Prayers

Almighty God,

We come before You as the Lord over all nations, the One who sees the hearts of people and the unseen spiritual battles that rage behind what we see and hear in the news. We lift to You a broken world groaning under conflict, oppression, and deep need.

We pray for Ukraine, still scarred by war — asking You to bring peace where bombs have fallen, protection for the vulnerable, courage for Your people to bear witness to Christ in both word and deed, and restoration of communities torn by violence.

We pray for Israel and Gaza, that mercy would come amid violence, rescue of the innocent, and for the light of the Prince of Peace to break through hatred and vengeance.

We pray for the people of Syria, trapped in more than a decade of war, that You would heal wounds of both body and soul and draw many into Your kingdom.

We remember Yemen, still suffering both conflict and famine, asking You to break the chains of warlords and open the storehouses so children will not starve.

We bring before you in prayer Sudan and South Sudan, locked in cycles of civil war.  Just as You are a helper in times of trouble, let Your church there be a refuge  and a means of reconciliation.

Lord, we lift up the places hidden from the headlines — villages in the Horn of Africa enduring drought and crop failure; believers in North Korea under crushing persecution; communities in Myanmar and Afghanistan fleeing violence — we ask for you to be their refuge and fortress and for your supernatural deliverance.  As David wrote in Psalm 34:17 after experiencing personal traumatic events: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their troubles.”

We pray especially for the peoples impacted by the recent wildfires in the western United States, for families displaced and communities rebuilding. We pray for healing in regions affected by rising civil unrest, protests, and social divisions within the United States and around the world.

We also pray for the United States and other nations facing internal conflict and challenges, including those grappling with violent extremism and terrorism, that You would bring peace to cities and wisdom to leaders.

Father, we confess that these are not merely human mistakes or political disputes — they are evidence of the enemy’s work to steal, kill, and destroy. But we proclaim that Jesus Christ has already triumphed through the cross and resurrection; He has disarmed all powers, authorities, rulers of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil under heaven and earth, and they are subject to Him, though still allowed to do their work.

Strengthen Your church to pray without ceasing, to give generously, and to go boldly into the darkest places.

Give world leaders and authorities wisdom beyond themselves, and break the grip of pride, corruption, and greed. Let justice flow like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream, and let the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

We trust in the day when every nation, tribe, and tongue will worship before Your throne in perfect peace. Until then, make us faithful followers of Christ in this spiritual battle, armed with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God.

And, on a side note, we would like to pray for Mike & Sylvia Wyatt’s as they go teach at the marriage retreat in Trinidad & Tobago. We pray that this strengthens the relationship amongst our international sister churches. We also pray that you strengthen and lift up the church in Accra, Ghana and its leaders. We are grateful to Frances Dasse who leads the church there with us today. Give us and all of them wisdom to trust in your Spirit and let the Spirit lead us as we try to meet needs here and abroad.

In the name of Jesus, the Ruler of the kings of the earth, Amen.

Merciful God,

Our hearts are heavy with grief for the violence and tragedy that have wounded our world, our nation and our communities. We remember before You today those whose lives have been lost or shattered in recent days: the shooting outside Emory University and the CDC in Atlanta, where Officer David Rose and a suspected shooter died; the death of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University; the heartbreaking loss of children at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis; the passing of Santos J. Wyatt, a young father killed in the Edgewood Avenue mass shooting in Atlanta; and Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, shot and killed, along with her husband, in her own home. You know, Lord, there are so many more—far too many to list—each one known and loved by You. These victims represent a cross-section of our society, some known for their convictions, others simply caught in the tide of violence.

Father, You see what lies beneath the surface of our world, and we confess that spiritual forces often shape what unfolds around us—forces that are, so often, demonic and destructive. In our nation, these can manifest in political violence and hate crimes, stirring us to suspicion and blame. But as your people, help us to look deeper and recognize, as the apostle Paul says:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the powers of this dark world and…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12, NIV)

And, Lord, as if these sorrows were not enough, our world reels from wars, famines, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, deadly wildfires, and countless natural disasters. Sometimes it is all overwhelming. Yet you have reminded us in your word:

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our savior who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim 2:1-4).

We cling to these promises, Lord. Even as our hearts break, we look to You for direction, comfort, and peace. We pray for all victims—regardless of politics, belief, or background—and we confess the demonic forces at work to stir up anger, division, and destruction. No label shields us from grief or darkness.

We lift before You the wounded, the traumatized, the grieving, the frightened, the cynical, and the lost—with no regard for political boundaries. Father, heal our fractured communities. Comfort those left behind. Make us bold in love and quick to repent. Guard us against vengeance and despair; pour out your Spirit to restore peace where there is chaos. May all who suffer, in every circumstance, encounter Your mercy and Your light.

We ask strength for leaders, wisdom for advocates, and courage for all who seek healing. Awaken consciences and turn us all away from violence—in homes, schools, churches, and streets alike.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, who breaks every barrier. Amen.