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).

"Give Thanks in All Circumstances"

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Message

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

On the heels of “anger” last week, I’m tossing “give thanks in all circumstances” at you this week. What seemingly ironic information I’m passing along to you! Actually, this scripture came out of last Sunday’s worship at my home church. I was going to lead the time with the young disciples (children’s sermon, if you will) and had been asked to talk about giving God thanks even in the difficult times. Talk about challenging! How was I going to convey that to the under 8 crowd in only five minutes?

Then I remembered one of my children’s favorite books, Jimmy’s Boa Bounces Back by Trinka Hakes Noble. This hilarious little book had my children giggling every time I read it to them. Jimmy’s pet boa constrictor causes a ruckus at a ladies’ garden club party and the illustrations convey that chaos brilliantly.

During worship last Sunday, I shared with our young disciples parts of this adventure and the pandemonium it caused in the lives of those at the party. Then we talked about days in our own lives in which things didn’t go so well…about times that were pretty hard for us. I reminded our young disciples about the Friend they have who will always be with them, even on those difficult days and in those hard times. And then I shared with them that we are to thank this Friend, our gracious God, for being with us in good and bad times.

I love the way the writer of 1 Thessalonians reminds us that we are to give God thanks for accompanying us on this roller coaster journey of life. Even in the midst of darkness and anger, God is with us. Thanks be to God!

I hope you will be able to join us as we pray for the children of our local and global communities this Wednesday, Februuary 2, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. We will have fellowship and lunch ($5) after our prayer gathering.

Your prayers for children are much appreciated! 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.

Giving thanks for God’s comforting presence in hard as well as happy times,

Chris