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Writer's pictureRashida
Dec 6, 20212 min read

Prayers for the Homeless

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone" 1 Timothy 2: 1 NIV


"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective"

James 5:16 NIV




Real MOMent


There are times when I tell myself that I need to ensure my children understand 1) the blessings that God has provided our family and 2) the World does not look the same for many others. In an effort to start this “so-called” lesson of balance and awareness, I randomly started pointing out the homeless people that would be standing on the corner with signs asking for food, money, or work. One day, on the way home, my 6-year-old son brought to my attention a man standing on the corner and asked, “Mom, is that a homeless man?” I answered “Yes,” and he quickly followed up with “Does he not pray to God?”

P A U S E !


Because that is exactly what I had to do.


I pride myself on being direct and honest with family, friends, coworkers, etc., when suitable. In my motherhood journey, I try to do the same for my kids, utilizing an age-appropriate approach. As a result, I decided not to reply to that question at that point. It was more important to me that I provided a thoughtful answer to that very thoughtful and innocent inquiry. I told him that was a great question and that I wanted to talk about it later that night.

 

MOMent of Clarity


As a part of our nightly bedtime routine, I have my son select one person (anyone he chooses) to pray for. However, on this particular night, I asked him if we could choose the homeless man we saw earlier that day and circled back to his question- “Does he not pray to God?”



I answered honestly.



I told him that I didn’t know if the homeless man prayed to God. I explained that we cannot assume that only good things happen to people who pray to God. There will be times when God allows us to be in situations/places that might not be exactly where we want to be, even when we pray. However, no matter what, HE IS ALWAYS WITH US.


My son sent a prayer up to Heaven that night for the homeless man. I told him that praying for others, as we had been doing nightly, is exactly what God calls Christians to do. As I left his room, I immediately understood that praying for the homeless yielded better results in teaching balance and compassion, then pointing them out ever would.

 



 

This “Praise” moment is dedicated to a little grade girl that I was assigned as a classroom buddy through an organization called “A Child’s Place.” A Child’s Place is a specialized, intensive care management service for families and children experiencing homelessness.


As a part of my weekly volunteer responsibilities , I would sit with her in class. The other students were not aware that she was homeless. During one of my visits, she told me that her favorite song was “This Little Light of Mine” and even sang it for me! Although we didn't get to finish the school year together because she had to move (common for homeless students), her favorite song stuck with me throughout the years.


Praising God that a child can sing about letting her light shine, in moments of perceived darkness.




 

How often do I pray for strangers that cross my path? Do my children understand the power of prayer and interceding on behalf of others? How do I currently help my children have an awareness of God’s blessings in their lives?



 

  • ​As the countdown to Christmas has begun, have your children collect gently used toys/clothing, and donate to a child in need or to a charity. Be sure to explain why you all are doing it. Let them help you load the items in the car and ride along to see the donations take place. Afterwards, ask your child about how they feel about the process and explain the blessing that comes from giving to others.

These are some additional questions that came to mind in reference to this application:

  • How can I be of service to others in need outside of the holiday season?

  • How can I ensure that my children feel blessed by giving as a child naturally does by receiving?

  • How can I make sure that in a World driven by materialistic things, they stay grounded on what is truly important?

  • What family traditions/routines can we start that center around giving back and standing in prayer for others?

  • Sometimes, we do things, but our kids aren’t always aware. If you are actively engaged in a service organization or give in other ways, let’s share! Talk to your child about the ways that you actively give to others and how it makes you feel!

  • At least, one night each week, consider having your child select someone to pray for. Explain why it is important to pray for others. (Share with them the Biblical Inspiration for this post). While you can select a person for them, try allowing them to select whomever is on their heart. I have been amazed and blessed by the individuals that have been selected by my child and even the prayer request on their behalf.



 

Dear God,


Thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed on me and my family. Please guide me in finding different ways in which my family and I can be a blessing to others in need. At times when I am feeling ungrateful, please gently remind me of what is truly important in life. In this upcoming season of gifting and receiving gifts, please help us show my children and remember myself, the true meaning of this holiday. Lastly, in moments that appear to be dark, please let me find a way for my light to shine.


AMEN












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