THE theme for the 2016 International Day of Prayer for Children – scheduled for 3 April, the Sunday after Easter – is 'Right at the Heart'. This was also the theme for an international conference for territorial children’s and youth leaders that was held in September 2015 as a direct result of General André Cox's commitment to ensure that children and young people are an important priority for The Salvation Army. The Day of Prayer for Children seeks to provide one day a year on which the international Salvation Army can join together to offer focused prayer for young people.
‘Right At The Heart’ was inspired by the gospel narrative accounts of the way in which Jesus interacted with children: placing an acceptance and understanding of them ‘right at the heart’ of his teaching on the Kingdom.
The extensive collection of resources for this year’s International Day of Prayer for Children follow this theme in placing children ‘right at the heart’ of everything The Salvation Army is and does. Including a downloadable video, Bible and prayer outlines, a poster and PowerPoint backgrounds, the resources have been prepared by Captain Sonia Jeffrey (Territorial Children’s Ministries Secretary) and colleagues from the Territorial Mission Resources Department in the Australia Southern Territory. All are available on the IHQ website and offer options for use in public worship and in children’s activities.
The web page also offers a place to share online prayers and prayer requests for children and young people.
Report by Major Janet Robson
Youth and Children's Officer
International Headquarters
