The homeless can be found in every small town and large city. We may pass by the homeless and not ever know their situation. We may not even know we have been in the presence of a homeless person. Some people don’t want anyone to know they are homeless. Guilt, embarrassment, and fear of the unknown can be in the thoughts of someone without a home. As children of God, we have the opportunity to pray for the homeless. The Bible tells us that we will have trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33 NIV). Yet, we can find hope in God. No matter what happens, our hope is found in Him.
What Does the Bible Say about Homelessness?
Through the years, my husband and I have volunteered in various ways to help the homeless. We have served meals in homeless shelters, collected blankets, clothing, toiletries, and provided aid in unique ways. Each call for help is an opportunity to share the love of Christ.
Scripture shares how Jesus accepted help from others while He was traveling and sharing the message of God (Matthew 25: 35-40). When we help others, we are showing the love of God. The Bible tells us not to have a hard heart, but to be willing to help the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-9 NIV).
Jesus calls us to love one another. There are no exceptions. Not love this one, but not that one. We may not love an action that a person has taken, yet we can still love the person. Can that be hard at times? Yes. With God’s help, we can love each other, and this includes the homeless.
The reason for people being homeless can vary. From financial situations, to job loss, to mental health issues, or numerous other reasons, there are people who are homeless and in need of food, love, clothing, and mental, spiritual, and physical help.
Reaching out to help the homeless blesses everyone.
Who Were Some Homeless People in the Bible?
Have you ever thought about the homeless people in the Bible? Did Jesus have a home once He began traveling and sharing the Gospel? Scripture does not tell of Jesus owning a home. When Jesus began going from town to town to preach the Gospel, He relied on the kindness of others to provide shelter. Jesus refers to animals having a place to lay their heads, yet, the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head (Matthew 8:20 NIV).
Jesus was able to travel and sometimes rely on the hospitality of others. Other times, Jesus may have slept outside. During the 40 days in the desert, Jesus was alone. After the time of temptation was over, Jesus was not alone. He was followed by many people.
Another example of someone who was homeless was the man with leprosy. We read of him being hated and scorned. He was forbidden from entering towns. Did he have a home or was he living on the streets, begging for help?
Paul spent time in prison. He didn’t live in a home. Paul wanted to give to the poor and needy. His mission was to share the message and care for others.
Imagine the dust of the earth floating in the air and the cries of the people begging for Jesus to come to them. I wonder how many people in the crowds following Jesus were homeless.
Why Is it Important that Christians Pray for the Homeless?
As Christians, we are commanded to love one another. Jesus told the disciples to love one another as He had loved them. By showing the love of Christ, we are showing others they are loved and cherished by Him (John 13:34 NIV).
Prayer is a powerful way to show the love of Christ. We can pray silently, or in a whisper, or out loud. We can pray alone or in a group setting. If we can’t find the words, the Holy Spirit will intercede on our behalf.
God listens. We may not know the outcome of our prayers. Yet, we do know those prayers are heard. God’s plan is working through each situation and in every moment.
When we open our hearts, minds, and souls, and seek to have a conversation with the Lord, we are drawing close to Him.
Some homeless people feel so distraught and heartbroken, they feel forgotten in today’s world. Praying for the homeless brings their troubles and needs directly to God. People of all ages have the opportunity to pray for the homeless. Teaching our children to pray for others instills values and compassion.
I have known homeless women, men, and children. I have volunteered in various capacities to try and help people find shelter, food, and medical care. There have been times when a person or family needed help paying bills, and because they couldn’t pay the amount due, they were evicted from their home.
We are not called to judge one another. We are called to love with compassion and kindness.
Sharing a prayer with the homeless is sometimes accepted and sometimes rejected. Either way, I pray, whether out loud or silently. God is listening.
25 Prayers for the Homeless in Our Communities and around the World
Father, please help the homeless. Amen.
Lord God Almighty, protect the homeless from harm. Amen.
Abba Father, thank You for providing ways to pray for the homeless. Amen.
Father, guide me to notice when someone needs help and guide me to give help. Amen.
God, help me to know how to provide comfort and aid to the homeless. Amen.
Father, thank You for being Father to the homeless. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Lord, please provide food and shelter to the homeless around the world. Thank You, Amen.
Heavenly Father, open my eyes and ears to notice anyone who is homeless and show me ways to help. In the name of Your Son, Amen.
God, please give every homeless person food, shelter, and the medical care needed. Amen.
Father, guide me to know how to help the homeless in our community. Thank You, Amen.
Father, guide me to know how to help the homeless around the world. Amen.
Lord, let the homeless find safety and comfort. In Your Name, Amen.
God, help me not to be judgmental when I see a homeless person. Amen.
Lord God, even if I can’t travel to foreign lands, show me ways to share Your love and glory to the homeless in other parts of the world. Amen.
Almighty Father, bring warmth, safety, and nourishment to the homeless on the cold winter nights. Amen.
Father, bless the people who care for the homeless by making meals and providing shelter, clothing, and medical aid. Thank You, Amen.
Abba Father, please help me to know how to help the homeless people in my community. Amen.
Lord, there are homeless people in our community. Show me how to give them love and compassion without hurting their feelings and dignity. Amen.
God, help everyone to know there are different reasons for people being homeless. Help us to show Your love to each person. Amen.
Father, thank You for showing us ways to help the homeless. Amen.
Almighty Father, Your homeless children need love and kindness. They need food to provide nourishment, shelter from the weather, and medical care to help with healing. Show us ways to give aid to the homeless. Thank You, Amen.
Father, I don’t know any homeless people. How can I help? Show me the ways. Amen.
God, please protect the homeless children in the world. Help everyone to show them Your love and glory. Amen.
Lord, give me the correct words to say when I speak to a homeless person. Make my words reflect Your love. Thank You, Father, Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to help the homeless. May each word I speak bring the homeless to a closer relationship with You. Amen.
Volunteering to help the homeless can involve many emotions. There have been times when I answered phones for a community outreach program, where people called to try and get aid with housing, medical bills, and food. Each story is unique.
Sometimes, a listening ear can soothe the heart and soul.
When we see the homeless, we have the opportunity to pray for them and ask for God’s protection to cover them.
The next time you learn about a homeless person, pray for them.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Photo credit: ©Unsplash/Tom Parsons
Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers.
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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