Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared.
Numbers 14:17
God we pray for the children in Romania and elsewhere who, because they do not have papers, cannot attend school or access special services. Please give Mia’s Children the resources to educate them. Give them a deep assurance of their identity in you as they wait for the state to acknowledge them. Amen
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Lord we ask for your rest and rejuvenation as Mia continues her trip to the United States. Please give her a chance to heal from exhaustion, and bless her with new strength from remembering your calling on her life. Amen.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
God we pray today for the many people involved in planning Mia’s visit while here in the States. We pray that you will open all of the right doors to make her speaking engagements and fundraising work go smoothly and be a blessing.
In particular, we ask that you give Joan Castle, the US head of Mia’s Children, encouragement as she hosts Mia and oversees the month-long trip.
Amen.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
Mia painting in Memphis
Lord, we thank you for bringing Mia safely to the United States and for the gift of friendship and community that we share with her and with our Romanian brothers and sisters. Teach us how to love and welcome visitors. May her trip be restful and inspire her work and ours. Amen.
Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
This week we lift up to you Mia as she prepares for a much-awaited trip to the US. Please give her and Mia’s Children in Romania peace as they set up arrangements for her absence. Protect her health, and make those of us in America welcoming to her in whatever way you have for us. Amen
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.
Psalm 71:6
It is Mia’s birthday this week! God we thank you for Mia! You have blessed so many people through her. Thank you for the gift she is.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
God we pray this week for Bogdan, whose final exams today precede his graduation from college.
Thank you for the fruit we have seen in so many of our students’ hearts and educations. You have raised up loving and accomplished children from the ashes of broken places, and you have involved us. For that we look back, and are grateful.
…they did not believe in God
or trust in his deliverance.
Yet he gave a command to the skies above
and opened the doors of the heavens;
he rained down manna for the people to eat,
he gave them the grain of heaven.
Human beings ate the bread of angels;
he sent them all the food they could eat.
He let loose the east wind from the heavens
and by his power made the south wind blow.
Psalm 78:22-26
God, we so often forget your provision. Teach us to trust you for absolutely everything we need. Help us to pray, even when we’d rather stay ungrateful. Amen.
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
Psalm 10:14
Thank you for fathers who love you and who give sacrificially for their children’s well-being. We pray for the many children who do not have fathers or who do not know paternal love. Please comfort them and provide them with people who reflect your fatherly care. We ask this for the children at Mia’s Children and for other young people like them around the world. Amen.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:7-8
Even when it feels like the world makes no sense, when we are overwhelmed by events we cannot control and wrongs we can’t fix, we are reminded that you give wisdom, that you are wisdom. We are so unknowing and yet, through you, we can have the wisdom of the wisest king. Teach us to trust you for the wisdom we need to live in this world. Amen.