There are homeless people in every small and large town. We may walk past the homeless and not know their situation. We may not even know we were in the presence of a homeless man. Some people don’t want anyone to know they are homeless. Guilt, embarrassment, and fear of the unknown can be on the mind of someone without a home. As children of God, we have the opportunity to pray for the homeless. The Bible tells us that there will be trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33 NIV). Yet we can find hope in God. No matter what, our hope is in Him.
What Does the Bible Say About Homelessness?
Over the years, my husband and I have volunteered to help the homeless in a variety of ways. We have served meals in the homeless shelters, collected blankets, clothes and toiletries, and provided uniquely aid. Each cry for help is an opportunity to share Christ’s love.
The Bible tells how Jesus traveled and received help from others and shared God’s message. –Matthew 25: 35-40. When we help others, we show the love of God. The Bible tells us not to have a hard heart but to be ready to help the poor (Deuteronomy 15: 7-9 NIV).
Jesus calls us to love one another. There are no exceptions. I don’t love this one, but not this one. We may not love an action a person has taken, but we can still love them. Can that be difficult sometimes? Yes. With God’s help we can love each other, even the homeless.
The reasons for homelessness can be different. From financial situations to job loss to mental health problems or for numerous other reasons, there are people who are homeless and in need of food, love, clothing, and mental, spiritual and physical help.
Getting involved to help the homeless blesses everyone.
Who Were Some Homeless In The Bible?
Have you ever thought about the homeless in the Bible? Did Jesus have a home when he started traveling and sharing the gospel? Scripture does not say that Jesus owns a house. When Jesus began going from town to town preaching the gospel, he relied on the kindness of others to provide protection. Jesus refers to animals that have a place to rest their heads, but the Son of Man did not have his head anywhere (Matthew 8:20 NIV).
Jesus could travel and sometimes rely on the hospitality of others. At 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. Many people followed him.
Another example of a homeless person was the leper. We read that he is hated and despised. He was not allowed to enter any cities. Did he have a home or did he live on the street 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 get the message out and take care of others.
Imagine the dust of the earth floating in the air and the cries of the people asking for Jesus to come to them. I wonder how many people in the crowd that followed Jesus were homeless.
Why is it important for Christians to pray for the homeless?
As Christians we are commanded to love one another. Jesus told the disciples to love one another as he loved them. By showing the love of Christ, we show others that they are loved and cherished by him (Jn 13:34 NIV).
Prayer is a powerful way of showing the love of Christ. We can pray in silence, in whispers, or out loud. We can pray alone or in a group. If we don’t find the words, the Holy Spirit will step in for us.
God is listening. We may not know the outcome of our prayers. However, we know that these prayers will be answered. God’s plan works its way through every situation and every moment.
When we open our hearts, minds, and souls and try to have a conversation with the Lord, we draw closer to him.
Some homeless people feel so desperate and heartbroken that they feel forgotten in today’s world. Praying for the homeless brings their worries and needs straight 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 know homeless women, men and children. I’ve volunteered in a variety of roles helping people find shelter, food, and medical care. There were 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 refused. Anyway, I pray loudly or dumbly. God is listening.
25 prayers for the homeless in our churches and around the world
Father, please help the homeless. Amen.
Lord Almighty God 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 know how to bring comfort and help to the homeless. Amen.
Father, thank you for being the father of the homeless. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Lord, please provide food and shelter for the homeless around the world. Thanks amen.
Heavenly Father, open my eyes and ears to notice someone who is homeless and show me how I can help. In the name of your son, amen.
God please give food, shelter and medical supplies to every homeless person. Amen.
Father, guide me so I can help the homeless in our community. Thanks amen.
Father, guide me so I 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 judge when I see a homeless man. Amen.
Lord God, even if I cannot travel to foreign countries, show me ways to pass on your love and honor to the homeless in other parts of the world. Amen.
Almighty Father, bring warmth, security and food to the homeless on the cold winter nights. Amen.
Father, bless the people who care for the homeless by preparing meals and providing shelter, clothing, and medical assistance. Thanks amen.
Abba Father, please help me know how to help the homeless in my community. Amen.
Lord, there are homeless people in our church. Show me how to give them love and compassion without hurting their feelings and dignity. Amen.
God help everyone realize that there are different reasons for being homeless. Help us to show your love to everyone. 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 feed themselves, shelter from the weather, and medical care to help them heal. Show us ways to help the homeless. Thanks amen.
Father, I don’t know any homeless people. How can I help? Show me the ways. Amen.
God please protect the homeless children of the world. Help everyone show them your love and glory. Amen.
Lord, give me the right words when talking to a homeless man. Let my words reflect your love Thank you, father, amen.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to help the homeless. May every word I speak bring the homeless into a closer relationship with you. Amen.
Volunteering for the homeless can bring many emotions. There were times when I would answer the phone for a community program where people would call to get help with housing, medical bills, and food. Every story is unique.
Sometimes a listening ear can calm the heart and soul.
When we see the homeless, we have an opportunity to pray for them and ask for God’s protection to keep them safe.
The next time you find out about a homeless person, pray for them.
Blessing,
Melissa Henderson
Photo credit: © Unsplash / Tom Parsons
Award winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspiring messages that are sometimes spiced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotions, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Your passions help in the ward and in the church. Melissa is an elder, a deacon, and a Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and http://www.melissaghenderson.com
This article is part of our prayer resource designed to inspire and encourage your prayer life in uncertain times. If you are wondering how to pray or what to pray, visit our most popular prayers. Remember, the Holy Spirit is standing up for us and God knows your heart even if you cannot find words to pray with.
Rest prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for peace
Morning prayers
Good night prayers
Prayer for healing
Prayer for protection
Prayer for God’s help
Prayer against fear
Prayer for strength