165 Hours of Prayer
When God first opened our eyes to the needs of the orphans around the world, the statistics then read that there were 146 million orphans worldwide. Quickly that number has increased to 153 million orphans not even a year after our first collection of information. 153 million is a huge number and as it continues to increase by near 6,000 children daily, it was only a matter of time until the statistics would once again change, and not for the better. The numbers now are staggering with the latest statistics (Sept 2013) estimating 165 million children. Let me write that again so it can really soak in: 165 million children, God's precious children, are alone in this world without adequate care and needs beyond what apparently the vast majority of the world is not aware of and/or willing to help provide. The numbers wouldn't be increasing if our hearts were moved for these children in such a way to move us into an action of some way or another.
Some parents and families hearts have been touched and are called into action by way of adoption. These families are either just at the beginning stages of the journey, at the final processes of bringing them home, or all the many stages in between. What do they all have in common? Theses families need prayer as do the children who have joined them or soon will.
Will you take the 165 hour prayer challenge with us? We are devoting the next 165 hours (approximately 7 days: Starting Sept.3-10th 2013) to prayer for the orphans and the families willing to offer them a loving home, a family, and a chance at life. We are praying for the Lord to do a mighty work in the lives of these children, the caregivers of orphaned children, those responsible for their placement and adoption processes, and for the adoptive families who are waiting to welcome home their children.
Hoping that hundreds will be praying and joining us in this time but even if it's only the voice of a few, the Lord hears!
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
As a reminder to you throughout the day to lift up the orphaned child and adoptive families in prayer would you be willing to sacrifice something that seems constantly on our minds and a natural desire of our body? Food. For this week, we are suggesting to eat one meal a day (or you choose what could work for you). One meal is representative of what the average orphaned child receives per day, even in the care of most orphanages. These children are fortunate to have one meal a day and as we continue in our daily routines and busyness of life, our prayerful state can quickly be bombarded by life's demands. The mild growl of your stomach can remind you to pray and seek the nourishment and comfort that the Lord offers in his hearing our prayers. It can remind you of the children of whom you are praying for and the conditions that they are currently living. It can remind you to be in a state of prayer and that is the purpose of this type of a sacrifice.
"The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere men can no longer terrify them." - Psalm 10:14, 17-18
"My heart does go out to the orphaned child, What can I do?"
*Pray with us! Join us in the 165 hour challenge! Intently spend time with the Lord in prayer over this period of 7 days. Visit back to the blog for daily encouragement and prayer requests throughout this 7 day period.
*Sponsor a child to help them survive and thrive in their own country through organizations such as Compassion, World Vision, or several others that are available to you through church and local organizations.
*Support adoptive families through prayer, encouragement, and financial assistance to join their journey of bringing homeless children into a forever family.
*Create awareness by speaking out and sharing information about the orphan crisis to your church, work, and social circles. Explore the resources and ideas on Orphan Sunday by clicking here.
*Organize a fundraiser to give a one time gift to an organization supporting orphans and widows.
*In prayer, consider foster care or adoption for your family.
Bible Verses About Adoption click here.
When God first opened our eyes to the needs of the orphans around the world, the statistics then read that there were 146 million orphans worldwide. Quickly that number has increased to 153 million orphans not even a year after our first collection of information. 153 million is a huge number and as it continues to increase by near 6,000 children daily, it was only a matter of time until the statistics would once again change, and not for the better. The numbers now are staggering with the latest statistics (Sept 2013) estimating 165 million children. Let me write that again so it can really soak in: 165 million children, God's precious children, are alone in this world without adequate care and needs beyond what apparently the vast majority of the world is not aware of and/or willing to help provide. The numbers wouldn't be increasing if our hearts were moved for these children in such a way to move us into an action of some way or another.
Some parents and families hearts have been touched and are called into action by way of adoption. These families are either just at the beginning stages of the journey, at the final processes of bringing them home, or all the many stages in between. What do they all have in common? Theses families need prayer as do the children who have joined them or soon will.
Will you take the 165 hour prayer challenge with us? We are devoting the next 165 hours (approximately 7 days: Starting Sept.3-10th 2013) to prayer for the orphans and the families willing to offer them a loving home, a family, and a chance at life. We are praying for the Lord to do a mighty work in the lives of these children, the caregivers of orphaned children, those responsible for their placement and adoption processes, and for the adoptive families who are waiting to welcome home their children.
Hoping that hundreds will be praying and joining us in this time but even if it's only the voice of a few, the Lord hears!
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
As a reminder to you throughout the day to lift up the orphaned child and adoptive families in prayer would you be willing to sacrifice something that seems constantly on our minds and a natural desire of our body? Food. For this week, we are suggesting to eat one meal a day (or you choose what could work for you). One meal is representative of what the average orphaned child receives per day, even in the care of most orphanages. These children are fortunate to have one meal a day and as we continue in our daily routines and busyness of life, our prayerful state can quickly be bombarded by life's demands. The mild growl of your stomach can remind you to pray and seek the nourishment and comfort that the Lord offers in his hearing our prayers. It can remind you of the children of whom you are praying for and the conditions that they are currently living. It can remind you to be in a state of prayer and that is the purpose of this type of a sacrifice.
"The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere men can no longer terrify them." - Psalm 10:14, 17-18
Join us in praying 165 hours for the orphans and for their placements in families! May God receive the Glory and Praise, for He is worthy.
"My heart does go out to the orphaned child, What can I do?"
*Pray with us! Join us in the 165 hour challenge! Intently spend time with the Lord in prayer over this period of 7 days. Visit back to the blog for daily encouragement and prayer requests throughout this 7 day period.
*Sponsor a child to help them survive and thrive in their own country through organizations such as Compassion, World Vision, or several others that are available to you through church and local organizations.
*Support adoptive families through prayer, encouragement, and financial assistance to join their journey of bringing homeless children into a forever family.
*Create awareness by speaking out and sharing information about the orphan crisis to your church, work, and social circles. Explore the resources and ideas on Orphan Sunday by clicking here.
*Organize a fundraiser to give a one time gift to an organization supporting orphans and widows.
*In prayer, consider foster care or adoption for your family.
Bible Verses About Adoption click here.
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