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

Angell, pictured with his tutor, Tania (left) and his mother, Angela (right)

“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 tobe robust so that staff, volunteers and caregiversare 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-makerswould 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 childrenand 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 freedomto express their ideas and to follow their instinctive curiosity.Thank you for the creativity you give to each of usand we pray for children in difficult circumstancesto have the opportunity to explore their thoughtsand 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 childrento have the freedom and the spaceto form and express their own viewsabout the world around them.We pray that children’s voiceswould be heard within their familiesand communities, and that their country’s leaderswould listen to their viewswhen forming policies that affect children’s lives.Amen.

Noel with an I am loved banner at his project

“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 lifein all its fullness. We pray that you would givechildren with disabilities the chance to live their best lives,and be free to contribute to their community.We pray for greater understanding, empathyand acceptance. Please Lord,give all children with additional needs the right supportto 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 childto have the security of a safe and warm home.We thank you for the Compassion projectsworking towards this goal and ask that every childwho needs help could be reached.Amen.

Frank in a classroom in Rwanda

“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 learninside every child, and we pray that all childrenwould have the opportunities that they need to learnin a way that suits them. We pray for the adultsworking, 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 timefor 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 projectsand sponsors who are supporting familiesas they raise their children. Strengthen caregivers,we pray, give them the emotional resourcesto meet their children’s needs, as well supportto earn enough money to provide food,warmth and shelter for their loved ones.Amen.

Playing soccer is Fabrice’s favourite game at the project

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 childrenand took delight in them. We pray for childrenwho 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 childreneverything they need to prepare them for adult life.We thank you for the Compassion projects workingto provide these opportunities for childrenand for their families too, as they strive to givetheir children brighter futures.Amen.

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

Sponsor a child today.