Topical Bible: The Poor: Give to Pray For

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The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor, highlighting both the responsibility to provide for their needs and the spiritual significance of praying for them. This entry explores the biblical perspective on giving to and praying for the poor, drawing from various scriptural passages.

Biblical Mandate to Give

Scripture repeatedly calls believers to be generous toward the poor, reflecting God's heart for justice and compassion. In Deuteronomy 15:11, the Lord commands, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." This directive underscores the perpetual presence of poverty and the ongoing duty of God's people to provide assistance.

Proverbs 19:17 further illustrates the spiritual dimension of giving: "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse suggests that acts of charity are not only beneficial to the recipient but are also seen as offerings to God Himself, promising divine reward.

In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces this teaching. In Matthew 25:35-40, He identifies Himself with the needy, stating, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." This passage highlights the profound connection between serving the poor and serving Christ.

The Role of Prayer

While giving is a tangible expression of care, prayer for the poor is equally vital. Prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty and invites His intervention in the lives of those in need. James 5:16 encourages believers to pray for one another, emphasizing the power of prayer: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."

Praying for the poor aligns with the biblical call to intercede for others, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1, where Paul urges, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people." This includes those who are marginalized and suffering.

Examples of Giving and Praying

The early church provides a model of generosity and prayerful support for the poor. Acts 4:34-35 describes how "there were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This communal approach ensured that the needs of the poor were met through collective giving.

Additionally, the Apostle Paul often encouraged the churches to remember the poor in their prayers and offerings. In Galatians 2:10, he recounts the agreement with the Jerusalem apostles: "They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." This reflects the early church's commitment to both prayer and practical support.

Conclusion

The biblical call to give to and pray for the poor is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's compassion and justice. Believers are encouraged to see acts of charity as service to God and to engage in prayer as a powerful means of support. Through these actions, the church fulfills its mission to care for the least among us, embodying the love and mercy of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 74:19,21
O deliver not the soul of your turtledove to the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of your poor for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vii. 7, "Ask, and it Shall be ...
... But tell me, I pray thee, what didst thou bring hither ... Let the rich woman and the
poor give birth together; let them take no notice of their children, let them ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xi on the words.htm

The Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
... are called, 'He opened His mouth and said, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs
is the Kingdom of Heaven.' Poor, and therefore ... I give tithes ... I pray ... ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the poor rich and the.htm

How the vine of the Priest of Rieti, Whose House St Francis ...
... not see the light, and was obliged to give up going ... who hast shown thy mercy to us
poor sinners in ... Twelve measures." Then said St Francis: "I pray thee, father ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xix how the vine.htm

How Jesus Christ, the Blessed One, at the Prayer of St Francis ...
... so kind and courteous to his neighbour and to the poor. ... in his service; in the meantime
we will pray God to put this desire into his heart, and give him grace ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xxxvii how jesus christ.htm

Little Sarah Howley.
... but they are nothing except God speaks to you too: O pray that God would give you
grace ... I am a poor creature without thee; but, Lord Jesus, my soul longs to ...
/.../wesley/stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/little sarah howley.htm

The Poor Man's Friend
... hospital full of sin-sick souls, and I pray the great ... Admiral of all the seas, and
we poor little vessels ... Sinner, give thyself up to the charge of Jesus, to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 53 1907/the poor mans friend.htm

That we Ought to Offer Ourselves and all that is Ours to God, and ...
... and all that is ours to God, and to pray for all. ... bring me safely, slothful and useless
poor creature that ... from all evils they may joyfully give Thee exceeding ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ix that we ought.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 17, "If Thou Wouldest Enter ...
... do, and with what means you do it; how much you give, how much ... The rich and the poor
are born alike. ... spoken; let us fear, let us take heed, let us pray, let us ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxv on the words.htm

On visiting the Sick
... duty to which we are called, rich and poor, young and ... And I pray, let it never go
out of your mind ... suffices to send the relief which you would otherwise give. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 98 on visiting the.htm

Of Brother Bernard of Quintavalle, the First Companion of St ...
... act, that we must take counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and pray to him ... If thou
wilt be perfect, go, sell all that thou hast and give to the poor, and come ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter ii of brother bernard.htm