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Prayers for the Global Week of Action
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Prayers
God of Justice, manifest in a carpenter’s son,
we pray for all who labour and toil
and for those charged with
protecting the conditions of their work.
Grant to these stewards of economic justice
an abiding and untiring
commitment to the rights of all workers
and to the protection of international
labour standards throughout the world.
Amen.
(Source unknown, pp119 Harvest for the World compiled by Geoffrey Duncan © Canterbury Press 2002, 2004)
God of the just weight
and the fair measure,
let me remember the hands
that harvested my food, my drink,
not only in my prayers
but in the market place.
Let me not seek a bargain
That leaves another hungry.
(Janet Morley Christian Aid; pp149 Harvest for the World compiled by Geoffrey Duncan © Canterbury Press 2002, 2004)
To the countries where food is scarce,
mercy Lord, while there is still time.
To the countries where crops have failed,
rescue Lord, while there is time.
To countries where people are fearful,
security Lord, while there is time.
In the countries where we have plenty,
set our hearts on sharing this time.
In countries where we feel in control,
set our minds on justice at this time.
In countries where we forget those in need,
set our prayers on Africa at this time.
Amen
(Peter Graystone/Christian Aid; pp 133 Blessed Be Our Table; compilation © 2003 Neil Paynter)
We shall not be crushed;
we do not despair;
we know you will not abandon us;
or let us be destroyed:
for you are the God of life,
and we carry your life in us.
(Christian Aid; Hunger for Justice (ed) Martin John Nicholls © 2004 Kevin Mayhew Ltd)
PRAYERS FOR MAKE POVERTY HISTORY CAMPAIGN
Local churches and Christian communities involved with the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY campaign will want to pray for the world’s poorest people. It is also important to pray for:
- those who are standing up and campaigning against the underlying causes of poverty around the world
- campaigners in the UK
- political leaders and those in positions of power and responsibility.
These prayers can be spontaneous or prepared and led by one person..
Alternatively you can use the prayer or the litany below.
Prayer for MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY
Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’. We pray for the children, women and men across the world who struggle each day to survive, pitted against economic conditions beyond their control. Give them strength to meet each day and hope for a different future.
Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ We pray for the people and organisations campaigning for change as part of the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY coalition. May the call for trade justice, for an end to debt and for more and better aid echo loud and clear across the world.
Jesus said, ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.’ We pray for the leaders and politicians with the power to change things. Help them to take the side of the poor, to resist the voices of self-interest and complacency and to make bold choices for the good of all people.
We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, friend of the poor.
Amen.
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Litany for MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY
On those bowed down by poverty
Lord have mercy
On those who struggle to survive
Lord have mercy
On parents who have lost children to disease
Lord have mercy
On children who miss school because of unpayable debt
Lord have mercy
On young people growing up with no hope for the future
Lord have mercy
On adults who work and cannot make a living
Lord have mercy
On farmers who cannot sell what they produce
Lord have mercy
On people working to rebuild their lives after the tsunami
Lord have mercy
For campaigners fighting for justice
Make their voices heard
For citizens standing up for their rights
Make their voices heard
For postcard-signers, email-senders and white-band-wearers
Make their voices heard
For politicians and decision-makers
Give them wisdom, Lord
For the G8 leaders as they prepare to meet
Give them wisdom, Lord
For the leaders of Africa
Give them wisdom, Lord
For ourselves, as we struggle with these issues
Make us the means of change
For your world
Help us make poverty history
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