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).Be Surprised By Joy
A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children
"You will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy."
John 16:20
"Learn the discipline of being surprised not by suffering but by joy. As we grow old, there is suffering ahead of us, immense suffering, a suffering that will continue to tempt us to think that we have chosen the wrong road. But don't be surprised by pain. Be surprised by joy, be surprised by the little flower that shows its beauty in the midst of a barren desert, and be surprised by the immense healing power that keeps bursting forth like springs of fresh water from the depth of our pain."
"With a heart trusting that we will get what we need, and a spirit always surprised by joy, we will walk through this valley of darkness performing and witnessing miracles."
"O God, may our daily discipline and devotion help us to move beyond our pain and suffering to the joy your redemption gives us."
Living in Hope: Advent Meditations from the Writings of Henri Nouwen
compiled and edited by James E. Adams
Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,
OK, I promise this is the last Advent devotion until next year! Reading Nouwen's words about being surprised by joy reminded me of something I saw on the way to church last summer. Out in the deserts of West Texas (where Faces of Children is based), the summers can be brutal. The intense heat of this long season dries most vegetation out to a crisp. As I pulled into the church driveway that summer morning, I happened to look at the vacant field next to the church and was stunned to see a vibrant, but tiny, reddish-orange blossom poking up out of the dusty, dried weeds in the lot.
How is it that a theologian who has been dead for several decades is able to speak to me so clearly? How is it that his words can evoke this almost-forgotten memory of joy found in barrenness? I am amazed and grateful that God's Holy Spirit can reach places in my mind and heart in the most wondrous ways. I find myself praying that the children of our world who suffer such incredible pain on a daily, hourly basis might know this joy that Jesus Christ offers, even in the midst of their great suffering. Will you pray this prayer with me this week? That they might be surprised by joy, trusting God to provide for them in ways we cannot?
This coming Wednesday, January 20, 2010, we will come together in community around the promise of Jesus’ love and presence among us. We’ll meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland to pray for the children of our local and global community. Please join us for this time of prayer and afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.
Thank you for caring deeply about the children of our world and for devoting time and energy in bringing them before God in prayer. If you have prayer requests about children or those who care for them, please send them to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call. Thank you for keeping the children of our communities and our world held close in prayer!
compiled and edited by James E. Adams
Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,
OK, I promise this is the last Advent devotion until next year! Reading Nouwen's words about being surprised by joy reminded me of something I saw on the way to church last summer. Out in the deserts of West Texas (where Faces of Children is based), the summers can be brutal. The intense heat of this long season dries most vegetation out to a crisp. As I pulled into the church driveway that summer morning, I happened to look at the vacant field next to the church and was stunned to see a vibrant, but tiny, reddish-orange blossom poking up out of the dusty, dried weeds in the lot.
How is it that a theologian who has been dead for several decades is able to speak to me so clearly? How is it that his words can evoke this almost-forgotten memory of joy found in barrenness? I am amazed and grateful that God's Holy Spirit can reach places in my mind and heart in the most wondrous ways. I find myself praying that the children of our world who suffer such incredible pain on a daily, hourly basis might know this joy that Jesus Christ offers, even in the midst of their great suffering. Will you pray this prayer with me this week? That they might be surprised by joy, trusting God to provide for them in ways we cannot?
This coming Wednesday, January 20, 2010, we will come together in community around the promise of Jesus’ love and presence among us. We’ll meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland to pray for the children of our local and global community. Please join us for this time of prayer and afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.
Thank you for caring deeply about the children of our world and for devoting time and energy in bringing them before God in prayer. If you have prayer requests about children or those who care for them, please send them to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call. Thank you for keeping the children of our communities and our world held close in prayer!
Celebrating this surprise,
Chris
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