A Prayer for the world
First published in October 2023.
Friends, there is much going on in the world.
Whether we listen to the morning headlines on the radio, scroll through photos on social media feeds or watch the 6 o’clock news, the scale of human suffering weighs heavily on our hearts and minds.
This year alone, there have been earthquakes in Turkey, Afghanistan and Morocco. A dam burst in Libya, inundating a city under water. Fires are being fought in Canada, the USA and Australia.
In the Middle East, civilians are living under the threat of terrorism, whereas others are experiencing airstrikes and shortages in food, water and healthcare. Other conflicts are ongoing across Ukraine, Myanmar, Syria and Yemen.
And the increasing cost of living is making it harder to meet daily needs in households across Australia and around the world.
So many people are undergoing extraordinary hardship.
As Christians, how do we respond?
- Stay informed. Follow reputable news sources and be mindful of your mental and emotional wellbeing. It’s okay to limit your news intake if you need to.
- Give as you are able. There are many aid agencies working with local communities around the world to meet immediate needs and assist in long-term recovery.
- Pray. As Christians, we put our hope in our sovereign God who cares deeply about the people of his world and all of these situations.
If you’re struggling to know how to pray, here are some words.
God be with those who mourn.
May he tend to their broken hearts.
God be with those who are hungry and thirsty.
May he provide food and drink.
God be with those who are sick, injured, disabled, aged and vulnerable.
May he care tenderly for their needs.
God be with those without homes.
May he open homes and hearts in true hospitality.
God be with the healers.
May he show them whom to tend to and restore.
God be with those who hold power.
May he turn corruption to integrity and lift up the servant-hearted.
God be with the peacemakers.
May he raise up wise and courageous people able to negotiate peace.
God be with those who hold weapons.
May he turn their hearts to mercy and to lay down their arms.
God be with the low of spirit.
May he give them hope.
God be with the builders and the growers.
May he grant them endurance for the journey of starting again.
Amen.
