Thought for the Month

One striking thing recently, is the number of children that have either been killed or put in danger, by responsible adults who are supposed to keep them safe and love them.Not a nice subject to think about - but we need to think about these situations if we are to pray effectively into them; if we are to recognise the trauma and heartache people go through. We cannot stay out of reach of these things, for to do so would mean we are not helping as Jesus would help.

Children need to be protected, looked after, encouraged to grow and develop into the people they can be, realising the potential that is there if the right upbringing and motivation are given. We can do that with all the children we know!!
Children amongst us at church are finding their way in life with Jesus – learning what faith means to them, how they can live their lives most effectively, and how Jesus is with them every day. It is thanks to those who give of their time and energy to help and teach these children, giving them lots of fun things to do, sharing stories and songs, opportunities to have a strong and grounded faith in future years.

But some children are in situations where they don’t receive the love they need, the motivation to do the best they can at school or to develop the things they are good at, not getting attention or the chance of having fun. They suffer even at an early age.

We should pray for their parents as much as we pray for the children. Many families live in poverty, under enormous pressure, without the basic needs in life – and often it is the little ones who suffer because of that.

Jesus said: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.’ We offer Jesus our prayers for this world, with all its problems. Thank Him for all that is good and right and proper in this world: the love, the kindness in people, those who give of themselves for others, all who make a difference to people’s lives.