Praying for our world

How do we pray into what we’re reading and watching on the news? If you are anything like me, you will be aware of what's going on out there across the seas far from home. You may even have a feeling of anxiety as you watch from a distance. Because although the major conflicts are happening a long way off our shore, it still feels close. And currently it feels very unsettled.

So how do we pray into this? After all, we’re reminded in Philippians 4:6-7 to not be anxious or to worry, but in every situation we’re to pray. Prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of petition. Now it’s easier said than done to not be anxious. After all we’re not speaking about minor conflicts, but major conflicts. And these things can and do make us anxious. But the invitation is to put anxiety aside and to pray. So how might you pray?

Psalm 46 gives us one picture of how prayer can look. In verses 10-11 we’re reminded of this refrain in which we’ve been singing in our life recently.

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

So, one way to pray is in silence. To sit in God’s presence and to be still. To meditate on God’s promises. However for some, it is a struggle to sit in silence. And so, I offer another option of prayer. Again, it’s found in the scriptures. In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus offers us the Lord's prayer. Words that have been prayed throughout history in times of war and strife. These words of Christ, are words of comfort of quiet trust in the creator of all things who holds all things.

Finally, our National moderator offers this prayer as a potential way to pray. You may like to pray these words out:

for a de-escalation of war and tension

for successful dialogue and negotiation

for reconciliation between enemies

for provision of food and supplies for those in need

for wise, courageous and compassionate leadership

for healing and hope

for medical staff and hospitals who are caring for the wounded

for agencies providing help and provisions

for comfort and care for those who are suffering

for peace and for justice.

God Bless you as you pray for our broken world.

Sage