"Permit the children to come to me;...and He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands upon them."

Mark 10:13-16

Wake Forest UMC is a FAMILY and one of our greatest treasures and responsibilities are our CHILDREN..  When a child is baptized, we promise to nurture that child in Christian love.  This month our daily prayers are focused on the spiritual growth of our children.

LET US PRAY;

That our children will feel the love of Jesus in our midst.

For a strong children's Sunday school and children's "church time" that is meaningful for our youngest members and more leaders to help in this important ministry.

For a strong Children's Ministry Team to plan and prepare future ministry opportunities for the children and their families such as Vacation Bible School, Sunday night programs, and special mission projects teaching early the call of Jesus outside of our own church.

For new and fresh teachers and leaders who will lift up and help those who have been so faithfully serving our children and their growth.

Praise and thanksgiving for all those who have answered God's call for our children.

We must teach our children that prayer is a conversation with God, not a formula.  The following guide can be a useful tool.  Try it during your family worship.

FIVE FINGER PRAYERS...........

1. Your thumb is nearest you.  So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you.  They are the easiest to remember to pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger.  Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal.  This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.  Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger.  It reminds us of our leaders.  Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators.  These people shape our nation and guide public opinion.  They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger.  Surprising to many is the fact that this our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.  They need your prayers day and night.  You cannot pray too much for them.

5.  And lastly comes our little finger the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others.  As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you"  Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.  By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.