As you make your way down a crowded city street, you notice a man sitting quietly between two storefronts. A small cardboard sign tells a fraction of his story: “Homeless. Need food. Please help.” You wonder how he ended up on the street. You wonder if a contribution of food or money would actually make a difference. And you wonder how you landed on your feet—and avoided life as a homeless man or woman.

Around the country, millions of people endure unfair and unjust living conditions. Countless children grow up in violent neighborhoods, attend inadequate schools and fail to escape the cycle of poverty. Many adults struggle to find sufficient career opportunities and, despite a strong work ethic, struggle each month to pay the bills. For these people, breaking free from poverty and injustice feels insurmountable.

As you walk closer to the man and his cardboard sign, you contemplate your next move. What if he has simply been dealt a bad hand? What if he had no control over his circumstances? What if injustice and inequality has left him searching for hope? Should I help him?

The next time life just doesn’t seem fair—because of poverty, discrimination or other circumstances—turn to God in prayer. Lift up the situation and those involved, asking the Lord for love, peace and strength. These four prayers will get you started:

1. Lord, love those who experience injustice.
   As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him. – Psalm 103:11 (GNTD)
2. Lord, give peace to the hurting and the broken.
   May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 5:13 (GNTD)
3. Lord, protect those who feel defenseless.
   Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you. – Isaiah 41:10 (GNTD)