Francis has decided he’s going to try to end hunger through prayer! On December 10th, human rights day, the Pope is sparking off what’s being called, “a global wave of prayer” that will spread across the world starting noon in Australia and sweeping across the world. This will be the kickoff of a global campaign to end hunger by 2025. This is a global effort being spearheaded by Caritas Internationalis, joined by all its member organizations, and strengthened by other national leaders in ending hunger like Bread for the World.

On December 10th at noon, local time, join in the global wave of prayer by meeting with others in your community at noon and offering prayers on behalf of the hungry people in the world. Bread for the World has set up a prayer resource page with a number of prayers about ending hunger from a variety of Christian traditions. I was honored to be asked to contribute my own prayer, inspired by my Catholic liturgical tradition. Check it out and see if they are useful for you and your community as you gather in prayer to end hunger!

Bread.org/prayerwave

Here is my prayer:

Lord God, from the abundance of your mercies

You stretch out your hand to defend the poor.

You satisfy the thirsty soul,

And the hungry you fill with good things.

You give your people their daily bread,

And feed your children with finest wheat.

Inspire us by the example of your generosity

to share our food with the hungry.

Embolden us with your justice

To proclaim your saving help to rulers and nations,

That our world may yield its fruits,

And our neighbors may have their fill.

Provide for your world, Lord, and open your hand,

So that, strengthened by your blessings,

All may abound in thanksgiving

And bless you with hearts that are full.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen. By Billy Kangas via Global Wave of Prayer – Bread for the World: Have Faith. End Hunger.

If you are in Washington D.C. I will be praying on the lawn of the U.S. Capital to pray with policy makers about ending hunger, feel free to join me there! If you have other plans for the day, let me know in the comments below!