Day 19, 31 Days of Prayer, The Poor

Day 19

The Poor

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

To the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ:

We, the body of Christ are taking a stand today to pray on the behalf of the poor – those who are financially poor and those who are spiritually poor.  We pray also for widows, orphans and children who are being abused and/or neglected.

For the financially and spiritually poor we pray that their eyes are opened so that they can hear the word of God preached to them, the gospel, for Jesus came to preach the gospel to the poor. The gospel means good news. And good news to a poor man is that he doesn’t have to be poor anymore. Thank You for sending laborers across their paths to minister the gospel to them, and open their eyes that they may see Jesus, their answer.

We pray for widows and orphans.  Show us those that we need to visit or minister to or help in some practical way.  Father, we are the body of Christ – The Church; and this day we step up to our place of authority and help those you have put in our pathway, so that it can be said about American Christians that “They take care of their own.”  Let it never be said that we leave the unfortunate behind.  No, we take care of our own, in the authority of Jesus.  We help those that need help.  We feed the hungry.  We clothe the naked.  We give water to the thirsty.  We visit the sick and imprisoned.  We insist on showing forth the love of God that is shed abroad in our hearts this day.  We do all these things in Jesus’ name.  Amen.   

Now pray this prayer for yourself:

Now, Father, I am available to You to do my part is helping those I prayed for today.  If I need to go a step further that simply praying for them, show me. If there is an organization I need to partner with, then please show me.  If there is a widow or a child I can assist, show that person to me. If there is someone I need to help financially or spiritually, then show me.  I am available to You to help those who cannot help themselves.

I pray this prayer in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Lord, we pray for those who suffer spiritual, relational and/or economic poverty. We especially ask You to move Americans to minister to the true needs of the orphans, widows and prisoners in our communities.

Scripture references:

Proverbs 19:17

Luke 4:18

James 1:27