Psalm 101:1-4, Isaiah 61:1-2a, Luke 4:16-20, Matthew 11:2-6, Matthew 5:3-12
O God of mercy, we remember those who live in poverty. We know that in your compassion there is much sorrow over those who are destitute. May we be awakened to the needs of those who have no one to care for them. Help us to be healers of your broken world so that their sorrow may be turned into joy. This we pray for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Look with pity, O God of Love, on all people who are hungry and are oppressed. Help those who live with injustice, disease and terror and know that death is a constant companion. May our consciousness be raised to place their care at the top of our agendas. May we be bold to proclaim your reign through our efforts on their behalf. In this way we will seek to eliminate the cruelty of those who are our neighbors. This we pray in the name of him who had compassion upon us because we were like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.