Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/88465
PRAY FOR THE CHILDREN TO BE DRUG-FREE AND SAFE TAKE A MINUTE TO PRAY Darkness, in the form of drugs and violence, is stealing our children's innocence and their lives and we struggle with what to do. A small group of people committed to saving our children seek to offer hope. That hope is prayer. They believe that the power of prayer is unequaled. And, when many prayers are raised up for children, miracles happen and changes occur. August 25, 2012 Dear Margaret, As a member of the National Catholic Society of Foresters since my childhood, I still receive your National Catholic Forester! Such a treat! Because of the many problems that face children, 13 years ago we started a program called PRAY FOR THE CHILDREN DRUG FREE AND SAFE. You do not have to go to any meetings, pay anything, join anything or sign anything. Just pray! Parishes across the country have embraced the program and I thought it might be a program that would interest the National Catholic Forester. Brochures and cards are free and any number may be requested for your group, parish, family, friends, etc. by calling 630-420-9430. We invite you to join us on October 19-21, 2012 for Pray for the Children or at any time of the year. Check out our website: prayforthechildren.org God bless you and thank you, Anne Meyer Fall 2012 — www.ncsf.com Pray for the Children Weekend is a simple concept, but one that can accomplish great things. Its mission is to create a worldwide concert of prayers for children and youth. If you can't join us on October 19-21, 2012 we encourage you and your faith community to set aside another special time to participate. It is our hope that such an event will lead adults and youth to pray for youth daily. GROW THE PRAYERS (Some ideas that have worked – use these or create your own) • Group Prayer: Choose a special time each week to pray for children and youth, no matter where everyone is at the time. • Prayer Reminders: Make and distribute bracelets and ribbons as reminders to pray for young people. • Commitment from Faith Family: Distribute prayer cards to youth and adults at your community faith services. • Candlelight Vigil for Community: Compile a list of young people who lost their lives due to drugs, violence, or other adversity. Place a pair of shoes on the steps of a public building for each person who lost their life. Invite clergy, civic leaders, and all citizens to participate. • Encourage young people to pray daily for their friends and all that concerns them. ADULT PRAYER Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your children all around the world. Envelope them in your love. Send your spirit upon them to comfort, heal, protect and guide all their decisions. Open our hearts, open our eyes. Help us be instruments in ending all adversity that impairs their healthy development. Amen YOUTH PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and care. Please help my friends and others who suffer with loss, abuse and violence. Help those who struggle with relationships and tough choices. Give us the strength not to give up. Give the adults in our lives understanding so they can help us with our issues. Help us to support each other. Amen 15