I love hanging out with preschoolers. They are so full of curiosity, energy, and innocence. For several years I taught at a Preschool program. Some days definitely tested my patience. But I loved seeing the joy they had as they experienced new things.

I especially enjoy helping preschoolers connect the dots about how big our God is AND that He knows and loves them. Individually. Uniquely. Unconditionally. Forever. You see their eyes get really big as they start to understand. Then they get giddy because they know Jesus!! The same Jesus of the Bible! And He wants to know them!!

We always close our Bible lesson with prayer. I encourage them that we’re just having a conversation with God. We get to talk to Him! We get to talk with Him! Another giggle of excitement crosses their face as we fold our hands, slightly bow our heads and talk to God.

Over the past few years I’ve been using an amazing curriculum that also includes a blessing. We close out every small group time by praying a portion of scripture over the children to encourage them as well as remind them of their identity in Christ. I love to include parents in this time if they are ready to pick up their children.

Before I begin I remind the kids that these are God’s words being spoken. I ask them to imagine His words being poured out to them and He wants to fill them. So if someone is going to pour, there has to be something to catch. So together, we cup our hands gently in front of us to receive His blessing as it is poured over us. As we say Amen, we take the cupful of blessings and “pour” them into our heart. The smiles and joy on the preschooler’s faces at this moment are priceless. They are so in love with God and filled with expectation and wonder.

If you have the opportunity to serve with preschool aged children, or you have your own at home, I would encourage you to pray blessings over them. I know that you will also be encouraged and blessed as you do.

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the Lord’s holy people [preschoolers included], to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.

Amen.