Prayers for Those in Need

Prayer for the Poor
God of Justice, open our eyes
to see you in the face of the poor.
Open our ears
to hear you in the cries of the exploited.
Open our mouths
to defend you in the public squares
as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what we do
to the least ones,
we do to you.
Amen.

Prayer for the Care of the Poor
Generous God, we lift up to your mercy that poverty which is a moral and social wound upon our country’s soul. In your goodness, help us to heal this wound by working to alleviate the suffering and pain of the poor. Amen.

Prayer Service

Speaking out with the Poor with St. Oscar Romero
Christ Jesus, We ask that like Blessed Oscar Romero we will not be afraid to risk all that we have to follow you,  to stand with the poor and oppressed. May you grant us the same courage you gave  Blessed Oscar Romero: That we will feel what we are afraid to feel That we will not be overwhelmed by all that needs to be done— but that we will follow you, And trust that you will walk with us on our journey of discipleship, wherever it may lead.  May our walk be one of true solidarity As Blessed Oscar Romero’s was. And in life and death May we bear much fruit. Amen

Additional Resources

Intercessions for the Marginalized
For those deprived of their human needs,
and their human rights:
that they may be given the dignity
which God confers on all his people;
We pray to the Lord

For all who are forgotten or thrown away,
and especially for the poor, the sick, and the aged:
that God might change our hearts
and move us to love them as the image of Christ;
We pray to the Lord

For all who are lonely or afraid,
for teenagers on the street,
old people in nursing homes,
prisoners with no one to visit them,
and all whom the world has forgotten:
that Christ might lead us to them;
We pray to the Lord

For all who are forgotten or cast off:
that we might value each human life,
as a priceless gift from God;
We pray to the Lord

For those who are mentally disabled: 
that we might cherish the gifts God has given them,
and in their lives hear the voice of our loving God;
We pray to the Lord

Additional Resources:
Prayer Services for Corporal Works of Mercy
Examination of Conscience Using Catholic Social Teaching