By Katie Beckmann, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Prayer.
Since 2010, World Homeless Day has been observed on October 10th. (1)
Each year, people all over the world have used World Homeless Day to raise awareness of homeless people’s needs, as well as discuss opportunities for local communities to respond to these issues. (1)
It is crucial to continue to raise awareness and create action to address these issues. As of 2017, there are an estimated 553,742 people in the United States experiencing homelessness on a given night. That number represents approximately 17 people experiencing homelessness per every 10,000 people in the population. (2)
In 2019, these numbers continue to rise, as well as shine a light on the brutal treatment of the homeless.
Four homeless men were murdered a few days ago during a vicious attack in Manhattan. Many media outlets reported that these men were attacked at random as they slept on the streets. (3)
Regardless of how you choose to raise awareness for World Homeless Day, it is important to pray for the homeless and those in need.
Hear our prayer today for all women and men, boys and girls who are homeless this day.
For those sleeping under bridges, on park benches, in doorways, or bus stations.
For those who can only find shelter for the night but must wander in the daytime.
For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent.
For those who have no relatives or friends who can take them in.
For those who have no place to keep possessions that remind them who they are.
For those who are afraid and hopeless.
For those who have been betrayed by our social safety net.
For all these people, we pray that you will provide shelter, security, and hope.
We pray for those of us with warm houses and comfortable beds
that we not be lulled into complacency and forgetfulness.
Help us to see your face in the eyes of every homeless person we meet.
Empower us to work for justice and peace through words and deeds,
and through the political means, we have.
Give us open hearts to greet and meet the homeless people in our neighborhoods.
in your name, we pray.
Amen. (4)
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