Prayers for the rights of the child

It’s one hundred years since the international community first got together to outline children’s rights and take the first steps towards formally protecting them. These rights, such as the right to be protected, the right to learn and the right to play, get to the heart of God’s desire for each child-.

Each year, the Universal Day of the Child (20 November) draws the world’s focus to children’s rights. Today, there are plenty of challenges for children who are among the most vulnerable in any society.

These prayers will help you to intercede for the rights of children everywhere.

Pray for children’s rights to be fulfilled and protected

“Protection means being in a house that is safe and not talking to strangers.” – Angell, pictured with his tutor, Tania (left) and his mother, Angela (right). (Nicaragua)

1. Pray for children to be protected

“Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.” (Article 19, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Lord, we know your heart breaks when children suffer.
We pray for children to be protected from harm,
and ask you to keep children safe.
Please help Compassions’ safeguarding training to
be robust so that staff, volunteers and caregivers
are well-educated in how to protect children from harm.
Amen.

2. Pray for children’s best interests to be a top priority

“The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.” (Article 3, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Heavenly Father, we ask that all decision-makers
would act in the best interests of the children in their care.
Give them insights and wisdom to know what is best,
and we pray that they would also listen to children
and take their views into account.
Amen.

3. Pray for children to be free to express themselves

“Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.” (Article 13, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Lord Jesus, we pray for children to enjoy the freedom
to express their ideas and to follow their instinctive curiosity.
Thank you for the creativity you give to each of us
and we pray for children in difficult circumstances
to have the opportunity to explore their thoughts
and ask questions in safety.
Amen.

4. Pray for children to be free to form and share their own opinions

“Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.” (Article 12, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Dear Lord, we pray for children
to have the freedom and the space
to form and express their own views
about the world around them.
We pray that children’s voices
would be heard within their families
and communities, and that their country’s leaders
would listen to their views
when forming policies that affect children’s lives.
Amen.

“Everyone is my friend at the church, I talk and play with everyone. I don’t feel different, and they don’t treat me like I am. But what I love most is learning to play music instruments and singing.” —Noel, 14 years old, Tanzania

5. Pray for every disabled child to enjoy a full life

“A child with a disability has the right to live a full and decent life with dignity and, as far as possible, independence and to play an active part in the community.” (Article 23, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Lord, we thank you for your promise of life
in all its fullness. We pray that you would give
children with disabilities the chance to live their best lives,
and be free to contribute to their community.
We pray for greater understanding, empathy
and acceptance. Please Lord,
give all children with additional needs the right support
to grow and thrive.
Amen.

6. Pray for children to have a good standard of living. 

“Every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and social needs and support their development.” (Article 27, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Father, we pray for every child
to have the security of a safe and warm home.
We thank you for the Compassion projects
working towards this goal and ask that every child
who needs help could be reached.
Amen.

“Before the school feeding support, Frank (pictured) often came back home angry, and he didn’t like going to school. Now, he is full of energy and always eager to learn.” —Eugenie, grandmother of Frank (Rwanda)

7. Pray for every child to explore their right to learn

“Every child has the right to an education.” (Article 28, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

God, we thank you for the innate drive to learn
inside every child, and we pray that all children
would have the opportunities that they need to learn
in a way that suits them. We pray for the adults
working, that they’ll inspire children and introduce them to new ideas,
equipping them with the skills they’ll need for life.
Amen.

8. Pray for every child to have help to recover from trauma

“Children who have experienced neglect, abuse, exploitation, torture or who are victims of war must receive special support to help them recover their health, dignity, self-respect and social life.” (Article 39, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 

Lord, we know your heart breaks when children suffer.
We also know that your love for children is never-ending.
We pray that traumatised children would know your healing.
We ask that you send the right people at the right time
for each child, guiding them to the help and support that they need.
Amen.  

9. Pray for families to be supported to help children develop

“Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their child and should always consider what is best for the child. Governments must support parents by creating support services for children and giving parents the help they need to raise their children.” (Article 18, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Lord, we give thanks for the Compassion projects
and sponsors who are supporting families
as they raise their children. Strengthen caregivers,
we pray, give them the emotional resources
to meet their children’s needs, as well support
to earn enough money to provide food,
warmth and shelter for their loved ones.
Amen.

Playing football is Fabrice’s favourite game at the project. (Burkina Faso)

10. Pray for every child to enjoy their right to play 

“Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.” (Article 31, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child )

Lord, we know you welcomed little children
and took delight in them. We pray for children
who find it hard to have the freedom to play,
and ask that you would give them what they need:
a safe place, good friends, toys and equipment,
and time free from other responsibilities.
Amen.

11. Pray for every child to be fully equipped for adult life

“Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.” (Article 29, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Father God, we ask you to give children
everything they need to prepare them for adult life.
We thank you for the Compassion projects working
to provide these opportunities for children
and for their families too, as they strive to give
their children brighter futures.
Amen.

You can help children receive the protection, care and freedom they need to thrive.

Sponsor a child today.