Pray with us on October 1: A Day of Prayer and Action

The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. -- James 5:16 b

October 1 is the first day of the federal government’s fiscal year. To kick-start this new year, join us in praying for our elected leaders and telling them that we are doing so. And consider hosting a Day of Prayer and Action at your church or in your community.

Specifically, we are praying:

• For children and families affected by global poverty, injustice, and human suffering;
• For wisdom and strength for lawmakers and their staff;
• For legislation that can positively impact the poor.

You don’t have to look very far in Scripture to understand that God cares deeply for the poor, the marginalized, and the victims of injustice, and He condemns those who do not defend them.

Scripture clearly states that we are called to pray for those in authority (I Timothy 2:1-3) as well as to defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9). We believe that all of our advocacy on behalf of the poor must be cloaked in prayer. With the global economic crisis and the health care debate looming, our elected leaders face difficult decisions that will ultimately impact millions of people across the world.

Did you know that only 0.6 percent of the federal budget helps address issues of poverty abroad? It’s more important than ever to join our voices to tell our elected leaders that fighting poverty is essential. Accordingly, we must pray that they will have the wisdom to pass just laws that support those who suffer because of extreme poverty and injustice.

We hope you will partner with us to amplify the voices of the poor on October 1!