Invitation to Prayer

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
"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good."

"So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture …"
Romans 8:26-28, 31-39 "The Message," by Eugene Peterson

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I know, I know. I’ve used this passage before in the not-so-distant past, but it just keeps appearing on my radar screen. Usually, when that happens, I sense God is trying to get my attention. OK, so now that I’m paying attention, I’ll let you help me figure out what message God is sending us. Is it the comforting knowledge that the Holy Spirit is “right alongside” us helping us out? Or that the Holy Spirit “keeps us present before God?” Perhaps it’s the knowledge that Jesus is in God’s presence right this moment “sticking up for us.”

There’s so much meat in these passages from Romans 8 that I need several days just to digest it all. I would definitely be interested in your thoughts on these passages. How is God speaking to you through them? Is the Holy Spirit encouraging or challenging you through this scripture? If you have time or feel led to share, please feel free to email me with your impressions

Please join us on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, we’ll meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland, to pray for children at risk. Please join us for this time of prayer and afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

Your prayers for the children of the world are heard and appreciated so very much. Thank you for devoting time and energy to praying for children! 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.

Blessings,

Chris