Prayer for the poor

Lord Jesus, today we pray for the ones among us who are struggling for a square meal.

Let the rich share their supplies with the poor. A special plea for the hungry mouths of the world this day, this moment.

Lord God, You came to give honour to the least, those forgotten, overlooked and misjudged. You came to give first place to the last, those left behind, misunderstood and undervalued.

We lift those living in abject poverty around the world before You. May You cause the world, especially the church, to take note of the plight of the poor and have compassion on them.

May Your concerns for the poor be our concerns too – to open our hands to the poor and needy and satisfy them with food, and deny them not justice nor their rights.

You welcome the lost, those who are orphaned, abandoned and destitute. Help us to be Your ears to listen to their cries. Help us to be Your voice speaking out love and acceptance. Help us to be Your feet walking beside those in need. Help us to be Your hands to clothe, feed and shelter them.

We pray for the hungry nations of the world. May every human have food on the table and money for their needs.

Father, beside meeting their physical needs, give them Jesus – the true Bread from heaven. For whoever eats of this Bread from heaven will not die. May they know Jesus Christ, who came to give them life and a refuge for their souls.

Give us all our daily bread, Lord.

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before You all the poor and neglected whom it would be easy to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy.

God, thank You for the abundance of life, relationships, health, comfort, and wealth You have provided, and thank You that even in times of need, despair, and brokenness, You are there.

Please put Your arms around children and families in extreme poverty so they feel comfort and hope; meet their needs both physically and spiritually.

And, Lord, guide me so I can be Your hands and feet pursuing justice for the poor and needy.

Amen.