2026 Prayer Calendar
12 Months of Prayer – Seeds that GROW Hope
Each month, join us in prayer for the children, staff, and supporters of Grace Refuge Outreach Worldwide (GROW). Together, we plant seeds of hope that God grows into healing, joy, and new beginnings.
September – Joy Restored
Joy is one of the most beautiful signs of healing.
Pray for laughter, play, and celebration to fill the lives of every rescued child.
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.” – Psalm 30:11
When children first arrive at GROW, many carry burdens far too heavy for young hearts. Some arrive withdrawn, fearful, and unsure if they can trust anyone. Others have rarely experienced stability, affection, or the simple freedom to laugh and play like children should. One little girl who came into GROW’s care had endured years of neglect and constant fear within her home environment. Quiet and anxious, she struggled to smile or participate with the other children during her first months on campus. Staff members gently encouraged her, surrounded her with patience and consistency, and reminded her daily that she was safe and deeply loved. Over time, small changes began to appear. She slowly started playing games with the other girls, laughing during evening activities, and expressing herself through art and music. Her caregivers watched as the heaviness she once carried began giving way to confidence and joy. Today, she enjoys school, eagerly participates in campus activities, and loves spending time with her GROW family. The child who once lived in fear now smiles freely and dreams about her future.
Stories like hers remind us that restoration often begins in quiet, everyday moments — shared meals, bedtime prayers, safe routines, patient caregivers, friendships, and the healing love of Christ lived out consistently over time. At GROW, restored joy is not simply about happiness in the moment. It is about helping children rediscover what it means to feel safe, valued, hopeful, and loved as they grow into the people God created them to be.
We do not get joy based on our circumstances, emotions, or the things happening around us. Instead, joy comes from knowing and trusting in Christ. As Christians, we are called to have a joy that goes deeper than temporary happiness because our hope is found in God. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 CSB). This kind of joy does not mean that life will always be easy or that we will never experience sadness. It means that in difficult seasons, we can find confidence in who God is and what He has done for us. Jesus Himself spoke about the lasting joy that comes from knowing Him, saying, “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11 CSB). Our joy is ultimately rooted in Christ, not in what we have, what we accomplish, or how others see us. When we choose to trust God, we can rejoice because His love never changes, His presence never leaves us, and our salvation is secure in Him. Every day, the staff and volunteers of GROW have the opportunity to share this joy with the children they serve. True joy is not simply something we feel, but it is something we can live out because of who Christ is and the hope we have in Him.
Joy
Lately, I’ve been reelin’, watchin’ the nightly news
Don’t seem to find the rhythm, just wanna sing the blues
Feels like a song that never stops
Feels like it’s never gonna
Gotta get that fire, fire, back in my bones
Before my hard heart turns into stone
So won’t somebody please pass the megaphone?
I’ll shout it on the count of three
(One, two, three)
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I’m singin’ to the sky
Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, ’cause this is do or die
The time has come to make a choice
And I choose
Joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
Yeah, I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
– For King and Country
Prayer:
Lord, replace sadness with joy, fear with confidence, and despair with song. Let joy overflow in every heart.
