Pray for the Homeless

Homeless

In London it is hard to go about one’s daily business without seeing someone who is sleeping rough. Around 20,000 people live in accommodation for the homeless and each night there are about 500 people sleeping rough on its streets.

Each person has their own story to tell and very often their homelessness is symptomatic of deeper issues; about 30% of rough sleepers were in care as children and relationship breakdown was the reason given by 40% of those homeless for initially living on the streets.

Conditions on the street add additional problems. Rough sleepers have 3 times frequency of chest conditions, skin complaints and digestive problems. The risk of tuberculosis is 200 times higher if you sleep rough.

Many homeless people have regular contact with Christians who go out to places like the Strand every week. One volunteer writes “We regularly talk and listen to their stories, and often they will ask for prayer before we can offer them. We take sandwiches, drinks, fruit, and biscuits for them to eat. We have also led people to Christ in prayer and offered them Bibles. They are so welcoming, and we have grown to love them.”

Prayer points

• That there is reduction in the problems that cause people to become homeless eg. Abusive homes, family break-up, crime, additions.
• For the health and safety of those sleeping rough.
• That they would be freed from addiction to drugs (20%) and/or alcohol (50%) or mental health problems (over 50%).
• That more suitable and affordable housing be available for those coming off the streets.
• That organizations working with rough sleepers would help them to make the transition back into society.
• That many church groups and voluntary organizations (esp. Salvation Army) working with the homeless in London would be well resourced, staffed and effective.

Key Scriptures

• James 2 v 1- 9
• Mathew 25 v 31- 40
• Hebrews 13 v 1- 3
• Isaiah 61 v 1- 3

Written by Luke, a student who works with the homeless in central London on a voluntary basis.