Several months ago, before I left for the field, I had a very specific chapter of the Bible in mind for the work God was calling me to. I used Psalms 46 to help me pray. I encourage you to do the same along with me as I re-enter the field, or use it for yourself however you would like. Or even use this to pray for peoples and countries all over the world. You can read through a section at a time, pausing to pray in between verses. I thought I’d provide my own thoughts and prayers here as well, focusing on praying for the refugees my team and I work with in the Middle East.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Lord Jesus, may you be a refuge for the refugee. Comfort her in all circumstances. Stay close to her heart and shelter her through the storms. Provide stamina, courage, help, and hope.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
The world is frightening, hostile, and unjust at times. But you, Lord, are holy and in control. May the refugee find the land where you dwell, drink from fresh springs of water that never end, and know your peace and love that casts out all fear.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
When she wakes up in the morning and feels no desire to continue on, help her, God. Help her take one step in front of the other, closer towards you every day. Closer towards your living hope.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
You are a fortress when nations fail them, when legal systems fail them. Where there is injustice, you protect and defend. Lift your voice so the earth may hear you and change its ways.
Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
Lord, bring peace to the home countries that refugees have had to flee from. Make these wars come to an end. Bring families back together. Restore what is broken.
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.
Thank you for being with us at all times, God. We can be still and know you and trust you. Further, we can rest in your promises. For our sake and for your glory, may you be lifted high above the world. May everyone come to know your glory, grace, and hope found in your arms, covering us like a warm and welcoming shelter.