The conflict in Gaza and the Middle East has caused famine, destruction and despair. It has devastated lives across the region and millions have been forced from their homes.
We thank God for the news of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas and for the return of all 20 living hostages. But it’s only the beginning and vast amounts of aid must be allowed into Gaza, so please pray.
In Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, local churches and Tearfund’s partners are responding to people’s urgent needs and providing life-saving aid.
You can show God’s love to people in the Middle East by lifting them up in prayer, on your own or with your church.
What to pray...
Pray for peace
- Pray that this will be a lasting ceasefire.
- Pray for aid to freely enter Gaza and for safe humanitarian access.
- Pray that Israel and Hamas will commit to a just and lasting peace.
- Pray for healing and the restoration of communities.
- Pray for God to change the hearts of world leaders towards justice, peace and mercy.
- Pray that God's peace would fill the hearts and minds of everyone who is suffering as a result of this conflict.
Pray for safety
- Pray for all civilians in Gaza and across the region – that God would protect them from harm, particularly the most vulnerable, including children, older people, and people with disabilities.
- Pray for humanitarian workers – for protection for those who are working to provide humanitarian assistance and medical supplies.
- Pray that our local partner, Anera, can quickly and safely deliver vital aid to people in Gaza.
- Pray for safe access to food, and treatment for those who are starving and suffering from malnutrition.
- Pray for safe access to water, sanitary items, medical supplies and fuel.
- Pray for Palestinians forced to flee their homes multiple times. Pray for safe places to stay and that they will be able to return home.
Pray for strength
- Pray for church leaders – for wisdom and strength to lead people through fear and uncertainty. Pray for bravery as they guide their communities and offer loving support.
- Pray for faith leaders and communities across the region – that they would stand firm, and for unity, connection and mutual understanding so that they can help bring people together and show kindness.
- Pray for Tearfund and our partners in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and neighbouring countries – that God would strengthen them as they support schools and hospitals, and as they provide food and essentials to families who have been displaced.
Pray for hope
- Pray for those who are hungry, terrified, mourning and suffering. Ask God to save them from despair – for the trauma and violence they’ve experienced not to overshadow hope.
- Pray that people across the Middle East wouldn’t lose hope – that lasting peace is possible.
- Pray for the millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Israel who have had to leave their homes under horrific circumstances and are dealing with the trauma of the conflict.
Pray for healing
- Pray for people who are malnourished, traumatised or injured. Ask God to heal their physical and emotional wounds and bring them deep comfort.
- Pray for hospitals and medical staff – for strength as they continue to provide life-saving services to all those affected. Ask God to provide all the resources and equipment they need to treat the sick and malnourished.
- Pray for the hostages to make a full mental and physical recovery. Pray that they will receive all they need to fully heal from the trauma they have experienced in captivity, and for their families as they support them.
- Pray for the families of hostages who were killed by Hamas while in captivity. Pray for strength, comfort and healing.
- Pray for families and children in Gaza who have experienced the trauma of war and famine, as well as families who have lost loved ones during the conflict.
Ways to pray…
You can try some of these ideas while praying for the Middle East:
- Use scriptures on peace to centre your thoughts on God and his promises in the Bible.
- Pray with a map of the region to guide your prayers.
- Light candles to help you meditate on Jesus as the light of the world.
- Set up prayer stations in your church.
- Pray the prayer below.
Pray with us
Heavenly Father, who sent your son Jesus to be our Prince of Peace,
We thank you for the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. We pray that this would bring lasting peace to the whole region, and that you would restore hope to the hopeless.
We pray that Israel would allow a flood of aid to freely enter Gaza.
We pray for a lasting ceasefire, and that the peace plan is implemented fully by all parties, so that Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and with dignity.
Our hearts break for the millions of people who’ve endured relentless violence and conflict, and we ask that you restore them to life in all its fullness.
For all those who are suffering, starving and mourning, we ask that help would reach them quickly – and that you would be their comfort, their healer and their safe refuge.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
