Prayer of the Children

I have been struck many times this week of the oxymoron that is our current world.  We have explicit Meth commercials on T.V.  showing the darkest side of the challenges facing our children daily. In contrast, we see innocent children whose biggest concern is their empty bellies. 
My niece has an 11 month old daughter who is exploring her world, those first steps, discovering doors and what lies behind them...experiencing life.  I send my 18 year old daughter out in the world soon, those first "steps", discovering "doors" and what lies behind them...experiencing life.
The melancholy my niece expressed in seeing her little one grow...wanting her to progress, but still wanted to hold onto the innocence of her baby... is little different than I feel seeing my little one step into the next chapter of her life.  I think of how Christ loves the children.  If my children could feel that, if I could feel that, how would our world be different? What would our actions be?

If you have never heard this song or even if you have...please listen to it and read the lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTZFIcqnQMg

Can you hear the prayer of the children?

On bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room

Empty eyes with no more tears to cry

Turning heavenward toward the light

Crying Jesus, help me

To see the morning light-of one more day

But if I should die before I wake,

I pray my soul to take

Can you feel the hearts of the children?

Aching for home, for something of their very own

Reaching hands, with nothing to hold on to,

But hope for a better day a better day

Crying Jesus, help me

To feel the love again in my own land

But if unknown roads lead away from home,

Give me loving arms, away from harm

Can you hear the voice of the children?

Softly pleading for silence in a shattered world?

Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate,

Blood of the innocent on their hands

Crying Jesus, help me

To feel the sun again upon my face,

For when darkness clears I know you're near,

Bringing peace again