lenten journey, day 35 — prayers for hiv/aids

FACT: Since the first case of AIDS was diagnosed in 1983, more than 25 million people have died from this deadly disease.

Oh God of all Compassion. You are rich in mercy. But why does AIDS consume so many of your children?

FACT: Every 14 seconds, a child is orphaned by AIDS. 12 million African children and 15 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents to AIDS. By 2010, more than 25 million children worldwide will be orphaned by AIDS.

Lord, may your holy church rise up and shower these precious children with your love and mercy. May each AIDS orphan come to know you as the loving Father who never abandons and never lets go.

FACT: There are 14,000 new HIV infections each day. 2,000 of those are in children younger than 15.

How long will this plague rage on the earth? Lord, hear us from Heaven as we cry out for an end to HIV.

FACT: The disease of AIDS is incurable. Unfortunately, the social disgrace that accompanies it seems just as incurable in many countries where AIDS affected families are completely shunned.

Oh Lord, it breaks my heart that your children are left utterly alone when they most need the loving hugs of their neighbors and the practical support of their communities. Father, would you transform the fearful hearts of the healthy and bless the efforts of those who seek to teach entire communities the truth about this frightening disease?

FACT: Thanks to the introduction of generic drugs, the cost of antiretroviral treatment has decreased substantially, costing just $130 per person per year. Still, antiretroviral drugs only reach 1 in 5 who need them.

Oh God, forgive me. $130 is less than what I spent on ice tea from QuikTrip in the past six months. It’s less than the three pairs of sneakers I purchased at Shoe Carnival last week. It’s less than half what my iPod and all those “necessary” accessories cost. Father, please, change my heart. Make me a better steward of your money. Do I really need another pair of jeans when there are so many who need life-giving medicine? Lord, help me to remember that the answer to that question is ALWAYS “no.”

FACT: While I was putting this blog post together, 479 children were orphaned by AIDS.

Oh God. How long must your children suffer?


This video shows what one organization, Compassion International, is doing in the name of Christ to reach out to families and orphans affected by HIV/AIDS. May we, as intercessors, contribute a symphony of prayer to these efforts. And may we seek God’s heart on other ways he would have us minister to our suffering brothers and sisters worldwide. (I have been supporting the Compassion AIDS Initiative for several months now, and believe that God is working in a mighty way through this organization. If, after seeking His heart, God moves you to give, please consider the Compassion AIDS Initiative.)




"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

…pray continually. — 1 Thessalonians 5:17