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).

"Prayer and Acceptance" (continued)

"You become a person only when you are capable of standing open to all the gifts which are prepared for you.

Giving can easily become a means of manipulation, where the one who receives a gift becomes dependent on the will of the one who gives it.

When you give, you are the master of the situation and you can dole out the goods to those whom you think are deserving. You have control over your milieu and you can enjoy the power your possessions give you.

Acceptance is something else. When we accept a gift, we invite others into our world and are ready to give them a place in our own lives. If we give gifts to our friends, we expect them to give them a place in their home. Ultimately, gifts become gifts only when they are accepted. When gifts are accepted, they acquire a place in the life of the receiver. It is understandable that many people want to give a gift in return as soon as possible, thereby reestablishing the balance and getting rid of any dependent relationship. We often see more trading than accepting. Many of us are even embarrassed with a present because we do not know how to reciprocate. 'It makes me feel obligated,' we often say.

Perhaps the challenge o f the gospel lies precisely in the invitation to accept a gift for which we can give nothing in return. For the gift is the life-breath of God, the Spirit poured out on us through Jesus Christ. This life-breath frees us from fear and gives us new room to live. Those who live prayerfully are constantly ready to receive the breath of God and to let their lives be renewed and expanded. Those who never pray, on the contrary, are like children with asthma: because they are short of breath, the whole world shrivels up before them. They creep into a corner gasping for air and are virtually in agony. But those who do pray open themselves to God and can breathe freely again. They stand upright, stretch out their hands, and come out of their corner, free to move about without fear."
With Open Hands, by Henri J.M. Nouwenn

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

Thank you for opening your hearts and hands in prayer for the children of our local and global communities. God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer! If you have celebrations or concerns about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or perhaps for those who harm them, please contact me at the email address below. Thank you again.

Please join us for prayer on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship will follow.

If you have requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

With grateful thanks for God's unceasing love,

Chris