A prayer for refugees

This week, the UK press has drawn attention to migrants crossing the English Channel. There are currently 26 million refugees around the world, half of which are children. These are people who have been through horrors that we can scarcely imagine.

They have been forced from their homes by conflict, persecution, disasters such as floods and drought, and extreme poverty. Many will have been separated from loved ones; many will be traumatised and grieving.

If we cannot have compassion upon refugees, we cannot call ourselves Christians. If we do not help refugees, we cannot call ourselves the church.

‘He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.’ (Deuteronomy 10:18)

Tearfund is working around the world to help restore hope and dignity to refugees. Please join us in praying for them.

PLEASE PRAY

God of love,
You are the God who takes the side of the oppressed.
You are the God who is close to the brokenhearted.
You are the God who raises high the humble.

We pray for refugees around the world.
May they be welcomed with open arms.
May their needs for food, shelter, clothing and love be met.
May their wounds – emotional and physical – be healed.

We pray that the world will hear their plight.
We pray that the world will have compassion.
We pray that the world will take action on their behalf.
In Jesus’ name, amen.