Prayer for Children and Families in Poverty
"In the poor, we find Jesus in distressing disguise." Mother Teresa
Did you know that 24% of Harris County children live in poverty and a total of 47% live in low income families? Texas is ranked 46th in percentage of children living in poverty, with only Alabama, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi doing worse. Related to poverty, Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured children in the nation at 24.6%.
Prayer Targets for Day Two:
1. Pray for God to give us His heart for the poor, Isaiah 58:6-8.
2. Pray that we learn to minister to the poor as unto Christ, Matthew 25:37-40.
Prayer:
Almighty God, source of life and every good gift, we worship You as Savior, Lord and Provider today. In You the scriptures declare there is no want. Thank You that You love all people with an everlasting love, and that You are for us! Your heart breaks when people are in pain. Thank You for the many times You have met us during our times of physical, emotional, spiritual and material need. Thank You, awesome God! We thank You for programs and ministries that are effective in providing for the needs of the poor. Thank You for those who serve faithfully to empower parents so they can become financially stable and provide for their families.
Lord, we recognize that Your heart is moved by the cries of the poor. We add our voices to theirs and ask You to come to their rescue. Motivate Your Church across this city to turn their hearts and attention to the plight of the poor. Forgive us for our sins of apathy and indifference – when Your heart is filled with compassion. Help us to prioritize our lives so that we can better reflect Your heart.
Come, Lord, especially during this season of financial challenge. At every level of life and commerce, renew us with an urgent sense of faithful stewardship of money, time and talents. Help us make the needed changes in our lives, our work and our financial stewardship so that we can honor You. Come, Lord, today and deal with systems of injustice we have either created or allowed to perpetuate through passivity. Renew Your Church to the spirit and practice of loving our neighbors as You love us.
We praise and worship You as the One who guides and provides.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen. - Mission Houston
