At the River, we also believe strongly that the Lord loves to speak to the children.    It is our job and responsibility to help mentor and grow the children in their gifts.    Below is an article we sent to all our parents, to help them guide their children in this season of  'Hearing of God's Voice.' It was written by Marilyn Wishart - one of my prayer mentors- with a few addition of my own. Enjoy

It is a great responsibility for the church and parents to mentor well when God releases strong spiritual giftedness in our children.

For your child at home:

• You pray for them daily especially for protection. (see Pam'sWeekly Prayer Guide.)
• Teach them to pray for themselves. Ask God to open your eyes to situations facing your children. You can quietly pray for these areas.
• Tell your children you would like to hear if God talks to them. Have them record experience (picture, scripture) to help them process and discern at their level. Also their worries, problems, etc.
• Learn also the natural development level for your child’s age so you do not over spiritualize or question their lack of spirituality inappropriately.
• If an area is emphasized ask God is there any practical step that needs to be implemented e.g. homeless so give clothes, be involved at a food kitchen, etc.
• Your child does not give your direction for the family or your life, though they may in natural ways be used by God.
• Don’t use strong religious words but keep things within their life experiences and understanding, e.g. my child is a prophet. No. He is rebellious. No.
• If there is negative behaviour ask God how you have contributed to it and how you need to change.
• Ask for wisdom.

Know your child’s learning style and note growing interests and giftedness, natural, physical, social and spiritual. Some common moves of God – Salvation mostly before 6 years of age. 10 – 12 firm strong love for Father God. Perhaps a spiritual call on their lives. Key decision or transition times.

You still need to train and teach your child in their weak areas and in preparation for life. Within the church setting – stay within the guidelines of the leaders and their programs. Check with them as to specific needs etc.

God chooses when and how and who He uses as He wills. With this comes exposure in the spiritual realm for the children and the church needs to listen to what care needs to be put in place for their safety.

• Always screen children and teen workers.
• No adult should speak over a child alone but the parents need to be present or a church leader and it must be discerned.
• When children are moving in the Lord often the adults have a witness of the Spirit that is of God but not the Spirit’s words or actions. God will give the leaders the organization of safety.
• A leader or mature person should be with the children at that time.
• Do not ask more of them than the Spirit gives freely and naturally.
• "Wash off" children after words so that they do not carry any weights.

AND LOVE THEM!! Give them room to be kids - to make mistakes - but keep affirming them as they are growing and learning to step out in God's anointing! Don't put your own insecurities on your children ( e.g.. 'I'm so embarrassed' or "What if no one 'likes' that word?' or "That sounds dumb!' Remember children will get words AS CHILDREN - they aren't supposed to speak and act like adults! Sometimes the simplicity of what they say, reaches more hearts than an eloquently spoken word thru an adult. So.. relax.. God wants to do something great ( & fun) in our kids - partner with Him, and you'll have fun too!

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