Introduction
The practice of dedicating a baby to the Lord is found in the presentation of Samuel by his mother, Hannah, in 1 Samuel 1:28 where Hannah says, “So I have also dedicated him to Yahweh; as long as he lives, he is dedicated to Yahweh.”
When Jesus was still a few days old, Mary & Joseph presented him at the temple for dedication to the Lord: Luke 2:22 “they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord”
Likewise, Jesus considered the practice of dedicating a child to be vital to his/her upbringing when he says,
Mark 10:14 “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Indeed, he shared a warning to those who caused harm to children Luke 17:2 “2 “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble.”
In reality, the dedication of a child is more a commitment from the parents to raise their child according to the direction of Scripture and rooting the life of the child in the promises of God instead of the world. Today is a day when the parents acknowledge this child is made in the image of the Lord for eternity. Like Hannah, by bringing their child for dedication, the parents signify their faith in God by giving him back to the Lord, and their desire to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Additionally, it is a commitment from us the Church to share in that responsibility with the parents and the child alike.
Deut 6:4-7 “4 “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one! 5 “You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
I. Introduction of the Family
With that, I would like to invite [Parent's Names] along with their son to be dedicated, [Child's Full Name] to join me up here. [Brief introduction of family in relation to the church]. In addition, I want to invite their family to the front with me to share in the dedication of [Child's Name].
II. Salutation of Scripture
Let us pray: Almighty God, who is the Giver of life, let us walk in the blessing and honor of being the stewards of the life you have given through [Child's Name]. I thank you for his life and the faith of his parents and family, who come humbly before You know the blessing that is in their hands and the road that lies before them. Through your strength may they raise this child in your Name and for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen
The Scriptures say much about the blessing of children:
Psalm 127:3-4 “3 Behold, children are an inheritance of Yahweh, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.”
Prov 22:6 “6 Train up a child according to his way, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Ephesians 6:4 “4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
With that, let us approach the dedication of [Child's Full Name] joyfully, but also soberly in honor of the life given to Noe through his parents. Let us acknowledge that there is an enemy of his soul, but an even great Victor over his sin and death on the Cross through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us understand the great charge given to us as parents in the difficulties we face raising a child in today’s world. Let us turn to the Almighty God for strength and help in that job, realizing we as parents are full of our own flaws, but have a Heavenly Father who helps us.
III. Commitment to the Father
I give this red flower. Red, because it is a symbol of deep love, but red also represents the blood that was unselfishly sacrificed by our Lord.
[Father], It is your responsibility as the husband and father to provide not only the material needs but also the spiritual covering for your son. In the Bible a man was called the “priest of the home”, and at the Passover Feast, he applied the blood covering to the doorposts of his home to protect his household.
In remembrance of this remarkable spiritual role, Do you promise, to the best of your ability, to correct, guide, and live a Christian example for [Child] from this point on? Will you protect him as he grows and then prepare him to be a grown man to also serve the Lord? Will you teach him God’s Word and the reverence of the Lord?
If you accept these challenges, answer, “With God’s help I will.”
IV. Commitment to the Mother
I give this white flower. White because it is a symbol of the purity of heart with which you have given the home into which this child has come.
[Mother], Will you nurture [Child] with the love of a mother, as a gift given from God? From the crib and in your arms he will look to you for love, security, and care. Will you show him tenderness and gentleness, but also discipline and honor? With God’s help will you nurture and protect his heart? Will you show him the goodness of the Lord and pray for him? If so answer, “With God’s help, I will.”
V. Commitment to Both Parents
Will you, [Parents' Names], as parents chosen by God for this child, promise before God and these people that you will work together to bring this child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Knowing the necessity of both a mother and father for a child, will you commit to providing a godly home that will instruct [Child's Name] in the teachings of the Bible and the church? If so, answer we will.
Will you do your best to see that you and your family are in the house of God for regular worship and instruction? Will you teach this child reverence for the church and its work? If so, answer we will.
Will you instruct him in the way of holiness and live a life that will be an example for him to follow? Will you teach him to pray? Will you seek to lead him to Christ for his eternal salvation? If so, answer we will
Having made this covenant with Almighty God and before these people, we now present this [Child's Name] to the Lord.
To you, the family of [Child and Parent's names] do you promise to pray for this young family? Will you encourage support and help them in their raising of [Child's Name] in every way you are able? If so, answer we will.
[The Pastor Now Takes the Child]
VI. Anointing and Dedication of the Child
[The Pastor now anoints the child and prays a prayer of commitment to the Lord
A flower that is not yet bloomed is given to the family. It is a flower that has yet to blossom, a token of the innocence and purity of your soul in the sight of Almighty God. My sincere prayer is that when your eyes are opened to the world, you will see Jesus, who alone can give eternal life and hope.
VII. Presentation by the Children’s Ministry
At this point, a representative of the children’s ministry will present the child and family with a gift
VIII. Presentation to the Congregation
Ladies and Gentlemen; members of [Church Name], before you these commitments were made and Noe Ezekiel is presented to the Lord. Will you as a body of believers encourage and equip this family, as much as we can, to see this child and all children who come to this church come to know the saving love of Jesus Christ and teach them the gospel? If so, answer we will.
I present to you [Child's Name] and his parents [Parent's Names].
