RESPONSIVE READING

O Lord, by whose cross all enmity is brought to an end,
Break down the walls that separate us.
Help us understand how to tear down the former things.
Show us how to bring renewal to your world.
Awaken in us the passion to dream.
Guide us as we take small steps toward great visions.
We ask that you give us wisdom and strength,
Patience and compassion.
Lord, who can make all things new, open our eyes.
Let us see in our own communities and around the globe those who are without shelter.
Today we lift up to you those who yearn for a simple, decent and affordable place to call home.
Give us courage to respond.
As we give of ourselves, let us be grateful for those who give to us.
By the power of your Spirit, make us one.
Amen.

(from the “International Day of Prayer and Action for Habitat for Humanity,” www.habitat.org/cr/pdf/2005litany.pdf)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God, our help in every age, help us now. We admit we are afraid to practice the hospitality and welcome you expect of us. When someone in need approaches, we shrink away. Is it fear? Is it guilt? Or is it that all of a sudden our own neediness is awakened? Help us to cultivate that place inside each of us where we remember our home is with You—a home that is warm, where things always work out in the end, and where love has the final word. We want to share your grace with others. Help us to be the bearers of your grace in every act of care, in every act of welcome.
Amen.

(from the National Council of Churches’ “Poverty March 2003,” www.ncccusa.org/poverty/povmarch-2003-week-4.html)

Litany for Homeless People

We pray for peace and justice, mercy and forgiveness
Open our eyes that we may see.
We pray for an end to homelessness and hunger, unemployment and illness.
Open our ears to the cries of pain.
We pray for those living on the streets, huddled in overnight shelters and living too many to a room.
Move us to serve these our sisters and brothers.
We pray for the refugees in the world; those gathered in tent cities, walking the face of the earth and without a country to call home.
May we welcome them with open arms.
We pray for communities and people that serve the homeless and refugee. We give thanks to God for their ministry.
May we support their ministry in deed and prayer.

(Adapted from a litany of the CWS Minn-Kota Regional Office with Minnesota Refugee Services,
http://www.ichchicago.org/getinvolved/christian/Litanyforhomelesspeople.pdf)

Alternative Responsive Reading

For every child who is sick or dying because her family has been denied medical care,
God in your mercy, hear our prayer for health care.
For every child who calls the streets his home because no public housing is available,
God in your mercy, hear our prayer for housing.
For every child who is taught by the lack of text books and crumbling public schools that her mind and her dreams count for nothing,
God in your mercy hear our prayer for quality education.
For every child who this day is taking care of his younger siblings,
God in your mercy hear our prayer for affordable childcare.
For every child who is scared because her dad and mom do not earn enough to pay the bills,
God in your mercy, hear our prayer for jobs at a living wage.
We know that you do not forget us, God,
God in your mercy, hear our prayer and come quickly to save!
Amen.

(from the Rev. Noelle Damico, Catalyst, School of Theology, University of the Poor, www.universityofthepoor.org)