A Prayer for a World in Crisis

Isaiah 40: All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. He tends his flock like a shepherd and carries the lambs close to his heart. The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Heavenly Father,

We praise you because you are a good and great God who cares for creation. Although humans are like withering grass, here today and gone tomorrow, you have revealed to us your divine nature and saved us into your eternal story.

We see the rule of your mighty arm in the vastness of creation—placing the majesty of the sun before the beauty of the stars and anchoring the heights of the mountains into oceans deep. We see your character in the person of Jesus—a Good Shepherd who is both powerful and tender, fierce and compassionate. We see at the cross your generosity to your enemies, and the lengths that you would go to save our souls from eternal death. We see your wisdom in the power of your Word, and in a world of passing fads, we take comfort in your promises which endure forever.  

Father, as the world continues to be plagued by pandemics and wars, floods and famine, we confess that we feel tired and helpless, not knowing when the bad news will ever end. We desperately pray that you will intervene with your mighty arm, so that your sovereignty will be acknowledged from every corner of the earth.

We pray that you will soften the hearts of world leaders, so that they will make decisions that lead to peace and human flourishing, as opposed to death and destruction. We pray that you will strengthen charities and churches on the frontline of crisis, providing them with the support they need to protect the innocent and vulnerable from further harm. Equip support networks with the necessary manpower, access to food and water, and your promised strength to overcome their own trauma, so that they can provide comfort and healing for those without hope.

Father, although there are days when we feel helpless, we know that we are never without hope, for you have promised a day when the bad news will come to an end. A day where we will no longer have to face pain, grief, sickness or death. Until that day, help us to stand firm in our faith and to use our blessings to point people to your generous love and tender mercies.

In Jesus name we pray,

AMEN.