People’s lives have been devastated by conflict in Gaza and the Middle East as millions have been forced from their homes. The conflict has caused devastating humanitarian need in the region, and famine in Gaza.
Local churches and Tearfund’s partners in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon are responding alongside other humanitarian organisations to meet people’s urgent needs, and providing life-saving aid whenever it can be delivered.
You can use this prayer guide to call out to God in intercessory prayer. We know God hears our prayers and we can trust him with them.
What to pray...
Pray for peace
+ Pray for an immediate, lasting ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
+ Pray for Israel to allow safe humanitarian access to all of Gaza.
+ Pray for lasting peace, healing and the restoration of communities.
+ Pray for God to change the hearts of world leaders towards justice, peace and mercy.
+ Pray that God’s peace would fill the hearts and minds of everyone who is suffering as a result of this conflict.
Pray for safety
+ Pray for all civilians in Gaza and across the region – that God would protect them from harm, particularly the most vulnerable, including children, older people, and people with disabilities.
+ Pray for humanitarian workers – for protection for those who are working to provide humanitarian assistance and medical supplies.
+ Pray for safe access to food, and treatment for those who are starving and suffering from malnutrition.
+ Pray for safe access to water, sanitary items, medical supplies and fuel.
+ Pray for Palestinians forced to flee their homes multiple times. Pray for safe places to stay and that they will be able to return home.
Pray for strength
+ Pray for church leaders – for wisdom and strength to lead people through fear and uncertainty. Pray for bravery as they guide their communities and offer loving support.
+ Pray for faith leaders and communities across the region – that they would stand firm, and for unity, connection and mutual understanding so that they can help bring people together and show kindness.
+ Pray for Tearfund and our partners in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and neighbouring countries – that God would strengthen them as they support schools and hospitals, and as they provide food and essentials to families who have been displaced.
Pray for hope
+ Pray for those who are hungry, terrified, mourning and suffering. Ask God to save them from despair – for the trauma and violence they’ve experienced not to overshadow hope.
+ Pray that people across the Middle East wouldn’t lose hope – that lasting peace is possible.
+ Pray for the families of hostages from Israel and beyond who are desperately awaiting the release of their loved ones.
+ Pray for the millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Israel who have had to leave their homes under horrific circumstances and are dealing with the trauma of the conflict.
Pray for healing
+ Pray for people who are malnourished, traumatised or injured. Ask God to heal their physical and emotional wounds and bring them deep comfort.
+ Pray for hospitals and medical staff – for strength as they continue to provide life-saving services to all those affected. Ask God to provide all the resources and equipment they need to treat the sick and malnourished.
Together we pray
We cry out to you, Lord, on behalf of all people affected by the conflict in Gaza and the Middle East. Our hearts break at the devastation and suffering that we see, and we know it breaks yours, too.
We ask that you stretch out your mighty hand to bring lasting peace.
We cry out for people who are starving, injured or traumatised, who have lost loved ones or their homes. Please provide everything they need and be their comfort, their hope, their healer, and their safe refuge.
We pray for your peace to reign. We look to you as our Saviour and the hope of the world.
Amen.
Ways to pray…
You can try some of these ideas while praying for the Middle East:
+ Use scriptures on peace to centre your thoughts on God and his promises in the Bible.
+ Pray with a map of the region to guide your prayers.
+ Light candles to help you meditate on Jesus as the light of the world.
+ Set up prayer stations in your church.
Thank you for joining us in prayer. Let’s continue to pray and act together on behalf of people suffering the effects of conflict everywhere.
If you would like to learn more about the situation in Gaza, read our latest blog.
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Content adapted from Tearfund UK, used with permission