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).

The Honesty of Compassion

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned ..." Luke 6:37

"Compassion means to become close to the one who suffers. But we can come close to another person only when we are willing to become vulnerable ourselves. A compassionate person says: 'I am your brother; I am your sister; I am human, fragile, and mortal, just like you. I am not scandalized by your tears, nor afraid of your pain. I too have wept. I too have felt pain.' We can be with the other only when the other ceases to be 'other' and becomes like us.

This, perhaps, is the main reason that we sometimes find it easier to show pity than compassion. The suffering person calls us to become aware of our own suffering. How can I respond to someone's loneliness unless am in touch with my own experience of loneliness? How can I be close to handicapped people when I refuse to acknowledge my own handicaps? How can I be with the poor when I am unwilling to confess my own poverty?"

I must do some things to fulfill my duties. But isn't it time I examined my routines and cut out the things I do just to stay busy? Lord, help me this Lent to begin to focus my attention on the important things."
Renewed for Life, Daily Lenten Meditations from the works of Henri J.M. Nouwen, edited by Mark Neilsen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

On Wednesday, March 7, 2012, the Faces of Children prayer group will meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Please join us this Lenten season as we prayer for God's beloved children. Fellowship and lunch ($5) will follow.

Thank you for praying for the children of our local and global communities. If you have prayer concerns or celebrations 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.

Grace and peace,

Chris