Welfare reform is in our headlines, on our Government’s agenda, and the subject of passionate debate among the majority of our society, from Lords and Bishops in public buildings, to businessmen in coffee shops and mums at the school gate.
Very few people would question the need to examine and address our nation’s spending in the current economic climate. It’s a given that changes need to be made.
But it cannot be, must not be, at the expense of the most vulnerable. Particularly when their voices are not heard in the debate.
So we found it both moving and challenging when one of the Sanctuary’s friends sent us this prayer, written by Jim Davis which reminds us of a child’s perspective. We’re praying this today as the child benefit cap is debated in the Commons as part of the Welfare Reform Bill.
Government spending and policies are complicated, agendas are competing, opinions are varied, but surely the simple is still true – children shouldn’t bear the cost.
Today we stand in prayer for children who have no idea that decisions affecting their future are being taken.
And, like children ourselves, we confess that we don’t have the answers to our country’s problems, but we pour out our hearts to God knowing that there must be a better way, and humbly asking that he would reveal what it is. Please join us in this prayer:
A weak prayer for the week.
Heavenly Father
We pray for all the children who don’t watch the news.
Who don’t know what a benefit cap is.
Who don’t know what it costs to pay the rent,
or buy food or pay for the electricity.
Who haven’t heard of a deficit, or GDP, or welfare reform.
But, who do know when Mum is upset,
when Dad looks worried,
when a school trip is too expensive,
when pocket money is something other children have.
We pray for those children and their families.
We ask that you help us to care about them as much as you do.
We pray this knowing you don’t have a cap on how much you love.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
(c) Jim Davis 2012
If you want to find out more about this issue, you might find it helpful to visit the BBC news pages or The Children’s Society’s research and campaigning on this reform.