Matthew 25: Prayer for U.S. children & families in need
We can find desperate need not only across the ocean but also in our own neighborhoods. One in seven children in the United States live in poverty. That’s why in addition to its work around the world, World Vision also works here in the U.S. From helping families in distressed and underserved communities across America to responding to domestic disasters, let’s answer Jesus’ call to love our closest neighbors.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
After Jesus was resurrected, He returned to His disciples to teach them more about the kingdom of God. He promised they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses — first to their neighbors in Jerusalem, then to the surrounding region, and finally to the entire world. The apostles’ initial ministry happened because they saw the need among their neighbors.
Likewise, World Vision cares for children living in poverty worldwide and here at home in the U.S.
Join us as we pray for U.S. children and families living in poverty.
Pray for people who are homeless.
The 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports that on a single night, roughly 653,100 people in the United States were experiencing homelessness.
The report states that of that number, nearly 3 of every 10 people experiencing homelessness were part of a family with children. That is a 16% increase between 2022 and 2023.
Children who are homeless are more likely to suffer from hunger, educational challenges, stress, and illness. They’re also at risk for violence and abuse.
In prayer, ask God to surround people experiencing homelessness, especially children, with His protection.
Dear Lord, Your Word often talks about people in need finding safety. We pray today for people experiencing homelessness, that children and families in need with no place to call home will be guided to places of peace and security.
Pray for single mothers and fathers.
Raising children with two parents is challenging enough. According to a Pew Research report, 23% of children in the United States live in single-parent households — more than any other country in the world. The official poverty rate for families with children headed by a single woman was 32% — nearly twice as high as the rate of 16.3% for families with children headed by a single man.
Ask God to sustain single moms and dads with His strength and raise up godly people to minister to them.
Dear Lord, You are an ever-present help in time of trouble. Be a source of hope and encouragement to families with single mothers and fathers. Let them see Your love in both word and deed from the Christ followers in their lives.
Pray for children who don’t have enough to eat.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that 44.2 million people lived in food-insecure households in 2022. Of that number, 7.3 million children lived in households in which both children and adults faced food insecurity.
Many children living in poverty in the U.S. depend on school meals for the bulk of their nutrition. The National School Lunch Act began in 1946 and continues today, reaching children through free or reduced-cost breakfasts, lunches, and snacks at school. The program reaches millions of children nationwide, with an estimated 28.6 million children participating in 2023.
Ask God to make a way for all children in the U.S. who lack nutritious meals to receive the healthy food they need year-round.
Dear Lord, Scripture tells us so many times that people who believe in You are to be kind to those who are in need and make sure they have enough to eat. We pray that You help us remember Your command and support children and families with access to food and other resources.
Pray for teachers in low-income neighborhoods.
Teachers at schools in low-income neighborhoods face a host of challenges that go beyond spelling and math scores. Students may miss school because their family has been evicted or they may lack basic learning tools because their parents can’t afford school supplies.
World Vision’s Teacher Resource Centers equip educators with free new school supplies for those who teach in low-income neighborhoods where at least 70% of the students qualify for reduced-fee or free school lunches.
Ask God to provide our nation’s teachers with the resources and skills they need to equip all children for a bright future.
Dear Lord, You know how important teaching is and how challenging it can be. As our children sit in classrooms, renew teachers in their passion to help students enjoy the adventure of learning. Give educators creative ideas and resources to solve their most challenging situations.
Pray for families who are recovering from devastating natural disasters like Hurricane Ian and the Maui fires.
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida. We sent immediately sent emergency supplies and food boxes from three of our World Vision Storehouse locations to help support hard-hit families.
Then nearly a year later, in August 2023, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century devastated the island of Maui. The fires claimed 100 lives and leveled the historic town of Lahaina. As of January 2024, more than 5,400 people remained displaced. Through our church partnerships, World Vision delivered relief supplies and food boxes. We have also provided cash grants to further assist in relief efforts, and we remain committed to supporting long-term rebuilding.
Ask God to provide resources to these families and to use this trying time to bring them closer to Him as they recover and rebuild.
Dear Lord, we know You love us, even when storms blow through and take away some of what we hold dear. Use this time of recovery and rebuilding to help families draw closer to You and see what’s most important in life. For people who don’t have the resources to rebuild, supply what they need to re-establish their lives and begin to thrive again.
Article updated on February 27, 2024
One in seven American children live in poverty.
World Vision works in some of our nation’s most distressed and underserved communities, where poverty is high and opportunities are limited. We also respond to disasters in the United States.
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