Praying for the Homeless, the Hungry, the Cold...

November is famous in the blogging world for each of us stating what we are thankful for daily. I've been playing along on my Facebook page, though I'm more impuslive in my thankfulness than planned. 

Being grateful for so much, and seeing everything that others are thankful for, is very humbling. It's bitter cold outside now. Last night the wind howled. The colder temps today felt warmer than the warmer, windy temps yesterday. Wind chill is horrible. 

As I am taking stock of my Christmas decorations, I can't help but think of those that have nowhere to set up a tree. While I'm heating water for hot tea, I think of those that have no kitchen. Whether they choose to live on the street, or this is their first winter without a home, my heart breaks for those that are homeless. 

Lord, please show Yourself to those that are suffering in the cold tonight. I pray that You will lead them to shelter that will provide for their immediate needs, and that each person would be willing to leave behind whatever is entangling them in homelessness (addictions, etc) to allow them to move forward into a stable living condition. 

I ask that those that are unable or unwilling to go to a shelter would be warm. Pour Your Holy Spirit out over them and shelter them. Let them have dreams and visions of You Jesus, and know that You care for them. 

I pray that you will move resources to churches and Christian organizations to provide for those that are homeless, hungry, and in need this winter season. Father, stir Your Body to rise up and serve the least of these... 

In Jesus' Name... amen...

I'd like to add a favorite prayer... the Prayer of Saint Francis: 

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.