Prayers to End Hunger: Refuge and Strength
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Perhaps you have seen it on TV—the closing story of the newscast where good people respond generously to neighbors in need.
This year, many if not most of these stories are about neighbors providing food for others. It’s the restaurant owner offering free meals to those in need rather than shutting the restaurant’s doors. It’s the teacher coordinating food donations for students and their families experiencing hunger due to job loss or illness.
It’s the church creating an outdoor free food pantry so passersby can take what they need or contribute to the pantry.
Perhaps one of God’s greatest blessings is that God gave us one another that we might live into the love that God has for us and support each other in times of need. Thanks be to God. Let us pray:
Holy God,
Your Holy word teaches us that as we do our best to care for our neighbors who are hungry, it is as if we are caring for you.
Help us to build systems that are more equitable and ensure that all are fed. Remind us to trust in you and not try to hold on to too much for ourselves.
Bless us, O Lord, that we might speak out with strong voices of advocacy to end hunger relying wholly on you, our refuge and our strength.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
"For I was hungry and you gave me food…I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
—Matthew 25:35-36
Tools
from our Resource Library
For Education
Climate, Racial Equity, and Hunger Series: Latino/a Communities
Climate Change Worsens Hunger in Latino/a Communities
Climate, Racial Equity, and Hunger Series: Indigenous Communities
Climate change threatens the traditions and lifestyles of Indigenous people.
Climate, Racial Equity, and Hunger Series: African American Communities
While climate change impacts everyone, regardless of race, policies and practices around climate have historically discriminated against and excluded people of color.
For Faith
Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border: A Bilingual Latino Devotional
Devotional writers challenge us to feel the Spirit of God within us and to hear God’s urgent call to demand justice so all can put food on the table.The Bible on Health as a Hunger Issue
“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...
Faith Leaders' Unity Declaration on Racism and Poverty
A diverse body of Christian leaders calls on the churches and Congress to focus on the integral connection.
For Advocacy
Fact Sheet: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and SNAP
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.
Fact Sheet: Why We Need $200 Million for Global Nutrition Programs
Bread for the World and its partners are asking Congress to provide $200 million for global nutrition.
Fact Sheet: Hunger by the Numbers
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.