Last Sunday at church the grand daughter of our landlords had a baby dedication at church. Their son and his wife have an 8 week old little girl named Miriam. Beautiful baby!
If our church back in Knoxville is anything like yours, there is usually about 2-5 minutes allotted for a baby dedication.
Family is introduced.
Show off the baby for a minute.
Share your hopes for your child's future.
Church repeats vows to help parents train and disciple the child.
Thirty second prayer for baby and family.
Nothing bad....all good things.
But this church holds a baby dedication service like no other church I have seen.
Mom and dad brought baby Miriam up front to the church and introduced the new baby. The pastor said a few things about the child and family and then led everyone in a time of prayer. Not thirty seconds, but just however long the people wanted to pray. The mom and dad prayed first. Then, random people in the congregation would pray over the child and family.
I could not understand the prayers (b/c they were in Romanian), but I could sense that they were so heartfelt by the way in which the words were spoken. Some voices were quivering, almost as if they were crying out to God on behalf of this child...they were crying out to God. It sounded so sincere!
**I want to pray for my children like this! Full of sincerity and passion....crying out to God on their behalf for their salvation and protection!**
After the prayer time the parents and baby sat up front with all of the children in the church (they have a special place to sit up front to the side). Then, the sweetest thing happened. Each child prayed over baby Miriam and her parents. We have only been to this church one other time and every child prayed then too. I think it is so neat that children are given the opportunity to pray corporately at such a young age...and they are being shown that they should not be ashamed to pray in front of others.
So the children ranging in ages from 5-13 (i'm guessing) prayed for the child. Then the youth sang about 5 songs over the family. I wish I had a camera and could have taken a picture because my words won't do it justice. The kids were standing huddled around the family as they sat there and just singing praises to God and blessings over this family! It was absolutely precious!
Then, the pastor's sermon was on family.
Afterwards several of us went to our landlord's pensiunea (hotel) and had a Baby Dedication Celebration! They do not have baby shower's here, but after the baby is born they have a dedication and celebration full of blessings.
This was very lavish! Silken covered chairs, five course meal, beautiful cake, lots of fellowship and meeting new friends.
We feel so blessed to be in their company! They have been so kind to us to let us be a part of this special time for their family and to experience some of their culture!
We're thinking we should switch up the baby dedication back in the States and take some pointers from the Romanians?!! :)
Best Baby Dedication Ever!
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