Who is my neighbor?
When I first moved to Manhattan from suburban Boston, I resolved to pray for every homeless person I encountered. Yet, I soon questioned if prayer alone was enough. Should I do more? Jesus didn’t just feel compassion; He acted on it. The Bible teaches that compassion goes beyond emotion—it’s a call to action.
Despite my desire to help, I faced questions. Conversations with my husband about giving spare change led us to the realization that systemic issues require more than short-term fixes. Though I lacked experience in addressing homelessness directly, I began donating regularly to a ministry that helps those less fortunate—a small way to contribute to a larger solution.
This year, inspired by the practice of incarnational prayer promoted by 24-7 Prayer, I’m revisiting my original commitment to pray intentionally for those experiencing homelessness. As I walked past a man in need on a subway platform recently, I prayed—not only for him but also for my own inadequacies in responding to such visible need. While I may not know where these prayers will lead, I am reminded that God’s adequacy fills the gaps in my efforts.
Homelessness is a pressing issue not only in New York City but in other cities and places across the USA and the world. As of 2023, the city’s homeless population surpassed 90,000.
If, like me, you feel burdened by the enormity of this issue yet unsure where to start, I invite you to join me in prayer. Pray for the individuals you pass living on the street in your neighborhood. Ask for God’s guidance—not only to meet their immediate needs but also to inspire systemic change. Compassion starts with a simple step: seeking God’s heart for the people we pass by every day.
Will you join me?
Leave a comment below. Tell me about your neighborhood and the people you can pray for.
In 2025, 24-7 Prayer USA is calling individuals, communities, and churches across the nation to put their feet in the places where they want to see the Kingdom come, carrying the presence of God into the world.