Prayers of the People: 'Grant Us the Heart to Give and the Heart to Serve'

Ellim Kim is a member of Exilic Church in New York City. Ellim shared this prayer with the congregation on Exilic’s HFNY Sunday.

Dear God,

Thank you for Hope for New York and the work that you have accomplished through them. We thank you for the many hands involved in the organization, from the leadership to the volunteers. Continue to grow their individual relationships with you so that they can keep seeking out the vision you have for this city. 

We pray for the communities in need. Be with those without shelter or food, those who are marginalized, and those who are silently hurting. We pray for resources to be provided to these communities as well as an abundance of peace and healing. 

Lord, grow this partnership between Exilic and Hope for New York in a way that is pleasing to you. In a world where time and money are coveted, will you grant our church the heart to give and the heart to serve. Help us to steward these possessions with wisdom and discernment. And may we serve with an attitude empty of pride but full of humility, acknowledging that we ourselves have the same needs as the communities we serve, and that you mercifully meet our needs. 

Thank you for giving us hope in a hurting city. 

We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.