Churches can continue to show up for food-insecure communities by giving on Global Hunger Sunday and praying for sustainable solutions worldwide.
By Natalie Sarrett
An estimated 783 million people will go to sleep hungry tonight. From war and global pandemics to natural disasters and overall economic downturn, a number of factors have caused this number to double since 2020.
One way churches can continue to show up for food-insecure communities is by giving on Global Hunger Sunday (August 27) and praying for sustainable hunger solutions worldwide through projects led by Send Relief and similar organizations. Here are six practical ways you can lead your church to pray for families and communities experiencing undernutrition.
An estimated 783 million people will go to sleep hungry tonight, double the number from 2020. Share on X1. Pray for an end to the war in Ukraine
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
John 14:27, CSB
John 14:27 tells us God has given us peace that is of another world so we won’t be troubled. Millions were forced to flee the only place they called home in the aftermath of Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine. Today, one in three families in Ukraine isn’t sure where their next meal will come from. And refugee families who have fled the country are now facing extreme hunger on their journeys toward safety. The fallout of the war has been widespread and devastating, causing a hike in global grain prices and deepening hunger in countries around the world. Join us in praying for an end to the war, for Ukrainians to find regular access to healthy meals, and for global food prices to decline.
2. Pray for the drought and famine currently underway along the Horn of Africa
‘I am the bread of life,’ Jesus told them. ’No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.’
John 6:35, CSB
These communities are facing the worst drought of the past half-century. And four failed rain seasons, high inflation, and fertilizer shortages are exacerbating the already difficult situation. Pray for both physical and spiritual food for the countries experiencing the most extreme conditions, namely Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
3. Pray for the ongoing global refugee crises, including hotbeds like Sudan, Venezuela, and Afghanistan
Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2, CSB
There are now more than 100 million displaced people around the world. This number has more than doubled in the last 10 years alone. Hebrews 13:2 commands us to welcome strangers with hospitality and open hearts. Pray refugee families would experience grace and mercy from our Savior through caring believers in whatever contexts they find themselves in.
There are now more than 100 million displaced people around the world. This number has more than doubled in the last 10 years. Share on X4. Pray for the rising cost of food and the global inflation rates causing them
He gives food to every creature. His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:25, CSB
Psalm 136:25 reveals God as the provider of all food everywhere because of His unfailing love. Intentionally intercede for impoverished and underserved communities. Ask God to continue to provide and help families struggling to keep food on the table find sustainable sources of income and nutrition.
5. Pray for ongoing hunger projects to flourish and multiply across countries
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Mathew 25:40b, CSB
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us that when we feed the hungry and care for the vulnerable, we’re not just helping our fellow man—we’re helping Christ. With that in mind, pray for as many families as possible to hear the good news as believers around the world provide hot meals and groceries in their time of need.
“In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us that when we feed the hungry and care for the vulnerable, we’re not just helping our fellow man—we’re helping Christ.” — Natalie Sarrett Share on X6. Pray for unprecedented generosity in the face of the world’s worst hunger crisis in 40 years
The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:6b, CSB
There are few things more fulfilling than knowing you have left an eternal legacy of love and care, so pray for a spirit of generosity on August 27.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
Natalie Sarrett
Whether you celebrate by praying or giving, encourage your church to participate in Global Hunger Sunday, August 27, by downloading free promotional resources—including videos, bulletin inserts, Sunday School discussion questions, and more.
