A Prayer About Compassion

When I see others in need

SPIRIT OF GOD,

Do your life-changing work in me, I pray. Open my eyes and help me to see others as you see them, to be sensitive to the real needs of the people around me. Sometimes the daily routine pushes so hard that I rush right by those who are hurting; at times I don’t know what they need. At other times, I’m calloused and don’t really care as I think about my own schedule and concerns. That’s wrong. Forgive me and open my eyes and ears. And help me act with compassion as well. Someone may need food, shelter, clothing, or medicine, but a person may just need someone to listen, to care, to be a real friend. So that means I should come alongside them, just as you do with me. And Holy Spirit, be close to my suffering brothers and sisters out of my sight, far away in other lands, persecuted and imprisoned for declaring their allegiance to Christ. When they hurt, I hurt. Thank you for uniting us and making us one.

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17