Poverty Prayer
Pray this prayer to our brothers and sisters living in the majority of the world’s countries
While I decided which cereal to have for breakfast,
You were searching the ground for a few grains of wheat
While I was out exercising
You were sweating under the sun working in the wealthy landowner’s plantation
While I was deciding whether to drink normal or diet coke
You were thirsty for fresh water
While I complained about waiting for hours in the hospital emergency ward
You despaired of ever reaching a hospital or doctor
While I poured environment-friendly washing powder into the washing machine
You stood in the river banging clothes against a rock
While I watched the news on a widescreen LCD
You were running for cover from bullets and terror
While I suffered crowds on buses and trains
You were walking kilometres to get to a crowded school room
While I eagerly searched the papers for the latest sales
You put back on the only set of clothes you’ve been wearing for months
While I spread out in a two storey mansion for four
You were sharing one room with a family of ten.
Creator God,
Open my mind and heart to know how my brothers and sisters live around the world
Help me to be more generous with my time and things to help those who struggle each day
Forgive me my greed of always wanting newer, bigger and better things
Forgive me for not doing my part to change the way the world is that keeps people suffering and poor
I promise you to become more aware of their situation and to change my lifestyle in order to change our world.
We ask you Jesus our brother to help us in all that we must do.
