Today I offer a prayer for satisfying our hunger and thirst – not just physically, but spiritually as well. God longs to meet our needs, and the needs of others, if we are willing to partner with Him and truly love our neighbors.
Afterthought: it seems to me the vast majority of passages refer to hunger / thirst that is exclusively spiritual, or simultaneously physical and spiritual. I only see a few passages that reference physical hunger / thirst exclusively, and many of those are trying to encourage the generosity of God’s people. This of course makes sense, since our spiritual provision (that which is eternal) is more important to God than our physical (temporary) provision. I suppose our spiritual needs are also harder to understand than our physical ones, so we need additional guidance.
Father God, our Benevolent Provider and Steadfast Shepherd, You bless us so richly. We recognize that we broke this world through our sin, and there is no longer justice or equality for all. You promise that Your people who suffer hunger and thirst in this life, will one day be blessed for their longsuffering, will be fully sated, and will be protected from any harm. Thank you for encouraging us and equipping us to aid those who lack clothing, food, or shelter, including for those who persecute us, so we may live out our faith in a practical way. As we assist those who are in need, You say that we’ll experience inner joy and pass the love of Christ onto those we serve. In order to be equipped to serve others may we never forget to earnestly seek You, for our souls hunger and thirst for that which only You can provide. You say that those who hunger and thirst for Your righteousness and word shall be blessed and satisfied, for we cannot thrive on physical sustenance alone. Father, our souls pant after you, our Living God, like a thirsty creature longs for water. May we constantly pursue Jesus, the Bread and Water of Life, and praise You with all our hearts as we experience Your presence. May we honor all of our neighbors who lack by our generosity toward them, loving them in deed and truth. May we give generously to our neighbors as Jesus would, and serve them as Jesus would, so we may feed and clothe Jesus by extension (for we are all image bearers of You our Creator). Spirit please open our hearts wide to all those in our circles who are poor physically and spiritually, giving to them out the lovingkindness of Your heart, and bringing glory to You our Father in heaven. In the name of Jesus the most Generous and Humble Servant we praise You, amen.
[Inspired by: Lk 6:21a, Rev 7:16, Jas 2:15-17, Rm 12:20, Isa 58:10, Psa 63:1, Mt 5:6, Mt 4:4, Psa 42:2, Jn 6:35, Psa 22:26, Pro 14:31, 1 Jn 3:17-18, Mt 25:35, Deu 15:11]
~ Conqueror in Training