Apr 17 – Day 107. Have Pity

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.” (Proverbs 19:17)

Welcome to another daily prayer. Prayer works. Those who show compassion and mercy towards those in need are, in a profound sense, extending a hand to the divine. When you lend your support and kindness to the poor, you are not merely helping a fellow human; you are engaging in an act of service that resonates with the very essence of goodness. In doing so, you establish a bond with the Lord, who promises to honor your generosity by reciprocating your kindness in ways that may come back to you abundantly.

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Today is April 17th, the 107th day of the year, a wonderful opportunity for us to express our gratitude to God for the gift of life and the countless blessings he is bestowing upon us.

I’m your host, Dr. Victoria Haddad, honored to serve as the First Lady and Prayer Leader at the Elyon Bible Church Apostolic in Salem, New Jersey. I genuinely appreciate your willingness to take time out of your busy schedules to join us in this reflective moment of prayer.

As discussed in our previous episodes, our prayers will be rooted in the 66 books of the Bible. We started in Genesis and will close in the book of Revelation by the end of the year.

Today, we will delve deeper into the book of Proverbs. Our scripture will be taken from Proverbs 19:17, and it reads: “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.” 

Today, as we pray, let us consider the poor, both physically, spiritually, and financially. Let us invite the Lord's presence into our discussion.  

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, Our Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords. Father, we come into your presence, bow before you with our hearts overflowing with gratitude. 

Thank you for the sacred privilege of prayer, for the gift of your presence, for you hear us. Lord, you are faithful, merciful, and just, and we honor your holy name.

Lord, thank you for promising us that “anyone who has pity on the poor lends to you, and you will pay us back what we have given.” Father, we hold onto this promise, understanding that when we extend our giving to those in need, we are truly extending our hand to you, for you are the greatest giver. Lord, help us to see beyond the surface, to recognize each act of kindness not as a simple duty or transaction, but as an offering of worship unto you. Let our giving be a pouring of the love you have given us.

Lord, sometimes we struggle with selfishness, holding tightly to what we have. Forgive us for the times when we have withheld generosity out of fear, doubt, or pride. Renew our hearts and reshape our minds so that we give freely and reflect the image of you, Jesus Christ, who gave His very life for us without hesitation. Let us remember that all we have comes from you, and we are not worthy of your blessings.

Father, cultivate in us the spirit of unconditional giving. Teach us to give without attachment, without hesitation, without judgment. Help us to give freely, cheerfully, and abundantly, just as you pour out blessings upon us day after day. Help us to find joy in giving, a joy deeper than anything this world can offer, and help us to know that in serving others, we are truly serving you.

Lord, let your compassion move beyond our actions. Stir within us a holy restlessness, so that we cannot look away from those who are hungry, those who are lonely, those who are hurting, or those who feel forgotten. Let our hands be quick to serve, our feet swift to go where you call, and our voices bold to speak life and encouragement.

Father, please have mercy upon everyone poor and needy. Remember the widow and the orphan, remember the sick and those who are depressed. Help all of us to find hope in you. So, we can become instruments of peace and love. Lord, let our lives be a testimony of your goodness that will point others to you, for you are the source of every good gift.

Father, thank you for reminding us that when we give, you will supply all our needs according to your riches in glory. Let us not be anxious about tomorrow, but rest in the assurance that you are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. Lord, as we give, remind us that you will refill, and that your blessings will overflow in our lives in ways far beyond material gain.

Lord, help us to give not only our resources but also our time, talents, encouragement, and prayers. May we not overlook the power of a listening ear, a helping hand, or a word spoken in love. Every act of devotion, no matter how small, has eternal value in your sight.

Holy Spirit, transform our giving into an act of worship, our compassion into a river that flows without ceasing. Fill us with patience when giving feels hard, with courage when generosity costs us something, and with faith to trust your promises even when we cannot see the outcome.

Father, as we give, guard us from pride. May we never boast in our good deeds but acknowledge that it is Christ in us who compels us to love and serve. Remind us that even our best offerings are made acceptable only through your grace.

In the precious, powerful, and compassionate name of Jesus Christ, we pray…Amen.

Everyone. Keep on praying, keep on trusting God. Have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.