SCRIPTURE READING - Proverbs 3:1-18

My son, my daughter, never forget the things I've taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions. Never forget to be truthful and kind. Hold these virtues tightly. Write them deep within your heart. If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

Don't be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, then you will be given renewed health and vitality.

Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines.

Young man, young lady, do not resent it when God chastens and corrects you, for his punishment is proof of his love. Just as a father punishes a son he delights in to make him better, so the Lord corrects you.

The one who knows right from wrong and has good judgment and common sense is happier than the man who is immensely rich! For such wisdom is far more valuable than precious jewels. Nothing else compares with it. Wisdom gives: a long, good life, riches, honor, pleasure, peace. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who eat her fruit; happy is the man who keeps on eating it.

PARENTS BRING THEIR CHILD, CARRIED BY THE FATHER.

INTRODUCTION:

It is our wonderful privilege today to participate in the public dedication of <- First Name -><- Middle -><- Last Name ->, born on <- Date ->. Following the example of devout parents of the Bible, <- Parents' Names -> have expressed their desire to present <- Child's Name -> to the Lord. This dedication may not require the supreme sacrifice like that of Abraham who was called upon to offer his son on the altar, or that of Hannah who left her son Samuel to serve in the Temple with Eli. However, it is a sober commitment to responsibly care for that which God has given, and to be prepared to release him to His work when that time comes.

Jesus demonstrated His acceptance and love for the little children when He said, "'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.' And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them."

CHARGE TO PARENTS:

The primary responsibility for the care of <- Child's Name ->, of course, rests on the parents, <- Parents' Names ->. The Scriptures say,

· "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

· "Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

· "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

<- Parents' Names ->, as you engage in this task with joy and peace, may you earnestly seek the Lord daily for His wisdom - for all the events that will occur, all the decisions to be made and all the needs to be met. For as James says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him."

May you also daily give thanks to God for your child and for the joy and love he brings to your home. And as he grows, may you earnestly strive to spend adequate time with him, developing in him a strong moral foundation for life and an awareness of the Lordship of Christ and His abiding presence.

CHARGE TO THE EXTENDED FAMILY:

<- Child's Name -> also has the benefit of the influence provided by his extended family, who are being asked to provide backup support for his spiritual training. At this time, I ask that they stand to receive their charge.

It is your responsibility to provide a caring, supportive group for this family. I ask you to be faithful in prayer for them, and undergird their efforts to establish a strong Christian home built on Christian principles. And I urge you to demonstrate a real interest in and concern for <- Child's Name -> as he grows physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.

CHARGE TO THE CHURCH:

There is one other agent of influence represented here today -- the church. And at this time members of this congregation may stand to evidence the acceptance of their part of this responsibility. I charge you to do all that you can to provide and support a place of worship in this community where <- Child's Name -> may hear the full counsel of God's Word. I urge you to be faithful in providing programs for instruction in discipleship, and to demonstrate affectionate kindness towards all of your little ones. And I charge you to covenant before God to set an example by your lives and to maintain an atmosphere in your church which shall inspire <- Child's Name -> to desire the Christian way of life.

COMMITMENTS:

And now, <- Parents' Names ->, in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses,

· Do you solemnly undertake to bring up <- Child's Name -> in the fear and admonition of the Lord?

· Do you promise early to seek to lead him to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and serve Him as his Lord?

· Do you pledge to make your home a "school" for Christian instruction?

· Do you promise, as far as in you lies, to set before your son examples of consistent Godly living?

PRAYER BY THE FATHER - <- Father's Name ->

THE PASTOR RECEIVES THE CHILD FROM THE FATHER

And now, on the authority of God's Holy Word, and as a minister in Christ's church, I dedicate you, <- Child's Name ->, unto the Lord, and unto His service, according to His will. May we all bow for prayer.

PRAYER AND CLOSING COMMENT:

In that you have dedicated your son to the Lord, we now lend <- Child's Name -> back to you, <- Parents' Names ->, that by the grace of God and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, you will bring him up in the ways of the Lord.

THE PASTOR GIVES THE CHILD TO THE MOTHER