A Prayer for Children: God’s Love

God’s Love Is Like the Sun

I fondly recall my Sunday school days of singing, “Jesus’ love is bubbling over …” and, as a child, not really understanding what the song meant or why that love was bubbling over in the first place. I sang it joyfully, of course, but the deeper meaning escaped me at the time.

It wasn’t until I was in high school, during my Youth of Unity class, that it all came together. One day my teacher shared that God’s love is like the sun. In that moment, something clicked. The sun doesn’t strain or try to shine—it simply radiates warmth and light because that is its nature. And perhaps, I realized, that’s why love “bubbles over.” Like the sun’s heat, God’s love is powerful, abundant, and too full to be contained.

Even when clouds cover the sky, the sun’s warmth and light are still there. In the same way, we may not always see God’s love, but we can feel it—in happy moments, quiet moments, and in something as simple as a warm hug. God’s love isn’t something that travels from far away to reach us. It is already within us. It lives in our hearts, our smiles, our kind thoughts, and every loving choice we make. That means we are always surrounded by love, no matter where we are or what we’re doing.

One way children can begin to notice God’s love is by paying attention to the loving moments in their lives—maybe a friend who shares a toy, a parent who tucks them in at night, or a gentle word offered when they feel sad. These moments are like little sparkles of God’s love shining in the world. The more we open our hearts to notice love in ourselves and in others, the more we remember that God’s love is never far away or hard to find. It is right here: steady, kind, and always ours.

And when a reminder is needed, we can simply close our eyes, place our hands over our hearts, and quietly affirm each morning: God’s love shines in me, around me, and through me.

A Prayer for God’s Love in All Children

We pause and breathe, feeling calm, safe, and wrapped in divine love. We know the presence of God is always right here, loving every child—near and far, big and small, joyful and learning. We know the love of God lives in each child’s heart, shining brighter than any worry or fear. Love is their courage, their comfort, and their joy. We are grateful knowing that every child is forever a beloved child of God.

A Shared Family Prayer for God’s Love

We are grateful for the gift of love—the love that holds us, lifts us, and grows in our hearts. Help us to see God’s love in one another—in every laugh, every kind word, and every helping hand. May our home be filled with gentle patience, joyful hearts, and words that uplift. Remind us to share love freely with friends, neighbors, and everyone we meet. In this moment and always, we open our hearts to the sacred presence within and around us.