For Genuine Compassion Toward Others
Compassionate Savior,
I will never be far from someone who is grieving, hurting, or in need. You even assured the disciples that they would always have the poor around them. I simply don’t have to look very hard at all to see people struggling.
This prevalence of pain that others are experiencing can cause me to become desensitized or indifferent to their plight. Because it is such a common part of the human experience to hurt or be in need, even if not intentionally, I can easily tune out the tribulations of others as I go about my daily business.
Forgive me for my self-absorption and lack of compassion. Don’t allow me to become so preoccupied with my own schedule and responsibilities that I don’t acknowledge or give thought to the distress others are experiencing. Let me follow through with my promises of prayer, not treating them like a checklist that I can complete, but as powerful petitions that can channel real change for those in need. Increase my own capacity for compassion, so that my care and concern for others might more often flow into expressions of charity.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.