Making A Hedge of Protection Around the Children
Submitted by Steven Temple, The Pastors Pen
Jan 12, 2026

Ezekiel 22 speaks about a time when the priests were taking advantage of the poor, the afflicted, the widows, the weak, and those that were poor. They were able to inflict harm and hurt on those due to no one being there to help them resist. The Lord spoke and searched for a man to stand in the gap, to make up the hedge for these people but was unable to find one. 

When we think of a hedge we can visually see the hedges around a property line. We see how it defines and marks off an area. Sometimes this signifies the border between two different places. It is a way of keeping out unwanted things or people. In the same sense as this physical hedge, we need to have a hedge of protection in our spiritual lives. We need to be able to ward off unwelcomed guests, protect from unwanted attention, or to keep away things that we do not want in our lives. We need this hedge, or this wall, to be placed around the property line of our soul.

Beyond ourselves, we need to be the ones that will stand in the gap or make up the hedge for the children in our lives, whether they are family or strangers. Someone needs to pray for them and guide them in this life. Too many children are being misled, mistreated, abused, and taken advantage of. If you do not make up that spiritual hedge for them, who will?

We hear stories day in and day out on the news of things that are taking place to children and we are appalled. We gasp with fear or worry. However, we do not take a stand or come to the rescue of those in need. We cannot sit back and wish for something to take place, but we must stand up and be willing to be the hedge and the voice for these children.

We may never meet or know the affliction that comes to these children. Kids today are facing so many different threats from every angle. Many of us have never had to face the constant pressure and attacks the way they do in this day and time. 

Attacks come from all angles. Distractions from every corner. The devil ploys and plans constantly, raging war against their souls in more ways than one.

Many of these children have no idea how to fight or stand against these attacks and succumb to them. They do not know how to respond or act. They do not know when to stay or when to leave. Sadly, many of them do not have anyone in their corner fighting or praying for them.

Today, find a child, any child, and begin praying specifically for them. Pray that God enlightens them, protects them, leads them, directs them, and mostly, saves them. You may be the only hope, the only hedge, the only one that will ever pray a prayer for them. Be specific with your prayer. Be fervent in your prayer. Be consistent in your prayer. Be relentless in your prayer. Make a difference in the life of a child.


Reverend Steven Temple is the Pastor of The Church on the Hill, Rose Hill, VA. You can reach Pastor Steven at pastor.steven.temple@gmail.com