According to God’s Word, one of the proofs of “pure religion” is the care that a Christian extends to orphans and widows in their affliction. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
In his epistle, James specifically wrote about giving actual physical assistance to widows and orphans. It is not enough to care for them or to feel sorry for them. In the same context, James asked believers, “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15–16).
Yet, what about prayer? Certainly there are times that praying can be an excuse for not acting. For example, a lady owns two nice, warm coats. She sees her widowed friend, cold and in need. The former would be a hypocrite if she simply said to her friend, “I’ll pray that God will provide you a good, warm coat.” Actually, this lady’s response would be disobedience to our Lord’s clear command! Prayer alone cannot put a coat on the back of the needy widow.
There are certainly times when prayer is not only the least we can do—it is the best that we can do! Churches should regularly pray for widows and orphans, just as they do for pastors and missionaries. Families who gather daily for family Bible time should remember and bring before God the specific needs of widows that they know.
Consider the following practical ways that we can pray especially for widows.
Pray that their sorrow will be comforted.
Widows are often lonely at festive times of the year, such as holidays and anniversaries. Part of their loneliness is sadness, because they miss their spouse, especially during a special time. Pray that the widows you know will take comfort in the promises of Scripture and their relationship with Jesus. Also, put your prayers into action! Invite a widow over for a meal, call her and spend time conversing with her, or send a “thinking of you card” to bring a widow cheer and to let her know she is not forgotten.
Pray that their needs will be met.
Don’t pray general and vague prayers, such as “Lord, bless all the widows that I know.” Instead, pray for these bereaved ladies by name, asking God to supply their specific needs that He knows they have. Possibly you may be the answer to their prayers! Besides praying, offer them rides, grocery shop for them, ask them what provisions they need and if you can help meet that need, and be available to do home projects for them, such as lawn maintenance, simple household repairs, or snow shoveling.
Pray that their time will be profitable.
Many widows have extra time on their hands. Pray that God will show them ways to spend these important days of their lives for His glory. Many widows would be delighted to help someone else, especially if it involves using talents they have. So, don’t hesitate to ask a widow for help if she has a certain skill that you lack. Your request may be the answer to her prayers!
When we pray for widows in these suggested ways, our prayers are no longer excuses for inaction. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
