Compassion is at the very heart of God’s character. Scripture tells us again and again that he draws near to the brokenhearted, defends the vulnerable, and lifts up those who are bowed down. And yet, in the busyness of daily life, it is easy for our own hearts to grow dull to the needs around us. This prayer is a quiet invitation to ask God to soften us, to make us attentive to both the pain and the beauty in others, and to shape us into people whose kindness reflects his own. It is a reminder that mercy is not weakness, but a reflection of the strength and tenderness of Christ himself.
A Prayer Based on Proverbs 31:20
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the God of mercy and grace, full of compassion and abounding in steadfast love. From the beginning, you have cared for the weak, the weary, and the forgotten. You defend the fatherless and uphold the widow (Psalm 146:9). Your heart bends toward the broken, and your eyes never turn away from the hurting. We praise you for being a God who sees, a God who hears, and a God who acts.
Lord, we humbly confess that our hearts do not always reflect yours. Too often, we turn away from those in need, offering excuses instead of open hands. We grow numb to the suffering around us, absorbed in our own concerns. Forgive us for our apathy. Forgive us for the times we have walked by the hurting without even offering a prayer.
Thank you for the beautiful example of compassion found throughout your word. When the crowds were hungry, Jesus did not send them away, but fed them with loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13–21). When the blind cried out, he stopped and healed them (Matthew 20:34). When the widow grieved the loss of her son, he touched the bier and gave her child back to her (Luke 7:11–15). Your kindness is boundless, and your compassion never fails.
We ask, Lord, that you would soften our hearts to the needs around us. Teach us to open our hands, as the woman of Proverbs 31 does, reaching out to the poor and the needy. Help us to see each person as made in your image, worthy of dignity and care. Break down the walls of fear, selfishness, and indifference that so easily grow in our hearts.
Give us wisdom to know how to help and courage to act. Whether it is through a listening ear, a generous gift, a shared meal, or a quiet prayer, may we be your hands and feet in this world. And as we serve, remind us that we too are poor in spirit, utterly dependent on your grace each day.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Respond
Please pray a prayer about compassion for the poor and needy.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:
- Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
- Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
- Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
- Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?
If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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