It can be hard to know how to pray when confronted by so many needs, but we’re reminded not to give up because our loving God hears our prayers and will respond to our pleas.
When we look at the world around us and see war, poverty, violence, oppression, injustice, and spiritual darkness, each of us will be burdened in different ways and have different ways of approaching our Father God about what we see.
It can be very difficult to know how to respond and how to pray, but we serve an all-powerful, compassionate God whose heart breaks for the injustices around the world.
God is sovereign over everything and can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, so we shouldn’t be afraid to ask God to show us his heart for the things that trouble us, and to reveal what part he’d have us play — whether that’s to pray, to go, or to give, so others can be the hands and feet of Jesus in these desperate situations.
I asked several of our mission workers how they pray when confronted by so many needs and their answers provide wisdom and encouragement for us all.
West Africa
In a context where people who don’t follow the religion of the state are persecuted and often forced to flee their homes and there’s great need — both physical and spiritual — how do you pray?
“Prayer becomes an act of surrender; a recognition that God is sovereign and we’re not.
“We pray specifically and boldly, asking God to intervene in tangible ways.
“Perhaps the hardest part of prayer is discerning our role in the answer. Are we being called to step in and help, or is God working through other means to accomplish his purposes?
“So, we pray not only for needs to be met, but for the wisdom to know when to act — and when to trust that God is already at work.”
Middle East
In a country where there’s very little Christian witness, and where gospel workers can be counted on one hand; where followers of Christ face rejection, financial insecurity, violence, and even prison, how do you pray?
“It can, at times, be overwhelming, and I feel paralysed to know where to begin, so sometimes I don’t!
“Sometimes, when there seems to be so much need, I just focus on one person or one situation and leave the rest in my Father’s hands.
“Sometimes I use Scripture as a springboard to pray for individuals, situations, cities, or nations. I find this a really engaging way of interceding.”
East Africa
Madagascar is considered one of the poorest countries in the world and millions struggle to fulfil the necessities of life, including food, clean water, and housing. In this context, how do you pray?
“I allow myself to feel strong reactions of sympathy for human distress and of frustration or even anger at perceived wrongdoing and sinful behaviour. I acknowledge these feelings and allow them to sit in me.
“I try to be guided by Scripture and by the heart of Christ towards both suffering and wrongdoing.
“I tend to pray using quite simple prayers then I try to move to a place where I nurture the compassion of Christ. I very often do this with, ‘Lord, have mercy.’”
‘Pray without ceasing’ was first published in our Caring magazine.
