Poverty Prayers

Let us pray for the poor, hungry, and neglected all over the world, that their cries for daily bread may inspire works of compassion and mercy among those to whom much has been given.

Let us pray for the farmers with limited or marginal land throughout the world, for those who lack access to water and other resources, and for the light of research and support services to shine in the lives of all God’s people.

Let us pray for the health of women, children, and families around the world, especially for an end to maternal and child mortality, that in building healthy families, all God’s people may be empowered to strengthen their communities and repair the breaches which divide nations and peoples.

Let us pray for an end to the waste and desecration of God’s creation, for access to the fruits of creation to be shared equally among all people, and for communities and nations to find sustenance in the fruits of the earth and the water God has given us.

Let us pray for all nations and people who already enjoy the abundance of creation and the blessings of prosperity, that their hearts may be lifted up to the needs of the poor and afflicted, and partnerships between rich and poor for the reconciliation of the world may flourish and grow.

Lord, hear our prayer.

National Catholic Rural Life Conference


A Prayer for Eradicating Poverty

Creator God, Your image is alive in every human person
giving to each of us an inviolable dignity.
Create in us a desire to act in solidarity, the ability to work together, and a willingness to share with others
our time, our energy, our skills and talents and our wealth.

As we share and enjoy the fruits of your creation,
restore in us your vision of a world made whole,
and inspire us to commit ourselves to the common good.

Gracious God, give us ears to hear, eyes to see and hearts to love,so that we reflect you in our way of life,
and in our choices, words and actions.

Jesus is the good news to the poor. As his followers, may we recognize the call to be the same.

Amen.

Australian Catholic Social Justice Council


Prayer to Confront Global Poverty

Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, you are the origin of all gifts. Make us grateful stewards of your many blessings.

Father, Creator of Abundance, Grant us generosity in sharing our gifts and resources with our brothers and sisters around the world.

Jesus, Prince of Peace, Make us advocates of the peace that strengthens justice and the justice that sustains peace.

Spirit of Justice, May the love and equality you share with the Father and the Son inspire us to support just trade policies that lift up poor persons.

Father, Maker of the World, Make us responsible stewards of the  earth’s riches and respectful of local peoples from whose lands resources are extracted .

Jesus, Lord who Lightens Burdens, May we look with mercy on nations burdened by debt and commit ourselves to their relief.

Holy Spirit, Author of Life, Inspire us to protect the gift of creation, and to assist those in poverty, who suffer the most from environmental harm.

Blessed Trinity, Communion of Love, Help us to love our global neighbors and those displaced from their homes
by welcoming refugees and immigrants and reducing poverty in other countries.

Father, through your Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit, Help us to recognize your face in all those affected by global poverty and fill us with the love and fortitude we need to confront its causes.

Father, we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

US Conference of Catholic Bishops


For Those Trapped in Poverty

Leader: God, for all those trapped in poverty;

All: Bring your freedom and fullness of life.

Leader: For all those with insufficient income;

All: Bring employment and creative new ways of earning a living.

Leader: For nations weighed down by unmanageable debt;

All: Bring release and an end to crippling burdens.

Leader: For those unable to make a living because of cheap subsidized imports from rich nations;

All: Bring your justice and restore their market to them so they can trade.

Leader: For countries and communities desperate for help;

All: Bring aid and donations with no hidden strings attached.

Leader: For governments denied their rightful income;

All: Bring in the taxes that they are owed.

Leader: And for all of us here, so aware of the problems;

All: Bring a hunger for change that fuels us to champion your solutions.

Amen.

The Sanctuary Center


Click on these links for more prayers:

Catholic Relief Services

The Forward Movement of the Episcopalian Church