Starting with Prayer

The Renewal Team has asked that we lead the entire congregation through a Season of Prayer for the months of September through November. Intentional prayer brings forth a possibility to seek God’s guidance as we enter into our efforts to renew our own spirits. We seek to infuse our ministries and our passions for the places we are called, knowing unlimited possibilities with God’s very real presence as our guide. Your efforts to deepen your prayer life will also coincide with our annual “Light a Candle for Children” prayer vigil.

“Light a Candle for Children” is an advocacy and prayer vigil project that invites congregations to join in Forty Days of Prayer for Children. It begins forty days prior to the observance of the National Children’s Sabbath, which will be held on October 18th this year (sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund, Washington, D.C.).

During these Sabbath celebrations thousands of congregations across the country unite to simultaneously witness for children through prayer, education and worship. “Light a Candle for Children” is part of this witness and our congregation participates. As you pray for yourself, your church and your world during our Season of Prayer, please also pray for your children, our church’s children and the children of the world.

The needs of the world’s children should be a priority for all of us as individuals, groups and communities of faith. Not all of us have been afforded the gift of working directly with children, but none of our lives has escaped the touch of a child in some special way.

The National Council of Christian Churches’ Committee on Justice for Children and Their Families invites you to join in praying for a brighter future for all of God’s children. Remember we can and should make a difference where the needs, hopes and dreams of children are involved.

Take the time to become involved in the lives of children. Let the candle of their lives, and the light they carry within, inspire you and light your pathway as you advocate on their behalf.

As you hear more about our Season of Prayer and the many opportunities you will have to deepen your spiritual walk with God, you will also hear about the needs of children and will be given opportunities to pray for them as well as all the many other prayer concerns that hover within our hearts and minds.

Prayerfully yours,
Tracy