To Provide for the Poor
Compassionate Father,
There are so many in the world living on so little. In first-world countries where things like materialism and consumerism are real problems, it is easy to forget or be unconcerned about the multitudes all over the world living in poverty. When we discard more possessions in a year than some people even own, it can throw off our perspective.
Lead me to remember the poor more often in my prayers. When they struggle so much on a daily basis just to make ends meet, there is the potential for spiritual concerns to be overlooked. At the same time, not being distracted by an abundance of physical or material belongings could also provide extra focus on spiritual concerns, and could deepen appreciation for all of your spiritual blessings. So I ask, Father, that you provide what is need in both areas. Keep your word and provide daily bread to the poor so that their physical health and well-being are not compromised. But even more importantly, lead them to a knowledge of how truly rich they are in Christ, so that they are not disheartened, but encouraged and uplifted by true and lasting hope.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.