One impactful action in the fight against child poverty that is available to each and every one of us is prayer. Prayer matters. In fact, Scripture tells us that our prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Together, we can join in prayer for World’s Children’s Day. We invite you to join us in seven simple prayers for kids in poverty today.
Where do we start?
Let’s start with compassion. Compassion is what compels us to do what we can. It moves us to advocate and act on behalf of others. Compassion can accomplish much good in this world.
So, what better way to begin praying than to ask God to fill us with compassion for those we are praying for?
Lord, fill me with compassion for children in poverty. May I have Your heart for each sweet child and love them as You do.
Sofy and her little sister are sitting together in front of their house in Colombia.
Here are 7 prayers you can pray for kids in poverty on World Children’s Day:
1. Pray for opportunities and resources for children’s families.
Often, children and families are trapped in the cycle of poverty because they are unable to access the opportunities or resources they need to generate a steady income. We can pray that these families receive what they need to be lifted from poverty and change their stories.
Father, I pray that You will provide the opportunities and resources needed for each child and their family to overcome poverty. Lift these precious children out of the hopelessness of poverty, provide what they need to be supported and inspire and equip each family to harness these opportunities and resources to break free from the cycle of poverty.
2. Pray for children’s education.
Education is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty. A child can shape a brighter future for themselves, their families and their community when they have access to quality education and skills training. We can pray that more children are able to access education and create a future free from poverty.
Lord, thank You for the power of education. Today, I pray that every child will be able to access education and have the opportunity to develop their minds in a way that brings You glory and helps them gain opportunities. Provide whatever they need to succeed in school—textbooks, computers, tutoring, resources or uniforms. Lord, may their bright future begin today in the classroom.
Baby Alexandra is smiling while she sits on her mother’s lap.
3. Pray for a child’s start to life.
The beginning of a child’s life is a significant factor in their ability to thrive. Children are most vulnerable in their first year of life, particularly in the first 28 days. We can pray that expecting mothers living in poverty would have what they need for a healthy pregnancy, labour and delivery. And of course, we can pray for healthy, happy babies.
God, we know that every baby is a gift from You. You are the Author of Life. As I think about the gift of life, I am reminded of how critical the beginning of life is. I pray for all the expecting mothers living in poverty. May they be healthy and full of joy and anticipation for the birth of their baby. Provide what they need, Lord. And I also pray for each new life born this year. Protect them in their most vulnerable time, keep them healthy and bless their beginnings.
4. Pray for children’s health.
We know how important health is. Children in poverty face many challenges and conditions that can negatively impact their health. It can also be difficult to get proper medical care, which can compound the risks of even simple concerns. We can pray that children will remain healthy and those facing illness or injury can access the care they need to heal.
Jesus, we know from the many miracles recorded in the Bible that You care about restoring not only the soul but the body as well. You care about our health. So today, I pray that You will keep each child living in poverty healthy and well. And for those facing illness or injury, I pray that You will touch their bodies and heal them. Whether through Your miraculous touch or medical care, I pray that those children will be restored to total health.
Ezra smiles in Indonesia.
5. Pray for children’s protection.
Children in poverty are vulnerable. This puts them at risk of many dangers including sexual exploitation, child marriage, child labour or environmental disasters. It is vital to ensure the safety and security of children. We can pray that the local church will be a place of safety for children and that children will be protected from harm in every way.
Lord, You deeply desire to protect children, and our hearts echo that desire. Today, we think of all the children who are vulnerable and at risk of the many dangers in our world. We pray that You will set Your angels around them and keep them safe from harm. Cause Your Church to rise up and be a place of shelter and security for children. Protect each child and keep them safe.
6. Pray that children will have the food and water they need.
It may seem simplistic to pray for food and water for children, but many children living in poverty do not have consistent access to these basic necessities. These are essential to life, but with the global food crisis having a direct impact on children and with the significant challenges many children have accessing clean water, they need us to pray for solutions.
Jesus, You know how important clean water and nutritious food are to life. These are vital needs for children in poverty. I take a moment to pray that these needs will be met for each child. God, bring solutions to communities that don’t have proper sanitation or access to clean water sources. And help families access the food they need to feed their families. May each child be fed and supplied with clean water so they can grow and thrive.
Children having fun together at their Compassion centre.
7. Pray for children’s hearts and souls.
Children can face many various challenges and show incredible resiliency. But even when demonstrating this resiliency, there is an innocence and tenderness to every child that should be cherished. This is why we must pray for more than just their physical needs. We need to pray for their emotional and spiritual needs so they will develop to their fullest capacity in life and reach their potential.
Father, You love and cherish every child. You designed them with a purpose, and You gave them unique personalities that contribute meaningfully to their families, communities and our world. We pray today that You will reveal Yourself to them and show them Your love. Lead them to know You and to find salvation in Your Son, Jesus. We pray that they will find fulfillment and joy in life and that You will guard their hearts against burdens too heavy for them to carry. Bring people into their lives that will know, love and protect them and help them develop to their full potential so they can thrive today and into the future.
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