A Handy “power tool” to pull out at a moment’s notice when there is a “hint of its need.
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NKJ)
Unless otherwise marked, all Scripture quotations are taken from the World English
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Kim West has a heart to see people delivered and set free and has helped hundreds do so. She has a Master of Divinity and a PhD in Clinical Counseling but, more importantly, she is one who has personally experienced her own healing and freedom from the Lord. She un
derstands what you are going through AND knows how to get you through it in Christ. “PhD., M. Div.
In times of recession, many silently suffer from poverty and the shame commonly
associated with it. The following prayers — prayer for the hungry, blessing to find
employment, prayer for children in poverty, multi-
Chaplain, Author,
Teacher,Speaker
Please feel free to contact Melissa if you have prayer requests, need more information or need guidance in the area of grief that you can’t find help for.Read More prayers & articles from Melissa Roberts at Suite 101
Chaplain, Author,
Teacher,Speaker
Melissa M. Roberts is a freelance writer, spiritual director, and teacher. Melissa has a BA in History from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS, graduate coursework in Medieval History from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, a Masters in Theological Study from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va, and nine units Clinical Pastoral Education, interfaith ministry and relationship training, from the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education in Peachtree, Georgia.
A former hospital and hospice chaplain, Melissa now teaches meditation, world religions, history, and violin. She offers stress management workshops, facilitates spiritual retreats, and offers spiritual direction via phone, email, or in person within an hour of Parsons, Kansas U.S.A.
Prayer for the Hungry to
Put Food on the Table
Nothing is worse than going hungry due to lack of funds. Many families struggle at the end of the month, and some even sacrifice their own food so that children and the elderly family members may eat. The following prayer implores God to fill the hungry with good things, according to God's promise:
"God of love, no amount of love can fill a hungry belly. Please bring bread, real bread, to feed your hungry children [insert names of loved ones or others struggling with getting enough to eat]. Let others be Your hands in the world, that no one may cry out for food and remain empty, in Your name. Amen."
This prayer might be offered on behalf of those in general struggling with hunger or for particular family members or friends worried about feeding themselves and their children this month. In addition to prayer, the concerned may adopt a needy family at the holidays or donate food to a local food pantry.
Blessing to Find Employment
Lack of steady and sustaining employment contributes to poverty. For those who have lost their jobs and find themselves losing homes, vehicles, and independence, the job search takes on a passionate desperation. The following prayer asks God to grant patience and strength in the search for employment:
"God of power, be with [insert name of unemployed or underemployed] as he/she seeks ways to earn income and provide for basic needs. Help [insert job seeker's name] to be confidant and positive, despite the fear of rejection and desperation of dwindling funds. Open the hearts of those reviewing [insert job seeker's credentials], that they may see his/her gifts and talents and not his/her hard times and fears of the future. Be with [insert unemployed] every step of the way, and guide him/her into security once more. Amen."
Before a job interview, this prayer or a similar one might comfort and strengthen the job seeker. Repeating the line "let me be confidant and positive, God, as I trust in You" could also calm anxiety and fear during the job search and interview process.
Prayer for Children in Poverty
Images of starving children in non-
"God, your Son promised to bring the little children unto him. As [insert names of specific children living in poverty] struggle with [insert reasons family is impoverished, such as lack of income for adults or abusive parents], hold them close to You. Remind them that they are Your beloved children, with whom You are well pleased. Feed them if they're hungry. Protect them if they're bullied, and strengthen them in Your love to see beauty rather than despair in their lives. Amen."
Rather than simply pray for a child in trouble, a caring adult may consider mentoring the child, join an agency such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters that supports the child's social development, or in extreme cases explore becoming a foster parent.
New Multi-Family Home Blessing
The loss of income can thrust hard-
"God of infinite patience, as we share space together, be in this place. Fill us with the light of Your love, that we may consider each other with compassion and mutual respect. Inspire everyone to listen to each other, honor individual boundaries, and communicate efficiently and effectively. Bless this home, that this new family formed from hardship may draw closer in love of You. Amen."
This prayer may be appropriate before a family meeting, dinner, or other event marking the blending of the new impoverished family with the one adopting it until times change.
Prayer for a Better Life and
Freedom from Poverty
No one wants to be down on the luck, but for many poverty is a hard and unwanted reality. It is easy, in the midst of so much stress, to sink into depression and pessimism. The following prayer asks God to strengthen and encourage the poor and struggling, that they may see themselves through God's eyes of love:
"You know, O Lord, how hard it is to lose independence and a sense of self. Now that I've lost [insert losses contributing to financial instability, such as unemployment, mental illness, or divorce], I struggle with who I am and how to meet my needs. Guide me during this nightmare. Let me not sink into the darkness of hopelessness and despair, but light my path with people and opportunities to grant me financial stability and security again. Do not leave me, and help me stop feeling forsaken while I wait for new financial life. Amen."
Those struggling with poverty experience shame and a sense of helplessness. With prayer, the faithful can rely on God as an additional source of support, in addition to social services and the generosity of family and friends