The Study Guide includes six small-group sessions based on sections of the 2010 Hunger Report (The Introduction, the Letter to President Obama and four chapters). Groups may do as many of the sessions as they wish. If your group chooses to do only one session, it is recommended that it be the Session 1, which is based on the Introduction of the 2010 Hunger Report. It is also recommended that you do Session 6 last, the Letter to President Obama, regardless the number of other sessions you plan to do. The more of the guide you complete, the richer will be your discussion of that last session.
Christian Study Guide
Right Relationship – Justice and Righteousness
In most languages, the word for “justice” is the same as the word for “righteousness.” This is true in both Hebrew and Greek, the languages from which our Bibles are translated. In Spanish the word is “justicia.” These words mean “right relationship”: right relationship with God (righteousness/justicia) and right relationship among people (justice/justicia). Jesus summarized this as “Loving God” and “Loving neighbor.”
Many passages about injustice point out that there is a fundamental breakdown in relationships—between individuals, within society and its structures, between people and creation, and in the way that government leaders respond to the needs and concerns of people. Those passages also point out that even if people are praying, fasting, bringing offerings, and worshiping God, their relationship with God is not right if they allow injustice. Isaiah 58 presents a vision of justice and righteousness and how right (or restored) relationships can look.
Whenever you see the words “justice” or “righteousness” in a Scripture passage, consider the meaning of the passage in terms of the context above.
Session 1 - Recession, Recovery and Resilience
Opening Prayer: God of abundance, God of enough, we praise and thank you for inviting us into rich relationship with you and with each other. We confess that we often think not of the way you intend for us to live rightly and justly with one another, but rather in ways that lift our wants and desires above that which are good for all of your children. Lead us and guide us to understand how we should live and act in your world. In the name of Jesus, who through his actions and sacrifices teaches us what righteousness and justice should mean. Amen.
Session 2 - Work in a Sustainable Economy
Opening Prayer: Lord of Heaven, Maker of Earth, you have set everything in its place and given everyone a purpose. Help us to appreciate the array of gifts and skills, the diversity of callings and professions that you have ordained. Grant us the understanding to see you in each person and hearts that would value them all. Amen.
Session 3 - Pulling Inequalities Up By the Roots
Opening Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for glimpses all around us of your reign. Before you, we remember all who are poor and neglected. Do not let us forget them. We especially pray for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming so, those who are sick and have no one to take care of them, and those who are unable to find meaningful work. Help us to be agents of your will and your reign. Amen.
Session 4 - Remaking Marginalized Communities into Gateways of Opportunity
Opening Prayer: We thank and praise you gracious God for the gift of community. Open our eyes, Lord, so that we may see the various communities around us. Help us to see within those communities the various good qualities, as well as those that need improvement. Show us how you intend communities to be, and push us to be active change agents, working for restored relationships among all your people, no matter our incomes or work status. Amen.
Session 5 - A Global Agenda for a Just and Sustainable Recovery
Opening Prayer: As we breathe the very air that sustains us, we remember your love, God, which gives us life. Fill us with your compassion for creation. Breathe into us a spirit of solidarity with all who suffer because of human carelessness and wanton disregard of the earth and our natural resources. Empty us of apathy, selfishness and fear, of all pessimism and hesitation. Move us into action to care for creation. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Session 6 - A Letter to President Obama on Ending Child Hunger by 2015
Opening Prayer: Gracious God, you have blessed us with the joy and responsibility for the care of children. Help us to offer them support and provide true community, where they may all grow into the fullness of our hopes for them. Amen.
Video: Hunger 2010
