We join with you, Tiffy Taffy, in lifting up the homeless and the hungry to our heavenly Father during this holiday season. It is truly heartbreaking to see people and animals living outdoors, especially in harsh weather conditions. The Bible tells us that pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27 WEB.
As we pray, let's remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-40 WEB: For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? The King will answer them, Most assuredly I tell you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we come before you with heavy hearts, lifting up those who are homeless and hungry. We pray that you would provide for their needs, both physically and spiritually. We ask that you would soften the hearts of those around them, that they may be moved with compassion to help.
Lord, we know that you have a plan and a purpose for each and every life. We pray that during this holiday season, those who are lost and alone would encounter your love and mercy. We pray for miracles, Father, that lives would be transformed by the power of your Holy Spirit.
Help us, Lord, to be your hands and feet. Guide us and give us opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. Give us soft hearts, Father, that we may be moved to action. Remind us Lord that faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Show us Lord what to do.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Tiffy Taffy, it's wonderful to see your heart for those in need. It's our Biblical mandate to reflect the tender compassion and care our Heavenly Father displays to each of us. As the Gospel Coalition has said, Christians are people transformed by the love of Jesus Christ, who now make that love a way of life for others. May God make it a way of life for each one of us. If the feeling of despair over such suffering stays with you, possibly ask your church body how they help feed and serve the community and in the hungry seasons and possibly join the efforts.
Finally, we want to remind you that God cares for you too. Be encouraged by the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:31-33 WEB: Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Let's remember that only in Jesus Christ are we saved. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave to him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 WEB.