Do you ever feel like there are so many things going on in the world, you’re left frozen in fear about what to do? The best place to start is prayer. Don’t be discouraged by social media trolls who say, “Don’t bother praying, get out there and do something!” There is nothing more powerful than prayer, and in drawing close to God, He’ll lead you to what to do next. Here are a few suggested current events to start praying for, but add to this list anything the Lord lays on your heart.
Ukraine
The conflict in Ukraine is heavy on the hearts of many. It’s easy to allow the images and reports of what’s happening produce fear, uncertainty, and anger. Let those emotions (or any others you’re feeling) turn your eyes to Jesus. There are many things the people of Ukraine need and our prayers and support can help.
Father God, please intervene in this conflict. Soften the hearts of the aggressors and diminish the hatred they are operating from. We know that “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21.1) Please put a hedge of protection around the people in harm’s way and provide homes and safe places for the people able to escape. Continue drawing people to You. Strengthen the Ukrainian church and equip the believers to minister and be led by Your Spirit. Lord, provide food, water, shelter, healthcare, and necessary medicine to those who need it. Be close to those who are scared, brokenhearted, and in danger.
United States
If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
Oh God, our country is a mess. We are divided, isolated, full of self-righteousness and pride and pain. We’ve believed in many things for our security and our hope, when You are the One who has preserved and prospered us. Please forgive us. Help us as Your children to be salt and light to the world, to be led by Your Spirit instead of our agendas or our opinions. We look to You to guide our words and our actions to line up with Your word and Your heart for the people around us.
Persecuted Christians
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3.1-3 NLT
Lord, draw close to those being persecuted for Your sake. Please strengthen them and give them wisdom about who to reach out to, who they can trust, and how to share the Gospel. Give them a sure knowledge of Your love and hope in Your presence. Bring them everything they need and raise up people to support them.
Disease
Jesus, please draw close to those suffering with sickness or disease. Help them to feel Your presence and the hope You bring. Drive out fear, loneliness, and uncertainty. Bring healing and strength to their bodies and minds and peace to their souls. I pray in their illness, they turn to You, if they aren’t believers yet.
Human Trafficking
Lord, we pray for an end to human trafficking all over the world. We know it’s a widespread problem, but nothing is too big for You. Help us to be wise and aware of the evil tactics of traffickers and to be courageous to act when we get the opportunity. Help us to remember to lift up the people fighting against trafficking and to support them with our prayers and our finances. Please accelerate the efforts for prevention and restoration. Protect the people on the front lines of the fight.
Mental Illness and Suicide Epidemic
God of compassion, we come to You in intercession for people everywhere struggling with mental illness, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Give them strength to overcome every negative symptom, whether through medical intervention, miracle intervention, or both. Give doctors wisdom and knowledge to be better equipped to fight this awful disease. Flood those who suffer with compassion from the people around them, and take away the stigma of mental illness so it can be addressed and abolished in the light of Your love.
Turning Away From God
Lord, it seems more and more people are turning away from You in our world today. Please help us as Your children to be Your light and love to everyone we come in contact with. Show us whose hearts are prepared by Your Spirit to accept You. Let our lives show unbelievers the reality of Your goodness and grace, and our words and actions draw back followers that walk away from You. Help us to remember how Your Word teaches us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4.32 ESV
Family
God, we know you designed marriage and family perfectly, but we are selfish and broken people and can easily make a mess of both. Help us to see our spouses and loved ones through Your eyes- to love them as Christ loves the church. Give us the ability to love and forgive when we’ve been wronged. Soften our hearts to ask forgiveness and change our ways when we wrong the ones we love. Teach us how to take down the walls around our hearts and grow in intimacy with You first, and then our families.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12.12 NIV
We hope this list is helpful to you as a place to start in your quiet time. What prayers do you feel led to add to this list?
