Lord,

We have a handle on religion. The ‘right’ books are lined up on our shelves. Our car radio is pre-set to the Christian station. Charitable giving is budgeted in. We put on bright smiles and our Sunday best for church every week. Our spiritual lifestyle can feel so comfortable, we “fall asleep” and forget what’s truly important.

Purify our hearts from apathy and self-focus. Renew our minds so we think and act with Jesus’ wisdom. Let us live by your truth, rejecting the world’s craving for status and wealth. Teach us humility that’s eager to give, serve, and love in your name.

Awaken a fresh, sincere compassion in our hearts for children who suffer. Show us how to care for the orphan. The abandoned. The foster child. The victim. The refugee. The lonely and scared. The hungry and sick. Give us courage to stand for each little one who suffers abuse and exploitation. Open doors for our resources to reach those who need it most. Guide us in sharing our time and even our homes to help the helpless.

Teach us to pray. Make us faithful to support your workers on the front lines, rescuing at-risk children in our cities and around the world. Show us how to encourage foster parents, teachers, and community volunteers. Give strength and blessing to those who serve the “least of these.”

Perfect our faith so it’s real. Save us from “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5) Use us as your hands of healing and rescue so we make your name known. Thank you for loving us all as our strong, mighty Deliverer.

Amen.

Religion that God our Father accepts
as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress
and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
(James 1:27)

Organizations making a difference today:

Compassion International
Samaritan’s Purse
Show Hope
Bethany Christian Services
A21