Praying for Those Who Thirst and Hunger
- Patty Breen
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Praying for Those Who Thirst and HungerI became a runner quite by accident. After finishing my first half marathon in 2015, I decided to try my feet at running a full marathon. In 2019 and 2021, I ran the Detroit Marathon. In my training leading up to race days, I always had to consider the importance of hydration. When you start to feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. The effects of that can be felt more when doing such exertion like running a marathon. The importance of being well hydrated is connected to performance and the ability to keep pushing through.
Years later, I still look back with pride and fondness over what my physical body was capable of…even if running was just for a time in my life.
As I look at today’s readings, I drawn to reflect on the people in our communities and around the globe who hunger and thirst.
For those who thirst for rain to water their parched crops or for clean drinking water, satisfy them, Merciful One.
For those who thirst in the final stages of losing their physical desire to eat or drink satisfy them, Merciful One.
For those who seek for deeper union and connection to God, the Divine Presence living in them, satisfy them, Merciful One.
For those trapped in addiction who hit rock bottom, thirsty for a power greater than themselves to get clean, satisfy them, Merciful One.
For those families relying on a local food pantry because a parent lost their job, satisfy them, Merciful One.
For those community leaders and members weeping over gang and gun violence, endlessly praying for peace, satisfy them, Merciful One.
For those who hunger in word and deed for justice to be shown to immigrants and migrants, satisfy them, Merciful One.
For those who are prisoners of war or victims of human trafficking, deliberately denied food and water to break their resolve, satisfy them, Merciful One.
We know there are endless types of situations where our human family thirst and hunger. For what other situations or groups of people, should we lift in prayer, both word and deed?
What comes up for you and how is the Spirit inspiring you to act?
Patty Breen McNeil has served in Catholic lay ministry for over two decades and currently serves as a Director of Mission Services in Catholic healthcare. Between writing and lifting weights, she makes a home with her husband in Muskegon, MI.