30 Days of Praying for Children and FamiliesSample

Connection and community are at the heart of the Christian life. Among other things, we work out our faith in and through relationships forged through church.

The apostle Paul had community in mind when writing to the church in Rome. This troubled Christian community was struggling to relate well together, and Paul urges them to work out their renewed minds in the nitty-gritty of everyday life together with all its demands and difficulties.

Among many other instructions, they were to be “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12, NIV) and “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15, NIV)

This kind of deep, costly friendship is something all Christian communities can strive for and cherish.

Church communities where individuals can belong, be known, and cared for are a light to those around them. Who do you want to invite into this community? How can you open this community to families in need of this support?

Prayer

Is there a parent or carer in your church or community who is mourning or facing affliction?

As you bring them to mind, imagine placing them into the very hands of God.

Ask him to be their steadfast hope and their guiding hand. Ask for his wisdom as you seek to speak truth and love over them. Pray for patience and faithfulness as they walk through this season.