Partner with us in prayer for justice

As followers of Jesus, God calls us to speak up and defend the rights of people living in poverty (Proverbs 31:9). Tearfund’s advocacy work does this by getting to the heart of the systemic issues that cause poverty, directly supporting our programmes with local churches and communities.

Another way we can advocate for others is through intercessory prayer. Below you’ll find prayer points and further resources to help guide your prayers.

How you can pray

Pray for the climate

The climate crisis is one of the most challenging issues of our time, with devastating impacts on communities living in poverty. You can also find a PDF and audio prayer guide here.

• Pray that each of us would be open to the ways God asks us to take action. May we be part of the change that is required to tackle climate change and protect those most affected by it.
• Pray for world leaders – that they would make decisions to protect our planet and ensure a flourishing future for all. May they take every opportunity to fight for the ambitious targets we need.
• Pray that the church globally continues to support communities experiencing the worst effects of the climate crisis – through transforming wealth, power and communities for a flourishing world.

Pray for gender equality

When women and girls realise their God-given potential, they help create thriving communities. Tearfund works to address the biases and barriers they face that prevent this from happening.

• Pray for the men and women participating in Tearfund’s Transforming Masculinities programme, that their families and communities will become free from gender-based violence and pursue gender equality.
• Pray for women to gain positions of influence to bring about God’s kingdom, and to support other women to achieve their God-given potential.
• Pray that the voices of marginalised communities would be heard as they advocate for their needs and for structural changes. Read more prayer points here.

Pray for peacebuilding

In 2024, over 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith. Many conflicts are fueled by religious differences and attacks on faith communities are increasing.

• Pray that our work with the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action builds bridges, fosters interfaith understanding, and encourages governments to prioritise freedom of religion or belief.
• Pray that people of faith will be at the centre of conflict transformation, bringing lasting peace to communities. Ask God to provide the resources and support they need.
• Pray for Tearfund partners as they deliver training to equip community members with reconciliation skills.

Pray for churches responding to crises

Tearfund advocates for the role of local partners in crises - particularly faith organisations and churches - and works alongside thousands of churches as they respond to their community’s emergency needs.

• Give thanks to God for the invaluable contributions of local churches during humanitarian crises.
• Pray for the consistent presence of churches in their communities as they continue to tackle ‘forgotten crises’ that get lost in the media.
• Ask God that leaders will acknowledge the incredible contributions of local churches, celebrating their work and ensuring they are protected as they serve their communities.

Pray for a global plastics treaty

Plastic waste has doubled since 2000, affecting 2 billion people without waste management. We need a global treaty to address plastic's full lifecycle.

• Please pray for agreement and implementation of a legally-binding treaty to end plastic pollution.
• Pray for leaders and decision makers to understand the scale of the problem and to put aside politics in favour of solutions that will benefit the whole world – particularly those living in poverty.
• Pray for ourselves – for motivation to use less plastic daily and wisdom in how to show God’s love to the world around us in the midst of the plastic pollution problem.

Pray for church movements

Our church advocacy work is led by local people, motivated by community needs, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It encourages local churches to influence change together.

• Praise God for how we are helping more and more churches to become centres of transformation.
• Pray for wisdom and guidance for Tearfund’s staff as they support church movements across Africa and Latin America and grow our movement-building work in Asia.
• Pray for leaders at all levels to be open to working alongside local churches to bring about lasting change.