A prayer to know how to help, to get inspiration from God

Whoever is generous with the poor lends to the Lord, and will repay him for his action ”. - Proverbs 19:17 Catastrophic events. They happen on the other side of the world and also close to home. Something like a hurricane or fire can affect thousands of people. When we hear about these types of events, our inclination is to reach out and be “the hands and feet of Jesus” doing what we can to help those in need. But there are also those devastating personal circumstances that may affect only a few. Every day, the people we know could be blinded by their catastrophic event. Our family, church friends, colleagues and neighbors. In their world, the entity measures that of a tornado or tsunami, yet no one will see it on the news. We wish to do something to help. But what? How do we help someone who is having the worst experience of their life? When Jesus walked this earth, he made our commission to help the poor clear. Our model of church today follows His example with awareness programs that provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need.

"Whoever is generous with the poor lends to the Lord, and will repay him for his action". Proverbs 19:17 But Jesus also shared a precious truth about who we are called to help. Because some catastrophic events leave us poor in basic necessities such as housing or food to eat, but others leave us poor in spirit. Matthew 5: 3 reports the words of Jesus: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". When God pulls our hearts and we feel obligated to help, we must first decide how. Is there a physical or emotional need? Can I help by donating my finances, my time or just by being there? God will guide us as we offer support to those who suffer around us. Maybe you know someone in a difficult situation today. Someone who needs help but don't know where to start. We reach the Lord through this prayer as we determine how to help someone in need. Thus, we will be ready to reach out to others.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I understand that we will experience all those moments in life that leave us devastated. Thank you for teaching us through your son Jesus how to help others through difficult times. Give me a heart to serve and a willingness to obey. Show me your ways, Lord. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by looking at the needs around me. I want to help but I don't know where to start. I pray for wisdom and discernment as I approach others. Whether he is poor in supplies or poor in spirit, you have provided ways I can help. Guide me as I use what you have given me to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my community. With all the tragedies in the world, it is easy to overlook the needs around me. Direct me to those people in my family, church and neighborhood who need Jesus' love right now. Show me how to be friends with someone who needs it today. And when I need, thank you for sending someone in my life to offer support and assistance. In the name of Jesus, Amen.