Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Their mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, they 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).
Invitation to Prayer ... TODAY
Hi Friends,
Faces Of Children will be meeting this Wednesday - TODAY - at 11:30 a.m., in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. I hope you can join them to pray together for children in our community and around the world!
Warmly,
Carrie
Dear Intercessors,
I'm writing this at 4:30 in the morning - thank you jet lag! In all seriousness, we had a spectacular time in China visiting dear friends, meeting important people in my daughter's life and exploring more of the beautiful country. Thank you for praying for us -- we had a remarkably smooth journey in every way, and it feels like it exceeded my wildest hopes for what the experience might mean for our family.
One of the most special parts of our trip was meeting the police officer who responded to the phone call the day my daughter Alea was found. In China, there aren't many "safe zones," like a fire station or a hospital, to voluntarily relinquish a child. So in most cases, children are left in public places and spaces and when someone notices that they are unaccompanied, they call the police. We were able to have dinner with the police officer who handled Alea's case. I wrote some about it on my blog, and I'm still pondering the way the experience of meeting him solidified in my heart a deep understanding that for literally every day of her life, Alea has been known, seen, and loved by God who put people in her path who would care for her and ensure decisions were made in her best interest. As we pray for children in hard situations around the world, it's so easy to lose heart. I think this story might encourage you as well.
As we gather to pray in our local prayer group this week, my own children will be starting their first day of school. Cora will be in 2nd grade and Alea is beginning Kindergarten! Since so many children across the USA are starting school in the next few weeks, I wanted to invite you to join me in a weekly prayer discipline. Whenever you pass by a school or see a student or think of educators or sit down to pray, I'd like you join me in praying for the following:
Monday: Teachers and Administrators and Support Staff
From the teachers to the cafeteria line workers to the custodial crews to the principals and superintendents, the adults in our schools cultivate an important environment for our children. Healthy schools start with healthy staff. Please pray for those who are struggling to make ends meet. Pray for those who feel like summer didn't provide the opportunity to rest and recharge as needed. Pray for those who are new to their jobs and schools and for those who are burnt out and wishing for changes.
Tuesday: Students for Whom Learning is Hard
Some kids have special needs or learning disabilities or simply haven't had the right teacher or the right opportunity to learn in a way that will make sense. Please pray for those who "hate school" simply because they feel frustrated, unqualified, or "dumb." Pray for this year to be a turn-around year... for the right adults and the right opportunities to cross their paths. Pray for them to have perseverance and never give up.
Wednesday: Students Who Feel Like They Don't Fit In
In a world where we are becoming more and more aware of the tragic consequences of students who feel like outsiders and misfits, please pray for those who are on the margins. Pray they find connection and that if they are the victims of bullying or other mistreatment, this is the school year it stops. Pray for those with serious emotional and psychological and mental health challenges to get the help they need and not slip through the cracks. Pray for each of these children to experience the profound love of God in ways that bring healing and wholeness.
Thursday: Students Who Don't Have Support at Home
For every Kindergartner who has parents reading books to them at night, there's another whose parent never looks up from his or her phone. For every 4th grader who is met at the door with a wholesome after-school snack, there's another who has to figure out what her little brother will eat for dinner that night. For every high school student who has a parent helping them navigate the college application process, there's another whose family doesn't know the difference between a FAFSA and the SAT. There are kids in broken families and kids in abusive ones. There are kids whose families dance on the edges of poverty and homelessness and kids whose parents are simply distracted by work and other commitments. There are kids whose parents are in prison, on drugs, or sick. So much of a child's educational success hinges on engaged and involved parents. Please pray for those children who feel alone and unsupported. Pray each one can connect with one caring adult -- neighbor, church friend, teacher, or parent -- who watches out for them and helps them navigate the school year ahead.
Friday: Students Who Know and Love Jesus
There are many students who have never heard the name of Jesus. In Public Schools, there may not be many opportunities to "officially" share the Good News of Jesus, but there are thousands and thousands of students who do personally know how different life can be when Jesus is at the center going into the halls of schools each day. Let's pray for these students as they go back to school... may they be bright lights in the places where God sends them. Let's pray they grow more deeply in their own relationships with God and that this growth pours out into the lives of those around them. Pray for them to embody the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. May they experience the presence and peace of God's spirit and share that spirit with those around them.
Thank you for joining me in praying for schools and students this week and in the weeks to come. Praying with you,
Carrie
Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153
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