Children facing poverty encounter impossible obstacles every day. Some are big — disasters, abuse and sickness. But the small ones can feel just as hard to overcome — loneliness, fear and sadness. Below you will find 10 specific ways to pray children through these trials and to give them hope for a future free from poverty.
Faith
In the hardships of poverty, faith can feel far away. How can a child learn to pray, to hope, to believe when all they see is brokenness?
Pray that children facing poverty will see the Light — that they will turn to God in prayer and find a faith that sustains them.
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." — Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Hope
What does hope look like for children facing poverty? How do they hope for the future when the present tries to consume them?
Pray that God will infuse these children with hope that defies their current circumstances. Pray they will be surrounded by loving, caring people who remind them daily, even hourly, that God has a plan and a purpose for each of their lives.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Love
Many children facing poverty never hear the words “I love you.” Parents consumed with survival can grow weary, and children can experience neglect or even abuse. Many seek love in other, dark places, not knowing that true love can only come from the Father.
Pray that the void in these children’s lives will be filled with the love of God — and that his love will spread through their families and communities.
"We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
Provision
When you don’t know where your next meal will come from, it’s hard to believe that God will provide. Children in the world’s poorest communities, who have gone without for their entire lives, may struggle to trust in long-term provision.
Pray that, through their local churches and caring communities, children will learn to trust that God provides for their every need. Pray they would be awed by his faithfulness and see provision of food, education, jobs and a path out of poverty.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Courage
Picture a child fighting to be courageous. Looking straight into fear with fists clenched and back straight. Around every corner is danger, and courage is often the only way forward.
Pray that these children will not be overcome by fear, but will instead rely on God’s strength as their source of courage.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." — Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
Forgiveness
Unforgiveness is like poison. And for children facing poverty, there are many opportunities for bitterness to take root.
Pray that these children will find forgiveness in their hearts — forgiveness that frees them from bitterness and opens the door to peace.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." — Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Protection
Every day, children facing poverty are at risk of harm or exploitation. Poverty often leaves them without safety nets, making them especially vulnerable.
Pray for protection — that they will be hidden under the wings of the Father as he surrounds them with people who love, cherish and protect them.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
Healing
Children should not fear sickness. It should be a simple part of childhood, forgotten as soon as the fever is gone. But children facing poverty are surrounded by sickness that too often leads to death.
Pray that the Great Physician will heal these children through the care of loving doctors and nurses — and show them that he is more powerful than disease.
"Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me." — Psalm 30:2 (NIV)
Community
Poverty can be isolating. When children are focused on survival, such as finding food, balancing work and school, there is little time for friendship. But a childhood without laughter and companionship robs a child of trust and connection.
Pray that these children will be surrounded by pastors, mentors and friends they can trust. Pray they will be guided well as they grow into godly adults who know how to love and be loved.
"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." — 1 John 4:11 (NIV)
Joy
A child’s default emotion should be joy. Imagine a child running, arms stretched at her sides, and you are picturing joy. But poverty can weigh heavily on a child’s spirit. Yet joy is resilient.
Pray that children facing poverty will find their joy in the Lord. Pray he will renew their strength and make them soar like eagles.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" — Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
