When Jesus came to earth, He did not want people to serve Him, but instead sought to serve others. In a time when we simply want to pacify our pain, let us instead prepare our hearts to recognize the needs of others.
Last week, my children and I went to deliver food to families in need. The temperature was in the high nineties. Between the heat and the masks protecting each of the families from Covid-19, the tasks solicited a few complaints from my daughter. “Why do we have to do this, Mom?” she questioned as we drove to the church. I used the opportunity to explain how Jesus calls us to love others, whether we know them or not. One way we love others is by our actions. Our church donates food to help feed families who need assistance. Some families were not as fortunate as we are, and this was a way we could give back.
As I delivered food staples with my children that morning, the Spirit stirred within me. I did not know these families personally, nor their situations. All I knew was that there was a need that my church was meeting. I had volunteered to help meet the need. I didn’t question who, why, or whether they were deserving. Some might call me naïve. Some might say that people can take advantage of a system. However, what I saw throughout the summer were families with a basic need met by love. The vulnerable ministered to through softened hearts. Isn’t that how Jesus loved while He lived on earth?
As we continue to live in uncertain, but hostile times, may our prayers reflect the heart of our Savior. When Jesus came to earth, He did not want people to serve Him, but instead sought to serve others. In a time when we simply want to pacify our pain, let us instead prepare our hearts to recognize the needs of others.
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A Prayer to Soften Our Hearts for the Vulnerable
Father God,
It is in this time and space that we acknowledge You as the Giver of all good things. You are our great Provider. As You have loved us, help us to love others. Help us to see the needs of others as we see the wants in our own lives. Forgive us when we try to argue our way out of lending a hand. Forgive the times we assume we understand others’ experiences instead of truly listening and placing ourselves in their shoes. Teach us to understand the weakness in others as we recognize the weakness in ourselves.
Father, help us be a source of unity as we make ourselves vulnerable to the needs of others. As we soften our heart, help others see You in us. Remind us of how Christ lived in humility so we may serve those in need. May we think of the least, the last, and the lost, so we might love in Jesus’ name. Help us understand that poverty and vulnerability extend beyond the physical.
We pray for those who feel under-resourced, underrepresented and under-appreciated. Help us recognize the need and be administrators of grace. Where there is hostility, help us perpetuate love. Give us the courage to stand up and speak up for those who are unable or unwilling.
Remind us of those who cannot control their circumstances: the children, the elderly, the sick. Help us realize it is by your grace and mercy we live and breathe. Help us live out our gratitude by remembering others.
Continue to work in us as we work in the lives of others that we may be overflowing vessels of peace to a dry and weary world.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Quotes and Bible Verses about Loving the Vulnerable
“Do It Anyway” by Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
– this version is credited to Mother Teresa
Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence, he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
“…For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…”
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
Design Credit: © SWN/Bethany Pyle
Cortney is a wife and mom of two high school students. She has her Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently serving as a hospice chaplain.
This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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