God of the poor and the dispossessed

as I walked home

something moved in a shop doorway

catching my eye

And suddenly I stopped

for the something was a someone

stretched out on a cardboard mattress

sleeping bag pulled up tight

trying to keep warm

The sunken eyes

the well lived-in face;

this is someone’s child

someone’s brother, sister, friend

Is there any change in my pocket?

Can I get you some tea?

And then I walked on

and walked away

for like the priest and the Levite on the Jericho road

I too am anxious of what it would mean to tarry longer

Yet the face stays with me

and so does the hurt

the hurt of not knowing what to do

and feeling so inadequate

What has gone so wrong in someone’s life

that they have ended up sleeping rough?

And what has gone wrong in society

that so many people are homeless

living in hostels or temporary accommodation

without a place to call home?

Surely it doesn’t need to be like this

So hear my prayer for those

who following Christ’s way of costly love

refuse to walk past on the other side of human need

for the Street Pastors and those who run the night shelters

offering care, kindness and something to eat

for all who support people who are homeless

helping them through their difficulties

to make a fresh start in life.