100 Comment Vigil

Many kids in foster care feel like they don't have a prayer ... let's change that.

There are more than 400,000 children in the United States foster care system. Each of their stories is different, but in many ways, each of them is alarmingly similar. No matter their story, each and every one desperately needs prayer.

The National Foster Care Prayer Vigil was created to call followers of Christ wherever they are to ask the God of the Universe to do great and mighty things on their behalf. He hears our prayers, and we know He will answer our plea for these precious children and for the people who love and care for them.

The 5th annual National Foster Care Prayer Vigil, is scheduled for May 20-27. The 2012 National Foster Care Prayer Vigil offers followers of Jesus the opportunity to pray for the children, the workers, and the families in our nation's foster care system. Perhaps most importantly, it offers an opportunity for believers to ask God to work in His church on behalf of the children, to change our hearts, and use us in their lives.

I am in the midst of a move across the world so organizing an actual Vigil is not something I can do right now. But I did think it'd be great to organize a virtual Vigil. I am asking that those of you who can take the time to pray for those children in foster care, leave a comment on the blog. Would you leave a comment which includes the place you are located. It can say "Anonymous in California" or "Jamie in Raleigh." Whatever you want. Whatever you like. My goal is to get 100 people to comment that they have prayed.
You can download this prayer guide, but I am also asking that you pray specifically for the following things:
The children

1. Pray that children in the foster care system come to know Jesus as their Lord and savior.
2. Pray that these children experience God's love through the care given to them by all involved in the foster system.
3. Pray that these children would be given a "Forever Family" and that their hearts will be ready for the family they have waiting for them.
4. Pray that sibling groups can stay intact or in contact with each other.
5. Pray that God would heal the deep hurts these children have experienced and protect them from future harm.
6. Pray that the lives of these children will be transformed and that they will be able to forgive those who have wronged them.
7. Pray for the hundreds of thousands of young adults in this country who have "aged out" of the child welfare system. Pray that they can still find a family to forever call theirs through mentors or Godly mentors who can help them navigate life wisely.

The church

1. Pray that God would raise up people to launch ministries for orphans and waiting children.
2. Pray that church leaders would respond to the needs in the foster care system and actively engage these children.
3. Pray that believers would be consumed with compassion for these children and make themselves available for how God wants to use them.

And of course, please consider donating to the cause of adoption through our organization: www.becauseofisaac.org. A donation in any size will help a child come into a family forever!