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).

"Compassionate Prayer ..."

"Compassionate prayer on behalf of others is central to the Bible ... As disciples of the compassionate Lord who took upon himself the condition of a slave and suffered death for our sake, there are no boundaries to our prayers. Dietrich Bonhoeffer expressed this with powerful simplicity when he wrote that to pray for others is to give them 'the same right we have received, namely, to stand before Christ and share in his mercy.'

When we come before God with the needs of the world, then the healing love of God which touches us touches all those whom we bring before God with the same power. This experience of God's healing love can become so real, so immediate, that at times we can even sense God's healing grace in the lives of others, although they may be far away physically, mentally, or spiritually.

Thus, compassionate prayer does not encourage us to flee from people and their concrete problems into a self-serving individualism. By deepening our awareness of our common suffering, it draws us all closer together in the healing presence of God. It reaches out not only to those whom we love and admire, but also to those whom we consider our enemies.

Prayer cannot exist together with hostile feelings. The fruit of prayer is always love. In prayer, even the unprincipled dictator and the vicious torturer can no longer remain the objects of our fear, hatred, and revenge, because when we pray, we stand at the center of the great mystery of divine compassion."

The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life by Henri J.M. Nouwen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

Please join us as we go before God in prayer for the children of the world as well as for those who care for them, have authority over them, and persecute them. We will meet this coming Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. We'll have lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship afterwards.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children at risk, those who care for them, have authority over them, or, yes, even those who harm them, please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call. Thank you for praying for the children of our global and local communities!

With a rejoicing heart,
Chris