30 Days of Praying for Children and FamiliesНамуна

Here, the Psalmist is crying out to God in the face of injustice: “How long?” is the central cry of his heart, asking God why the unjust seem to rule.

The situation seems hopeless. The wicked have won, and they’re exploiting the weak in society.

But there’s a glimmer of hope. The Psalm is bookended with a reminder that God is the ultimate judge.

With God on the throne and his perfect judgment final, the Psalmist can confidently pray, asking him to intervene.

His prayer? “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” (Psalm 82:3, NIV)

We too can take this Psalm as a prayer upon our lips in times of desperation, when injustice appears to have the final word, and we see wickedness prevail. When our hearts are broken as we see the number of children entering care increasing year on year.

Have confidence as the Psalmist did, that God is on the throne and he will enact justice.

Prayer

God of faithfulness, You are the father to the fatherless.

I give thanks for all who care for vulnerable children in their homes: for kinship carers, adoptive parents, and foster carers. May they know your companionship and provision.

We pray that you would prompt more individuals and families to open their hearts and their homes to children who need a place to belong.