The World Bank and several United Nations agencies have reported that world hunger is gaining ground once again. Experts point to many causes for this, including droughts, high food costs, climate change, and the precarious state of global agriculture.

And so we pray this news . . .

God of Righteous Bounty,

We are moved by your grace to work for justice for hungry people.

We know that you hear the prayer of the mother in Mozambique whose child is crying for food. We know that you hear the prayer of the father in Minnesota who is trying to make ends meet and feed his family. Be a balm to them, our God, and give them strength as they work to better their lives.

Please hear our prayers as well. We pray that you will give us the conviction to answer your call to serve and to speak out for hungry people.

We pray for the leaders of our nation – the decision makers who can redirect billions of dollars of help and opportunity with the stroke of a pen.

Help them to hear the cries of hungry people that are ringing in our own ears, the cries that are so close to your very heart. Give our leaders the courage, the vision, and the wisdom to help us create a world where all are fed.

Thank you, God, for helping us to turn our faith into action, for amplifying our voices. Thank you that when we speak out for hungry people, the miracle of the loaves and fishes happens again and again.

We believe that you are moving in our time to end hunger, and we are grateful that you include us as a part of this great liberation.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who still feeds the multitude.
Amen.

– The Rev. David Beckmann, a Lutheran pastor and president of Bread for the World in Prayers for the New Social Awakening by Christian Iosso and Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty



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