Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children
"If there is any focus that the Christian leader of the future will need, it is the discipline of dwelling in the presence of the One who keeps asking us, ‘Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me?’ This is the discipline of contemplative prayer.
Through contemplative prayer we can keep ourselves from being pulled from one urgent issue to another and from becoming strangers to our own heart and God’s heart. Contemplative prayer keeps us home, rooted and safe, even when we are on the road, moving from place to place, and often surrounded by sounds of violence and war.
Contemplative prayer deepens in us the knowledge that we are already free, that we have already found a place to dwell, that we already belong to God, even though everything and everyone around us keep suggesting the opposite."
"In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership" by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,
After reading John Ortberg’s book, God Is Closer than You Think, I began to intentionally practice the discipline Nouwen talks about above—dwelling in the presence of God, recognizing that God is with me each and every moment.
It has been an eye-opening practice and one that I wonder if I’ll ever fully master. At times I’ve become quite frustrated with myself when I realize almost half a day has gone by and I’ve not consciously been aware of God’s presence. At other times, I find myself grinning like a fool because of the joy I feel dwelling in God’s presence —knowing God is right there with me in that moment
This coming Wednesday, September 9, 2009 you are invited to join us as we pray for the children of our community and our world—that they might experience this same joy and peace dwelling in the presence of God. We’ll meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. I hope you’ll be able to stay afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.
Thank you so much for your love and prayers for God’s children! If you have concerns or celebrations about children that you’d like included on the prayer list, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call.
Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,
After reading John Ortberg’s book, God Is Closer than You Think, I began to intentionally practice the discipline Nouwen talks about above—dwelling in the presence of God, recognizing that God is with me each and every moment.
It has been an eye-opening practice and one that I wonder if I’ll ever fully master. At times I’ve become quite frustrated with myself when I realize almost half a day has gone by and I’ve not consciously been aware of God’s presence. At other times, I find myself grinning like a fool because of the joy I feel dwelling in God’s presence —knowing God is right there with me in that moment
This coming Wednesday, September 9, 2009 you are invited to join us as we pray for the children of our community and our world—that they might experience this same joy and peace dwelling in the presence of God. We’ll meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. I hope you’ll be able to stay afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.
Thank you so much for your love and prayers for God’s children! If you have concerns or celebrations about children that you’d like included on the prayer list, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call.
May Christ be beside you always,
Chris
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