When you see the world through the eyes of a vulnerable child it can be painful, frightening and lonely. One billion children worldwide live in poverty, with
• 6.6 million under-five year-olds dying from preventable causes
• 15 per cent of children engaged in work
• One in ten girls married before they reach 15 years old
• 57 million primary-aged children out of school
In addition to this, child poverty has increased in 23 developed world countries since 2008. Our plea on behalf of the hurting children in our communities, and those in far-off places, is that God would give them strength and carry them through their desperately tough times.
The 2015 World Weekend of Prayer for children at risk campaign on 6-7th June is focused on the words of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, ‘I am with you always’. Hosted by the international Christian children’s charity Viva, the annual prayer event unites hundreds of thousands of adults and children in 40 countries. During the weekend thousands of children across the world – many of them living in difficult situations – will turn to God in prayer, thanking him for his goodness and faithfulness, and asking for change in their situations.
Pray...
• ...that children who are afraid would know God’s protection. May they feel safe in his loving arms, knowing he is always with them.
• ...that children in need would trust in God’s provision. May he ease their anxieties and, by his power, supply them with life’s essentials.
• ...that children who feel insecure would remember God’s promises. May they feel encouraged and empowered, and trust in his faithfulness.
Take action
Join the World Weekend of Prayer on 6-7 June 2015. Go to worldweekendofprayer.com to download the resource guide plus activity ideas for children and teenagers, a reflection on the theme, a meditation video and more.
