‹ Back

Sirach 21:5 "The prayer of a poor man goes from his lips to the ears of God, and his judgment comes speedily."

 

There are many ways to be poor. Some of the most poor among us have plenty of money, but are poor in virtue, understanding, wisdom, or any number of other good things. With money, though, comes comfort, and often pride. In our comfort we forget how much we need and rely on God. If we slip into pride, we actually turn away from Him. Thus, the comfort that comes from money often leads to poverty in  many other good things. 

 

It is when we lack the comfort that comes from having plenty that we often remember how much we need God. When we turn to Him with a humble heart in our poverty of anything He welcomes us back with open arms, like the prodigal son's father. So being "poor" in the sense we usually mean it is definitely a good way to get God's ear! 

 

God hears and answers prayers said out of poverty. He does have a preferential love for those who are monetarily poor, but He also hears us when we recognize our poverty of virtue, goodness, peace of mind, holiness, etc., and cry out to Him as the only one who can help us.