In parts of the eastern United States, cicadas have now emerged after a 17-year period of underground dormancy, their only sustenance the sugars they have been able to suck from the roots of trees that tower above the earth’s surface.
This periodic emergence of cicadas reminds us of the complex design of creation and its intrinsic interconnectedness. It is also an opportunity to pause to reflect on the slow, yet steady unfolding of God’s grace evident in each of our lives, including in our advocacy to end hunger.
Much of advocacy involves people and works we will never know, but efforts that nevertheless become evident through direct works of mercy and service, faithful advocacy with elected officials, and fervent prayers that open us to encounter God anew. Anchored in the rhythm of our seasons and their steady unfolding, we pray:
God of All Creation,
We give thanks for the ways your wisdom and beauty are revealed to us through sacred creation, including the cicadas. Our hearts are full as we reflect on the many people, prayers, and actions that have been taken – their cumulative total known only to you – for the sake of ending hunger.
As we grow to encounter you anew through other living things, humble us to recognize the dignity of all creation and our shared partnership in caring for the earth and its resources that nurture life.
By the power of your Holy Spirit, may we see ourselves as one part of the food system, not at its top or center, but in a unique position to steward it and ensure all who are part of it are treated with equity and dignity. And may we never tire or grow weary for an end to hunger, but look instead to the seasons and our natural surroundings for inspiration and renewal.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Afghanistan would be considered likely to have high rates of hunger because at least two of the major causes of global hunger affect it—armed conflict and fragile governmental institutions.
Malnutrition is responsible for nearly half of all preventable deaths among children under 5. Every year, the world loses hundreds of thousands of young children and babies to hunger-related causes.
Bread for the World is calling on the Biden-Harris administration and Congress to build a better 1,000-Days infrastructure in the United States.
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in faith.” These words from Colossians 2:6 remind us of the faith that is active in love for our neighbors.
The Bible on...
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to respond to changes in need, making it well suited to respond to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bread for the World and its partners are asking Congress to provide $200 million for global nutrition.
In 2017, 11.8 percent of households in the U.S.—40 million people—were food-insecure, meaning that they were unsure at some point during the year about how they would provide for their next meal.