Manifesto Value: The Poor
When the KC Underground launched in 2019, part of our formation was to adopt the Underground Manifesto created by the Tampa Underground. The Manifesto is comprised of eighteen values that reflect our theological convictions. These values bind us together as a diverse and creative network. This prayer guide will cover one of those values.
Read: Spend some time slowly reading and rereading this value:
The Poor
We will remember the poor because we believe that God does. We believe that they are central to His mission in the world. It is our conviction that God is always on the side of those who have no one on their side. For that reason we believe the church should also stand on the side of the poor, and in so doing stand in solidarity with the heart and work of God. Jesus’s own ministry is our model. We welcome all people but prioritize the poor in our ministry concern, allocation of resources, and advocacy. We do this, not because the rich and middle class are less important to God, but because they already have access to resources and are able to advocate their own cause. It is our belief that the church should therefore prioritize and remember those who have less, and access to less so that in all things there might be equality.
Retell: As a practice to embrace what you are reading, grab a journal and write the value out in your own words.
Read: Choose at least 3 - 5 of the following supporting passages and read through them.
Biblical Foundation
Deuteronomy 15:7, Deuteronomy 15:11, Psalms 82:3, Psalms 140:12, Proverbs 14:31, Isaiah 61:1, Jeremiah 8:21, Jeremiah 22:16, Matthew 11:5, Matthew 25:40, Mark 2:17, Luke 4:18, Luke 6:20, Luke 7:22, Luke 14:23, Luke 18:22, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 13, Galatians 2:10
Consider: As you read and rewrote this value, what stood out to you the most? What did the Spirit highlight as you read the supporting passages from Scripture? What do you sense the Spirit is saying to you? Take a few minutes to journal your thoughts.
Pray: Now that you have had a few minutes to consider what the Spirit might be saying to you, turn these thoughts into prayers.
Perhaps it is a prayer of repentance: Jesus, I repent for the times I have neglected the poor and overlooked their needs, failing to prioritize them as You do. Forgive me for my complacency, for valuing comfort over compassion, and for remaining silent when I should have spoken up in their defense. Jesus, I confess my participation in systems of inequality, whether knowingly or unknowingly, and the ways I have failed to use my resources and voice to stand with those who have less. Transform my heart to reflect Yours, and teach me to walk in solidarity with the poor, as Jesus did.
Perhaps it is a prayer of invitation: Holy Spirit, I invite You to lead me into deeper compassion and action for the poor. Break my heart for the things that break Yours and teach me to see the world through Your eyes. Help me to listen, to learn, and to love in ways that bring restoration and hope to those who are marginalized. Holy Spirit, use me as an instrument of Your justice and mercy. Show me how to prioritize the needs of the poor in my life, my ministry, and my decisions. Let my heart and actions align with Your mission to bring equality and wholeness to all.
Perhaps it is a prayer for advocacy and generosity: Father, give me the courage to be an advocate for the poor and the voiceless. Teach me to speak boldly against injustice and to use my resources generously to meet the needs of those who have less. Father, help me to live with open hands and a compassionate heart, seeking not just to meet material needs but to offer dignity, friendship, and hope. May my life reflect Your call to remember the poor and to love them as You do.
Each of these simple prayers can be a springboard into more. Use the thoughts you journaled above to help guide your prayers. Take some extra time today to pray for our larger network of disciple-makers and microchurches, that we would stand in solidarity with the poor, prioritizing their needs, advocating for justice, and reflecting the Father’s heart through compassionate action and generosity.
Respond: If Jesus highlighted a particular way for you to respond in obedience to Him today in light of this value from the Manifesto, consider sharing this response with another disciple-maker.