Genesis 4:9 NLT

Afterwards the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”

It’s easy to become consumed with my own needs and responsibilities. The older I get, the more challenging navigating life seems to become.

I remember as a child taking all sorts of risks without ever being aware of the consequences. Climbing trees, running along walls, everything was an adventure and offered an opportunity to broaden my experience. I remember warnings by my anxious parents as I embarked on what to them appeared a dangerous activity. I was blissfully unaware of my own mortality.

As a parent, I first discovered my innate commitment to preserving the life of another. I was acutely aware of the dangers my daughter faced as she shinned up a pole or balanced on a narrow ledge. I found the very same warnings my parents had issued tumbling from my own lips. I became aware of the fragility of another.

God is concerned that we look to not only our own advantage, nor simply that of our nearest and dearest, but that we take a view about the welfare of humanity. Of course, the scale of such an invitation is too vast to properly contemplate. However, each of us can choose to take seriously our invitation to pray for the vulnerable in our community and around the world.

So often, prayer seems to be too simple a response. Yet, it is at God’s invitation and command. One simple step we can take is to decide to pray for the needs of vulnerable people throughout this year.

QUESTION: Will you commit to pray for vulnerable people each day?

PRAYER: I call out to you, God of the universe, asking for your help in the lives of vulnerable people I know or know about. Soften my heart to better love, pray and care for those who need your special touch today.