Speak Up! - Proverbs 31:8,9

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8,9)

Dear Father,

In this proverb you are telling us that it is not enough simply to care for the poor and the oppressed and to have compassion on them, but that you also expect us to speak up on their behalf, to defend their rights. I pray that these children will have the courage to speak up, to be a voice crying out on behalf of those who have no voice. I pray that they will speak out in defense of the rights of the poor, even when to do so is not popular among their peers. I pray that social activism become part of their nature, a calling that they cannot quench, a burning within their hearts that will not let them be comfortable. And through them I pray you do things to change our society to be more compassionate and caring about the rights and plight of the poor and destitute.

Amen