Theme: Orphans & Widows
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
– John 3:16, NIV
Dear Praying Friends,
As we enter into the season celebrating the gift of God’s Son, let’s spend some time meditating on the great love of our Father God. Our Father in heaven so loves us that He gave His most precious possession. This indescribable gift far eclipses the most generous earthly offering ever given. Higher than the heavens, the Psalmist exclaims, is God’s steadfast, never-stopping, unfailing love for us (Psalm 108:4). God’s love is immeasurably great, but it is also personal. In his gospel, John refers to himself as “the one Jesus loved. ” When you pray to your Heavenly Father, do you pray from this identity? You are the one God loves!
As we meditate on the Father’s love, we grow closer to His heart and begin to cry out for the broken, the hurting, and the afflicted. “For the Lord your God…defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:17–18). Throughout Scripture, we see God’s deep concern for the vulnerable—those who have lost family, provision, or protection. His heart is moved with compassion for widows, orphans, foster children, single parents, and those who grieve the loss of loved ones.
Across Ohio, thousands of children remain in foster care, and many families are in crisis. Recent statewide data shows that there are approximately 15,000 children in Ohio’s foster care system, yet only about 7,300 licensed foster homes available to care for them. In many cases, parental substance use or neglect is cited as the primary reason children enter care. These numbers invite our urgent prayer and action—so that every child in our state might know safety, belonging, and the love of our Heavenly Father.
Yet even in the midst of this great need, there is tremendous hope. Churches across Ohio are stepping up to care for the fatherless, support single parents, and wrap around families in crisis. Could this Christmas season spark a renewed awakening to the love of the Father across our state? Let’s pray for a movement among believers to adopt, foster, and serve families in crisis—so that every child in Ohio would experience the tangible love of God through His people.
This Christmas season, may the love of the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace awaken hearts across our state. Let’s pray for the widowed, the orphaned, and the lonely to encounter His presence in a deeply personal way—and for His Church to rise in compassion and obedience to care for those close to His heart.
Blessings to you this December!
Ursula Kemp
Pray for Ohio
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