Pray for people affected by conflict

“The Lord replies, ‘I have seen violence done to the helpless,
and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.’”
Psalm 12:5
 

War and conflict are disasters caused by human decisions. Peace comes only after the hearts of embittered people are touched with the need for reconciliation. Only God has the power to change hearts and bring peace.

Here are some suggestions for how you can pray for people affected by conflict:

1. Pray for peace in the 21 countries in our world affected by conflict. Choose one or two countries to pray for regularly: Congo, Sudan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Honduras.

2. Pray for safety, health, and hope for millions of innocent people affected by these conflicts.

3. Pray that political leaders on opposite sides of the conflicts will set aside selfish interests and truly do that which is in the best interests of their people.

4. Pray for the children of conflict—those who are being forced to fight, those who have lost family members, those who cannot go to school or have a normal life.

5. Pray that staff members of organizations working to care for those affected by conflict will not be attacked for their humanitarian efforts.

6. Pray that God will use churches and church leaders located in conflict areas to be instruments of peace and compassion for those who are affected.

7. Pray for those working to promote justice and reconciliation for those involved in the conflict.

8. Pray that those affected by conflict can put aside bitterness and the need for revenge so that people can experience peace.

9. Pray that God will accomplish His purposes and show His power and love to those who are affected by conflict in our world.

"To us a child is born . . . and he will be called Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

Prayer makes a difference.