Church Resources
The first ingredient in a recipe for hope is prayer. By lifting our concerns to God, we open ourselves to God's mercy and action in our lives and in the world. Here are some prayers you can use in your church.
Pastoral Prayer Nuggets (Season to taste)
Use any or all of these petitions with your congregation this week.
Thanksgivings
- For the abundance of food, clean water and the natural beauty of the earth, all good gifts that we receive with joy from God's hand
- For the progress that has been made against hunger in recent years
- For God’s abiding love and faithfulness at all times, especially in times of crisis
Intercessions for those directly affected by the hunger crisis
- For people everywhere who live with the daily realities of hunger and povert
- For those who had reached a level of security from hunger and poverty and now face the threat of falling back
- For parents who can't afford enough food for their children
- For all those tempted to turn to violence in the face of scarcity, all those caught in violent protests and other conflicts, and all those who seek nonviolent solutions
- For those whose choices are so limited by poverty that they take dangerous or risky jobs just to make enough money to survive
- For farmers whose livelihood depends on unpredictable factors – natural, economic and political
Prayers to strengthen efforts against hunger and poverty
- For the leaders of the nations, that their hearts will be moved and that they will make policies that are fair and compassionate toward all who are affected by this crisis
- For the appeal of the World Food Program, that the response from the nations will be timely and generous
- For the church, that our eyes will be opened to all the ways we can be instruments of God's grace to hungry people, not only in times of crisis but every day
- For our nation, that we will increase our investment in effective development assistance that helps our brothers and sisters in poor countries lift themselves out of poverty
- For ourselves, that we will examine and change our own habits of consumption so that everyone can have enough
Litany for a Time of Hunger
When Jesus told the disciples to give the crowd something to eat, they found only a few loaves and two small fish. But they brought what they had to Jesus. Let us bring our prayers before the Lord.
We thank you, God, for the abundance of food we receive from your hand. We thank you for the progress that has been made against hunger in recent years, and we remember today those people at risk of falling back into hunger and extreme poverty.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for all those directly affected by the current hunger crisis. For farmers whose livelihoods depend on natural, economic and political conditions beyond their control. For parents who struggle to put food on the table, and for children who go to bed hungry.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We ask your blessing on those working to save lives and end hunger in the world, especially now at a time when the high cost of food makes meeting those needs an even greater challenge.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of the nations, especially our own leaders, that they will act with wisdom, generosity and compassion, bring relief to those who are hungry now and help move us all toward a world without hunger.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Finally, we pray for ourselves, that you will show us the ways your church can be an instrument of grace to hungry people, and give us the courage to act in your name, sharing generously what you have so freely given to us.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Jesus blessed the five loaves and the two small fish, and it was multiplied, and everyone had enough and more. God, please accept our prayers. We know you will multiply this small offering beyond our imaginings, and that one day soon, everyone will eat and be satisfied.
We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.
Amen.
Prayer for a Time of Hunger
God our sustainer, we ask you to pour your powerful Spirit into all who are empty this day: Fill the hearts of persons who are troubled. Fill the minds of men and women who are confused. Fill the stomachs of your children who are hungry. Fill the souls of people who are feeling lost. Fill the lives of all who need you, but do not know you. May your Spirit fill us all to overflowing, dear Lord, and may we be inspired to share our abundance with others, so that there will be no more empty hearts and minds, stomachs and souls. We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, who fills lives with your endless grace. Amen.
: 
or