It is not uncommon for people to stop what they are doing and bow their heads in a silent moment of gratitude, of hope, or to ask for help — otherwise known as “prayer.”
This powerful tool is very familiar to us, where “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
Therefore it seemed only fitting that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles has its very own Prayer for Shelter, authored by our very own Patty Lee. Originally written for 2007’s National Day of Prayer, we have continued to use this prayer over the years, and to share it with the numerous congregations who help support us in our mission.
In honor of World Habitat Day tomorrow, we invite you to join us in a moment of gratitude, hope, and the spirit of help, guided by the words below.
A Prayer for Shelter
Leader: Loving God, you made us in your image and blessed us with wisdom, creativity, skill, compassion and love.
People: Give us sight to see your children in need, ability to hear your call to serve and willingness to be your hands and feet.
Leader: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! Even the sparrow has found a home and the swallow a nest—a place near your altar, O Lord.
People: Heaven is your throne and the earth your footstool. Empower us with your strength and wisdom to build safe dwellings.
Leader: You have called us to share our food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when we see the naked, to clothe him.
People: Give us willing hearts, Lord, and inspire us to action.
Leader: When you call upon the Lord, spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, the Lord will always guide you. He will satisfy your needs and strengthen you.
People: Grant us safety and protect us as we build your kingdom through building homes and communities.
Leader: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
People: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Leader: My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
People: May our obedience to serve you with our wisdom, creativity, skill, compassion and love cause the weak to say I am strong, the poor to say I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us.
Leader: Transform our world and transform our hearts and minds.
People: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
ALL: Make us into one people, your people like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Join us for our World Habitat Day 2014 Twitter Chat – Monday, October 6, 1-2pm PST
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HabitatLA
Hashtag: #WHDLA14
Twtvite Invite link: http://twtvite.com/WHDLA14