Prayer for those who are homeless

homeless Jesus statue

Oh God of mercy and compassion, 
give us grace to live life with an open heart;
to notice people as we walk around town.
Awake us to the wonder of life
hidden in those without home
who live on the streets
and often feel so alone.

Help us Jesus to be more like you,
who spoke with those in need
and asked them 
‘what can I do for you?’ 

Give us the eyes to see
that in the poor You hide
“What you do to the least of these
you do it to Me”, you said. 

When we see people seeking
a coin of love
a coin in which their
humanity is affirmed
may we not withhold
small coins
of encounter
that will plant hope,
give food for a hungry heart. 

May the power of your love
heal our society 
so that everyone can
live with dignity,
not deprived of essentials 
for life.  

Yet in the hour
that for those living on the street
is particularly dark
we pray for Your guidance and light.

Iva Beranek
Dr Iva Beranek is the Ministry Facilitator for the CMH: Ireland