Together
with presiding bishops of the ELCA and the Episcopal church, we PRAY, FAST and ACT in support of federal programs that are vital to hungry people struggling with poverty.
Let us PRAY
"God of compassion, whose Son became poor for our sake: Help us to see the face of Christ in those who are poor, and in serving them to serve you. Give us generous hearts so that those living in poverty may have adequate food, clothing, and shelter. By your Spirit move us to affirm the dignity of all people and to work for just laws that protect the most vulnerable in society; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen." (Evangelical Lutheran Worship pg. 79)
We FAST
We fast on this day in solidarity with people who struggle with poverty and hunger daily, whether they are our brothers and sisters who face famine conditions in other parts of the world, or families in the United States who run out of critical food assistance before the end of the month. (
Read Bread for the World's fasting guide here!)
We ACT
As Lutherans, we are called to "
seek sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all," and to ensure that all God's children are cared for, no matter where they live. With more than 20 million people at risk of starvation globally, and millions more displaced, the need for foreign assistance is as great as it has ever been.
As a church together, let us lift our voices and ask our members of Congress to protect funding for international programs that provide relief and support livelihood for the poorest among us.
(Learn more about this issue here.)
Thank you for your leadership and support on this critical issue. Visit ELCA.org/PrayFastAct for more resources and updates as we continue to pray, fast and advocate together.
|