Pray for SNAP Recipients in Arizona

When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” – Matthew 14:15-16

H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, created new rules requiring states to share in the cost of SNAP benefits. Some states will be able to adjust their budgets to cover the gap, but this will come at a cost to other programs the states provide.

Some states will be forced to cut benefits for their residents altogether. Arizona is one of those states. Guided by deep faith and commitment to their communities, churches are responding with pop-up food pantries and increased giving to their local food pantries.

As we speak up for the people in Arizona and other states, we also pray.

Let us pray.

Gracious and Generous God,

We know that you are a God of abundance, that in your creation, you provide enough for all your children to thrive. Yet, our economic and governing systems yield to a myth of scarcity.

We pray today especially for children and families in Arizona who are already starting to see the impacts of these cuts to the SNAP program. For parents who are already planning to skip meals, going to bed hungry at night. For food pantry volunteers who face longer lines starting earlier and earlier each week. For pastors who put their faith into action, coordinating with their members and neighbors to provide more food each week.

We long for a world where your abundance is trusted, a world where the dignity of each person and the good of whole communities would be prioritized.

We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.