| A Daily Dose of Godly Encouragement: Book 2: Spring Review or Rate this Book. Click here. Prayers & Poverty James 2:1-7 How can we better understand poverty? A church leader sent a list of prayer requests of guests served at a community dinner for the poor. These prayers reveal many of the unique issues people face living in poverty. 1. We don’t want to get kicked out of our home. Hope we can stay there. My friend is too weak to be on the streets again. 2. Pray that I don’t have to live in a tent. 3. Pray that my pregnant girlfriend will take better care of herself for the baby’s sake. She’s bipolar and off her meds and is acting crazy. “Suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor…” (James 2:2) This refers to more than “who gets the best seats in church.” A subtle way to ignore the needs of the poor is to just avoid meaningful contact: “You can stand over there or else sit on the floor” can also mean, “You can live on the other side of town.” There is a word for ignoring the poor… Sin! 4. My son is disabled and on life support at home. He has few visitors and would really appreciate it if someone could come and pray for him. 5. Pray for me. I have high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. 6. Pray for Mom’s health issues. One agency identifies at least eight different areas needed by those in poverty: Basic Needs, Community Resources, Health, Mental Health, Housing, Income, Education, and a Support System. So, improving income or providing basic needs alone is no guarantee for breaking the strong bonds of poverty. Issues surrounding poverty are complex requiring a lot of discipline and dedication from everyone involved. 7. Pray for two friends who once attended our dinner but have been absent. God’s protection over them. 8. Pray for my friend’s baby, that he is healthy, and everything goes good in the delivery room. Also, to have everything we need when he comes. 9. That in everything, I will not let my circumstances move my eyes from the glory of Christ and the cross. Plus, me and my son will be reunited soon. Nine prayer requests provide a glimpse at understanding people trapped in poverty. Can we do better? Yes, if we become more personally involved in helping our brothers and sisters in need. Prayer Challenge: Help me better understand people struggling with poverty. |
