Every Child Deserves a Family: Praying for OrphansEsimerkki

Every child was created in God’s image. Each has a unique story, situation, and future. “Orphans are not numbers [statistics],” says Stephen Ucembe, who himself grew up in an orphanage and now advocates for the rights of young people leaving orphanage care in Kenya. “They are normal children, deserving love and belonging like any other member in society.” Yet, worldwide, an estimated eight million orphans and vulnerable children have been placed in orphanages or children’s homes. Millions more live on the streets or are otherwise separated from the love, sense of belonging, and connections provided by a family. Every one of those children deserves a loving family. We need a heart like God’s to truly see these children and understand His calling on each of their lives. Begin by praying for orphans and vulnerable children around the world who need a family. PRAY Dear God, we know that your heart hurts for your children in need. I ask you to mold me to have a heart like yours and teach me how to pray for your children. I pray for the 140 million children who have lost a mother or a father, and for the more than 15 million who have lost both parents. I lift up those who are living in orphanages who need so much more than just food and shelter. Watch over their physical, intellectual, and emotional development. I pray that they won’t feel isolated and forgotten, but instead that they’ll experience compassion and love. I pray, too, for vulnerable children living on the streets, who are hungry or afraid. And for those who are in homes where they experience abuse and violence. Protect these children from harm, Lord. Bring caring people into their lives and remind them that you are with them always. Amen.