How to Pray for the Global Food CrisisSýnishorn

Praying for a problem in our world begins with being aware. Today we will pray awareness prayers. Being a person of prayer requires us to open our eyes and hearts to bitter realities, keep our hearts soft and responsive, and intercede on behalf of those suffering. We do so with the knowledge that our loving Father hears us! God invites us to ‘ask, seek, knock.’ Today we make ourselves aware so that we know what to ask of God.

As you enter into this uncomfortable reality, you are beginning to bear the burdens of people made in the image of God all over the world (Galatians 6:2).

1. The Reality

Pray through the following facts slowly, considering the gravity of each situation. Imagine God’s heart for the people these numbers represent. Do so by asking God to give you His heart, too.

• As many as 828 million people will go to bed hungry tonight (FAO)
• 50 million people in 45 countries are on the edge of famine right now (WFP)
• 345 million people are facing acute food insecurity in 82 countries (WFP)
• Nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 are attributable to undernutrition (UNICEF)
• Around 149 million children – 1 in 5 worldwide – are chronically malnourished (UNICEF)
• 193 million people experienced acute food insecurity at crisis levels or worse in 2021, up nearly 40 million people from already-record numbers in 2020 (Global Network Against Food Crisis)

2. The Reasons

The global food crisis gets worse each year. Reflect on each of the varied causes listed here and ask God to give you a compassionate heart.

• War and conflict: Unrest strains resources and limits access to what is needed.
• Rising cost of living: Families in emerging economy nations spend an average of 25 percent of their household budget on basic food, as high as 60 percent in some places.
• Weather: Extreme storms and droughts increase global hunger by shrinking harvests and inflating food prices.
• The effects of the pandemic: Lockdowns devastated family livelihoods, the economy, and supply chains and continue to complicate access to food.

3. Prayers for Awareness

Pray through the following verses. Ask God where you need to grow in your compassion.

• 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
• 1 John 3:17“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

God, give us a compassionate heart like Yours. We know that every person affected is made in Your image and precious to You. Cause me to be empathetic when it is easier to forget, love when it is more comfortable to be indifferent, compassionate even to strangers, and humble when I judge those suffering. Let me be aware of what is happening to the people you love. Cause churches worldwide to become aware and ready to act in your name. Amen.