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).

"Enjoying God"

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men and women on whom God's favor rests.
Luke 2:14

"The Scotch catechism says that man's end is 'to glorify God and enjoy God forever.' But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify God, God is inviting us to enjoy God."
C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, p. 97

"When we set aside the flurry of activity that so often comes in December, we can almost hear the message of the angels. They invited the shepherds not to be afraid, but to give glory to God. Lewis tells us that when they did, the angels were inviting them to enjoy God."

"Aren't we, too, being invited in this holy season to give glory to God? God doesn't really need our praise and glory, but God knows that we need to lift up our hearts. We need to lift up our eyes unto the hills, from whence our help comes, and see the glory that will be revealed to us."

"Narnia* can help us to do that. Narnia contains many pleasures, and they all come from God. The gifts of Father Christmas to Peter, Susan, and Lucy are some of those pleasures. The crowning of the four children to be Kings and Queens of Narnia are another. The arrival of Reepicheep, the talking mouse, in Aslan's country is a third. God gave Lewis the vision. In enjoying his vision, we are enjoying God."

"Even in the midst of suffering, we need this reminder. St. Paul tells us, 'I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us' (Romans 8:18). When we give glory to God, it reminds us of the glory that will be revealed to us. And we find joy in this glory. That's one reason why the message was 'good news of great joy' (Luke 2:10), not only for the shepherds, but 'for all the people' - including us."

"Glory to you, O Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Glory to God in the highest. Amen."
A Grand Miracle: Devotions for the Days of Advent based on thoughts of
C.S. Lewis by Dr. Joel Heck

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will Wednesday, December 15,
2010 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland to pray for the children. I hope you will be able to join us for this time of prayer, and afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

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 your prayers for the children of our community and world.

Advent blessings to you and yours,
Chris