Show Notes: Prayerful Situations: War

War. Illness. Pain. Death. Four prayers that people around the world lift up every day. I planned the Prayerful Situations series to consist of the topics: Natural disasters, money problems, sin, and illness but soon realized I needed to add war, pain, and death.

Real-life situations often arrive unexpectedly. Chaotically. With no rhyme or reason. Attacks from the very pit of hell.

Like Ukraine is experiencing. Massive destruction, loss of life, and total pandemonium. And they’re not the only ones. Conflicts abound in our world. Ukraine is front and center because of the sheer size of the combatants but the international crisis organization tells us there are nine other conflicts to watch in 2022. Ranging from the cold war feel of the US vs. China to interior fighting in Ethiopia and Yemen, war is flourishing around the globe.

How do we pray about these conflicts? Wrapping our minds and words around massive fighting and battles overwhelms even the strongest prayer warrior. There are so many needs and directions we could focus on. Dancing with God and our ability to be so close to Him so we can hear His heart is threatened by the sheer noise of warfare.

Before we discuss how, we need to realize that first, we can’t focus on the big picture when praying over worldwide hostilities. It’s too much for any person. And that’s okay. Begin by searching your heart and finding what matters most to you. Is it the displaced citizens or soldiers often forced to serve? Does your heartache over the destruction of homes or nature? Does your mind turn to surrounding countries accepting refugees or the hunger problems among those left behind?

None of these thoughts are wrong. God has enough of His people to cover every need that might arise. We just need to listen to Him, then do our part. Praying for peace is a given when any conflict arises but there are seven other areas we can concentrate on when praying about war.

1. Civilians. So much pain. The heart-breaking images of people fleeing homes pushing baby strollers and overflowing shopping carts in Ukraine. Villages in Ethiopia with homes on fire. Citizens in Afghanistan facing hunger. You can pray for safety and protection, wisdom and discernment on decisions that need to be made, peace in the unrest, and comfort from the loss of loved ones, homes, schools, and jobs. Pray that physical needs such as food, clothing, and housing will be met. Pray for salvation.
2. Military. Soldiers in many countries are drafted even in their teens. And some people fighting are not trained soldiers but citizens trying to protect their villages, towns, or homes. Pray those in combat give their lives to Jesus first, and they’ll use discretion, wisdom, and kindness when in contact with their enemy. Pray those protecting homes and families will have the proper tools, protection, and ability. Lift up children and teens required to battle, that they will be delivered from harm’s way.
3. Aid workers/missionaries. Groups of people are already within countries forced into war and can be a great help amidst terrible danger. Also, relief workers travel in and out of areas of crisis with huge risks to themselves. Pray for angels to guard over them, for doors to open for the purchase and distribution of supplies needed, and for comfort and peace for each worker and their family living in other countries.
4. Utilities and transportation. The ability to have electricity, gas, sewage systems, water, and phone services is crucial to suffering people. Pray for hospitals and facilities for the elderly and orphans to be first-priority when it comes to utilities and supplies. Pray for transportation needs to be met for the wounded and medical staff. Pray for the protection and safety of all involved in these services.
5. Homes, buildings, and infrastructure. Bombs and gunfire damage homes, community and business buildings, not to mention bridges, roadways, trains stations, and airports. Pray for protection for construction workers, speedy restoration and repair, and the ability to rebuild homes through donated supplies and volunteers.
6. Supplies. Supply shortages are inevitable in war-torn nations. And there is a risk of the military/terrorist groups stealing or bombing donations. Pray for an abundance of supplies. Pray for God to intervene and protect those delivering food and other needed items. Pray the plans of the enemy are thwarted in every way possible.
7. Unity and restoration. When a conflict or war ends, chaos and unrest are the norms. We pray that governments and communities can unify and work together with their citizens and neighboring nations to restore order, housing, utilities, infrastructure, and jobs. That the dead will be properly buried and the missing found. That people can find peace and comfort and piece their lives back together with God’s help. That aid workers and missionaries are strategically placed to make a positive impact in each area.

I feel I barely scratched the surface on prayer needs during wartime. Each prayer, however, is heard and noted by our mighty God, so rest in faith that He is working even in dire situations.

Let’s pray: Father God, we are overwhelmed by the wars and conflicts that surround us. Help us to concentrate on You as we seek ways to pray for others and their great needs. Protect, provide, and restore what the enemy has stolen from so many. Show us ways we can help. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

I’ll include a Prayerful Situations: War downloadable resource on my website if you’d like to print a copy to use during your prayer time.

Next week, we’ll look at illness and ways to pray with empathy and strength when you or others are afflicted. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Prayerful Situations: War, looks at ways to pray when there is conflict anywhere in our world. #faith #prayforukraine

Printable Resource of Prayerful Situations: War

Links:

Ten Conflicts to Watch in 2022

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast on Apple

Remember: Prayerful Situations: War

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