It’s Refugee Week. This week, pray for the millions of people around the world unable to return home. Also use this time to consider how you can be a blessing to refugees in your own neighbourhood. A simple gesture of care and welcome can make such a difference.
Sunday 16 June
In Leviticus 19:34 it reads, ‘The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.’ Take a moment today to give thanks to God for the different nationalities you come into contact with through your daily life. Ask God to put on your heart one person or family to show an act of kindness to.
Monday 17 June
Today, let’s pray for Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. Although rarely in the news now, the world’s largest refugee camp is home to nearly 1 million ethnic minority Rohingyas. The massive numbers can seem overwhelming, but each individual is loved by God. Pray for peace and protection for them today.
Tuesday 18 June
Praise God for new toilets! For refugees living in the densely populated Cox’s Bazar, lack of privacy and sanitation can make life extremely unpleasant and unsafe. Tearfund’s local partner has carried out water and sanitation work in the camp, constructing new latrines. Praise God for the generous giving that made this work possible.
Wednesday 19 June
Aalia is dreaming of days when she can stand on her own feet in life, prosper and smile again. Aalia is a mother of two, living in Cox’s Bazar. She lost her home and her father, and then her husband deserted her. Today, Aalia is part of a sewing course, set up by Tearfund’s local partner. Pray that in the moments of darkness, she may know God’s love.
Thursday 20 June
World Refugee Day
Thank you, Lord, for the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Thank you that the local church in the UK and across the world is able to welcome people into its midst, providing emotional and physical support. May your church offer this kind of hospitality. Amen.
Friday 21 June
Lift up Colombia, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Rwanda and South Sudan in prayer today. These are just some of the countries where Tearfund supports people forced from their homes by conflict, disaster, persecution and extreme poverty. Amid the trauma, Tearfund is helping refugees understand their rights, training them to represent themselves at local authority meetings.
Saturday 22 June
Let us pray these words aloud, written by author Gideon Heugh: ‘You are the God who takes the side of the oppressed. You are the God who is close to the broken-hearted. You are the God who raises high the humble.’ Teach us, Lord, how to walk in your ways. Amen.
