Monday, August 15: Prayer for Children from Disadvantaged Homes

This week, St. Mary's parish family is invited to pray daily for children at risk in the Houston area. We are joining people of faith as we pray seven days for the specific needs of children and youth.

Sunday at St. Mary's, nearly 250 people prayed for children who are hungry and struggle to focus in school. Some of the parishioners came to me afterwards and talked about ways that St. Mary's could be an answer to that prayer. Our hope is that as you join us in prayer, that you will leave your own comments, ponderings, and thoughts as we share how we can be God's answer.

Will you pray with us today?

DAY 2 Prayer for Children from Disadvantaged Homes

Did you know that 23% of Harris County children live in poverty and in 2009, 50.6% of children in Texas were living in low-income families, compared to 42.2% nationally? This means that one half of the children in Texas are set up to be unsuccessful.

There are many long term risks associated with child poverty, as children living in poverty have a higher risk of dropping out of school, poor adolescent health and adult health, poor employment outcomes, and experiencing poverty as adults. Child poverty can have life- long repercussions for those children and the future of our community.

Let’s Pray

Jesus, when you began your ministry you declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because God has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. God has sent me to proclaim freedom to the prisoner and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18)

We understand that the poor and disadvantaged are at the very top of your priority list. You have called us to follow in your footsteps. (John 17:18) We’re asking you to help us have those same priorities.

You instruct us by saying, “and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10)

Help us to see them with your eyes and to serve them as if we were serving you.

Your word says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full.” (Proverbs 19:17)

Empower your people across Greater Houston to make a difference. Let your Spirit rest upon us to serve the poor and the oppressed. All of this we ask in your name, the name of Jesus, and for the sake of the children of our city.

Can We Be The Answer?

to hear one of their stories of impact.

Resources:

Change Happens (http://www.changehappenstx.org)

Communities in Schools (http://www.cishouston.org)

Citizen Schools (http://www.citizenschools.org)

Collaborative for Children (http://www.collabforchildren.org)

Other resources that you know (please share!)

P.S. St. Mary's Feast Day blessings!

You have cast down the mighty from their thrones, and have lifted up the lowly.

You have filled the hungry with good things, and the rich you have sent empty away.

Luke 1 Song of Mary