P.R.A.Y.

Yesterday I shared about the way that my morning quiet times have been touching my heart and growing my faith.  The words of Jesus Calling always seem to speak to exactly what I need for the day.

Additionally, I am using a great little 30-day devotional called "Seeds of Change" from Steven Curtis Chapman's amazing Show Hope (who I am sooo excited to be volunteering on behalf of this Saturday at the Casting Crowns concert with a couple of other China moms!).  These are easy-to-read one page readings that prompt prayer, thought, and hopefully, action.

 

Today, Kerry Hasenbalg, co-founder of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) and wife of Show Hope Executive Director, Scott Hasenbalg, shared a great acrostic that can be used by all who have a heart of serving the world's orphans.

 

She says, "We must come before their Father and beseech His infinite wisdom before we attempt to "fix" their situation...It may be helpful to use the simple P.R.A.Y. acrostic as a prayer guide in caring for orphans.  This acronym may not only help us remember that there are a number of paths which God may direct us to meet the needs, but it also provides a systematic approach to ensure good practice in orphan care and adoption ministry.

 

P. - Preservation - Preservation of the birth family - preventing the children from becoming orphans.

 

R. - Reunification - Reunite abandoned children with their birth parents or kin when it is safe and possible to do so.

 

A. - Adoption - For those orphans who cannot be reunited, help provide an adoptive home by opening your own home or support those families who are adopting.  An adoptive placement in the child's home country should be considered first, but if an appropriate home cannot be found quickly, a child should be placed in a loving adoptive home somewhere else in the world.

 

Y. - Youth Support - Provide for orphans while waiting for a family or those who may never find a family.  Also necessary is post-adoption support for the children and families."

 

I wonder what she is praying for...I pray she is able to come home soon!

Kerry goes on to remind us that it is important that we proceed with obedience and submission.  I think that it is so very easy for us to get an idea in our heads, "this is how I'll serve and what I'll do", but our plans may not be what is truly best in a particular country or situation. 

 

"Obedience will always be a blow to my human pride, unless I make it an act of love for God," she says.  "Through prayer, we can adopt the posture of submission to a God who is infinitely wise and infinitely loving, coming to Him on behalf of the orphan and for direction as we respond to their needs. May we be known as true prayer warriors on behalf of the least of God's children who have no power or protection; our Father knows best."

 

Amen.

 

(P.S.  I have a couple of extra copies of Seeds of Change that I'd love to share!  Leave me a comment with your email and I'll contact you for your mailing address.)