A Prayer About Sensitivity To Others

When I am unaware of people’s needs

GOD OF LOVE AND MERCY,

Although I truly desire to love others as you do, I can be oblivious to the needs of people near me. Sometimes when a person has a breakdown or even commits suicide, family members, friends, and neighbors will say, “The signs were there, but I just didn’t see them.” After the fact, the evidence seems obvious but not at the time. I can do the same; in fact, more than just warning signals, people themselves may be invisible to me. So I wonder about the signs and the individuals I may not be seeing. I want to see people—really see and hear them—to be alert to their needs. Help me read body language, understand what people are not saying, and sense their emotions. And after showing me the truth about them—so that I recognize their fear, sorrow, and pain—enable me to do something to help. Often they just need someone to understand and to listen; at other times the need is more tangible. Help me to act in love.

Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? James 2:15-16