Daily Worship

A prayer for Iraq

August 14, 2014 0 0

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
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.

God of refuge and strength, 
We pray for those who are terrified, living in fear in Iraq. 
May you be a very present help in their trouble. 
Very present through the touch of Christian Aid partners on the ground. 
Very present through the response of the international community. 
Very present through the support of those who watch prayerfully on. 
May those who are left with nothing 
know that they are not forgotten. 
May they once again be able to fear less.

God of refuge and strength, 
We pray for all those escaping fighting, seeking safety in northern Iraq. 
Those half a million people who are now on the move and 
those 220,000 Syrian refugees already there. 
May you be a very present help in their trouble. 
Help through the provision of resources so needs are met. 
Help through food, water, hygiene and sanitation kits. 
Help so this ‘crisis on top of a crisis’ would not reach breaking point. 
May those who are left with nothing 
Know that they are not forgotten. 
May they once again be able to fear less.

God of refuge and strength, 
Who makes wars cease to the end of the earth; 
We pray that the bows of this conflict would be broken 
That the spears of retaliation and rage would be shattered. 
That the uproar of nations would be quietened 
And that the illusion of earthly kingdoms totter. 
Would that we would all be still and know that you are God. 
Without whom we are left with nothing 
With whom none of us are forgotten. 
May we all find refuge and strength in you to fear less.