions to Scripture Readings
Introductions Before Offerings
Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.
The Best Calls to Worship When an Infant Baptism
or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
1 LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. 2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalm 8:1-2
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7a*
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—11 In him we were also chosen, . . . , 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:3-5, 11-12*
Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using
8 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 12 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, 23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. 28 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. 31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” 32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! 34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 36 Praise be to the LORD, the God . . . from everlasting to everlasting. 1 Chronicles 16:8-12, 23-29, 31-32, 34, 36*
1 Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. 3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. 11 You who fear him, trust in the LORD—he is their help and shield. 12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people . . . , 13 he will bless those who fear the LORD—small and great alike. 18 it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD. Psalm 115:1, 3, 11-13, 18*
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:6–7a*
16 [Y]ou are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. Isaiah 63:16
Other Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions to Consider Using
23 “LORD, . . . , there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.” 1 Kings 8:23–24*
15 [Y]ou, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15*
1 Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their Introductions When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
23 “LORD, . . . , there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.” 1 Kings 8:23*
14 “LORD, . . . , there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.” 2 Chronicles 6:14*
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
4 “[T]he great and awesome God . . . keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,” Daniel 9:4*
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 11 In him we were also chosen . . . 12 in order that we, who . . . put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12*
Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
26 “You, LORD, are God! You have promised these good things to your servant.” 1 Chronicles 17:26
22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. 23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. Psalm 22:22-23, 25
28 You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:28-29
The Best Introductions to Singing When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, 42 The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah. 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. Nehemiah 12:40, 42b-43*
6 I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:2-3
Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; . . . . 1 Chronicles 16:9-10, 23-25*
41 With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, “for his love endures forever.” 42 Heman and Jeduthun were responsible for the sounding of the trumpets and cymbals and for the playing of the other instruments for sacred song. 1 Chronicles 16:41-42a*
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
5 I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:5-6*
6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7
18 “ ‘The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’ ” Numbers 14:18
9 “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Deuteronomy 5:9-10*
18 “You [Sovereign LORD] show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them.” Jeremiah 32:18a*
6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6
42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” Mark 9:42
Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Psalm 51:1-5
6 “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.” Hosea 13:6
1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” Luke 17:1-2
7 What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7bc*
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declaration of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions When an Infant Baptism
or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:8-14
31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31*
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
5 I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5*
The following scripture below from Luke 1:68-69, 74-75 is especially appropriate to use when there is an infant dedication in a worship service.
68 “Praise be to the Lord, . . . , because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” Luke 1:68-69, 74-75*
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:20
12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 1 John 2:12
The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— Colossians 1:3-4
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12
Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using
5 [M]y mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. Job 16:5*
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
8 So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. 2 Corinthians 10:8
11 [E]ncourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11*
13 [E]ncourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13*
12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12
The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings When an Infant Baptism or
Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 11:18-20
46 “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life.” Deuteronomy 32:46–47a*
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, 6 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. 7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. Psalm 78:5-7
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. Psalm 119:106
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3
The Best Introductions Before Offerings When an Infant
Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
29 “ ‘You must present as the LORD’s portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you.’ ” Numbers 18:29
11 Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD. Deuteronomy 12:11
26 [T]ake your consecrated things and whatever you have vowed to give, and go to the place the LORD will choose. 27 Present your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God . . . . Deuteronomy 12:26-27a*
The following scripture below from 2 Chronicles 29:31 is especially appropriate to use when there is an infant dedication in a worship service.
31 Then Hezekiah said, “You have now dedicated yourselves to the LORD. Come and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the temple of the LORD.” So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings. 2 Chronicles 29:31
1 Praise awaits you, our God, . . . ; to you our vows will be fulfilled. Psalm 65:1*
12 What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? 17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD . . . . Praise the LORD. Psalm 116:12, 17-19*
9 “I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ” Jonah 2:9*
Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using
11 Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the LORD, and this was done. 12 Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts. 14 Kore son of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions made to the LORD and also the consecrated gifts. 2 Chronicles 31:11-12a, 14*
7 What do you have that you did not receive? 1 Corinthians 4:7b*
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
39 Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. 40 Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you . . . . Deuteronomy 4:39-40*
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many . . . . Deuteronomy 11:18-21*
14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” 16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 18 We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.” 24 “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” Joshua 24:14a, 15-16, 18b, 24*
14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” 16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 21 No! We will serve the LORD. 24 We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” Joshua 24:14a, 15-16, 21, 24*
27 “I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28ab*
14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:46-48
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
29 “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!” Deuteronomy 5:29
1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you . . . . 3 Hear . . . and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you . . . . Deuteronomy 6:1-3*
28 Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 12:28
9 “I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ” Jonah 2:9*
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. Titus 2:7a*
The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20
15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 2 Timothy 1:3
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life . . . .” 1 Samuel 1:10-11*
22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. Psalm 90:16
4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4
11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12
11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD: “Pardon your servant, LORD. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.” Judges 13:8
4 “First seek the counsel of the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 18:4*
27 “You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows.” Job 22:27
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:3
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he [God] cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their Introductions When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7
Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
5 All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. Acts 21:5b*
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
28 “The children of your [God’s] servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” Psalm 102:28
17 [F]rom everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:17-18*
26 Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
11 He [the Sovereign LORD] tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11
38 “They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good . . . .” Jeremiah 32:38-41*
The Best Exhortations When an Infant Baptism or
Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
39 Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. 40 Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you . . . . Deuteronomy 4:39-40*
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many . . . . Deuteronomy 11:18-21*
46 “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. Deuteronomy 32:46-47a*
6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
36 He [Jesus] took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37
14 He [Jesus] said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14b*
31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31*
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14a, 15*
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God When an Infant Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
28 “Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised . . . good things to your servant.” 2 Samuel 7:28*
23 “LORD, . . . , there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant . . . ; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.” 1 Kings 8:23-24*
14 “LORD, . . . , there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.” 2 Chronicles 6:14*
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4
The Best Benedictions and Blessings When an Infant
Baptism or Dedication Is Included in a Worship Service
17 “Go in peace, and may . . . God . . . grant you what you have asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:17*
1 Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Psalm 112:1b-3*
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using
24 “ ‘ “The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ ” Numbers 6:24-26
