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).

Precious Waiting

"Life is...a short moment of waiting. But life is not empty waiting. It is to wait full of expectation. The knowledge that God will indeed fulfill the promise to renew everything, and will offer us a 'new heaven and a new earth,' makes the waiting exciting ...

This 'little while' is a precious time. It is a time of purification and sanctification, a time to be prepared for the great passage to the permanent house of God. What is my task during my 'little while'? I want to point to the signs of the Kingdom to come, to speak about the first rays of the day of God, to witness to the many manifestations of the Holy Spirit among us."

Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Sabbatical Journey: A Diary of His Final Year
by Henri J.M. Nouwen

"A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me." Then some of his disciples said to one another.... "What does he mean by this 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about." Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them...."Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.... So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." John 16:16-22 (selected verses) NRSV

"Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, though I am here for 'a little while,' keep me ever aware that my earthly weeping and mourning will be replaced by rejoicing when I see you in your heavenly glory. Amen."

Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen
by Judy Bauer

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

IIt is helpful for me to be reminded that our pain will turn into joy, our weeping into rejoicing when we meet God face-to-face. It is helpful, especially during times of great sorrow in our hearts, our homes, our communities, our nations. The past couple of weeks have seemed especially sorrowful... bombs going off during times of celebration; explosions in quiet farming communities; earthquakes destroying homes and everyday lives; girls cutting short their own young lives; the third anniversary of my mother's death.... It is good to be reminded of this when my heart is breaking... Yes, it is good.

The Faces of Children prayer group will meet to pray for children on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, with lunch ($5) and fellowship to follow.

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.

Rejoicing in God's promise of renewal,

Chris