A PRAYER FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER  PENTECOST 

Luke 16:19-25

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham.[a] The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.[b] 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 

We have so much O God

Too much

but never it seems enough

We buy and buy and buy

Collect and select

Every new thing

Every new gadget

Every new toy

We build mansions and fortresses

to keep it and store it all

admire and worship it

Glad for what we have

but always wanting more

We build fenced in yards 

and gated communities

to keep the riff raft out

and our things safe

from robbers and thieves 

We don't see

or pretend not to see

all those who have not

have nothing

No home

No bed

No food 

No nothing

We are blinded by fear

arrogance and selfishness 

Not wanting to notice

Not wanting to care

Not wanting to share

O Jesus of the poor

It is you we do not see

It is you we fear

It is you we hide from

O Jesus of the poor

You feed the hungry

You clothe the naked

You heal the sick

You raise the dead

O Jesus of the poor

Help us to see you

Help us to see them

Help us to minister to them

O Jesus of the poor 

Forgive us

Stir us

Embolden us

and send us forth 

To feed

To clothe

To heal 

to raise

Amen