Prayers for the world in crisis

Prayers for the world in crisis also include the following categories:

• Justice
• Wisdom and guidance for leaders
• Provision and sustenance
• Protection and safety
• Children and future generations
• Unity and reconciliation
• Healing, Mental Health, and Emotional Well-being
  
• The environment and stewardship of God's creation
• Family, Relationships, and Personal Faith
• The role of the Church 
• The persecuted Church

Prayer for Justice in the World

Dear Lord,

In a world filled with injustice, corruption, and suffering, I lift my voice to You, crying out for Your deliverance and peace. Arise, O Lord; lift up Your hand and do not forget the afflicted. You see the pain of the oppressed, and You are the helper of the fatherless. Bring justice to the weak and uphold the rights of the needy, for You are the righteous Judge.

Save us, O Lord, for deceit and corruption fill the earth. Words are twisted, and truth is abandoned. May You guard us and preserve the faithful, refining hearts to honor You. When prolonged suffering weighs heavily, and it feels as though You are distant, I cry out: How long, O Lord? Will You forget forever? Look upon us and answer. Let Your steadfast love renew us, for our hope is in You.

Amid the chaos and uncertainty, You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Though the earth trembles and nations rage, we will not fear, for You are with us. Make wars cease, break the bow, and shatter the spear. Let Your peace flow like a river, bringing restoration to broken lands and weary hearts.

I pray for leaders and rulers across the earth, that they would turn to You and serve with wisdom and humility. Let them defend the weak and rescue the destitute, leading with justice and compassion. I long for the day when Your perfect justice will reign, and I place my hope in You.

Why should my soul be downcast when You are my salvation and my God? I will again praise You, for You are my deliverer and my strength. Restore hope to Your people, and let Your peace prevail in this broken world.

In Jesus’ name... Amen.

References: Psalm 10:12, 14; Psalm 82:3-4; Psalm 12:1-3, 7; Psalm 13:1-2; Psalm 46:1-3, 6; Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 66:12; Psalm 82:3-4; Psalm 42:11

A Prayer for Wisdom and Guidance for Leaders

Heavenly Father,

You are the source of wisdom, and Your understanding is beyond measure. Today, we lift up the leaders of nations, communities, and organizations before You, asking that You grant them the wisdom they need to guide those entrusted to their care. Let their decisions reflect justice, mercy, and truth, and may they always seek the good of others above personal ambition.

Lord, guide them with Your wisdom, so they may lead with integrity and humility. Surround them with wise counsel and remove the influence of deceit or corruption. May they value peace over conflict, compassion over indifference, and righteousness over convenience.

Your Word reminds us that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask, and You will give generously. So, we ask on behalf of these leaders that they would have the courage to seek You and the humility to follow Your ways as well as ask for wisdom themselves. We ask then that You would allow Your light shine on their paths, guiding their every step.

We ask that You give them courage to stand for what is right, even when it is unpopular, and patience to listen and consider the needs of the vulnerable and oppressed. Let Your Word be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path, guiding their steps according to Your will.

Father, we entrust these leaders to You, knowing that their hearts are in Your hands. May they acknowledge Your sovereignty and seek Your guidance in all they do, bringing glory to Your name.  Direct their hearts and minds toward what pleases You, that through their leadership, Your will would be done on earth as it is in heaven...in Jesus’ name, Amen.

References: Psalm 147:5; James 1:5; Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 21:1; Matthew 6:10

A Prayer for the Church’s Role in a Broken World--in Mission and Evangelism

Gracious God,

You have called Your Church to be a light in the darkness, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. In a world filled with brokenness and pain, we ask that You strengthen Your Church to fulfill its role as Your hands and feet. 

So we come before You, acknowledging the brokenness of this world and the deep needs that arise in times of crisis. Lord, as Your Church, we recognize the incredible opportunity these moments present to share the hope of the Gospel with those who are hurting and searching for answers. Empower us to be Your hands and feet, ministering to a world in need with love, compassion, and truth.

Teach us to love with the selflessness of Christ, to serve without seeking recognition, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. Equip Your Church with wisdom to address crises with compassion and solutions, and give us the courage to speak truth in love, even when it is difficult.

Equip us, Lord, to proclaim the Good News boldly and sensitively, meeting people where they are in their pain and offering them the hope of salvation in Christ. Let the Church be a refuge for the weary, a light in the darkness, and a source of practical aid for those suffering. Help us to reflect Your love through our actions and to speak Your truth with courage and grace.

In the face of crises, remind us that You are at work, turning even the most difficult circumstances into opportunities for redemption. Strengthen us to go into all the world, making disciples and teaching them to obey all that You have commanded. Let our lives and witness point others to Your Son, the ultimate source of peace and restoration.

Lord, we ask for Your Spirit to move powerfully within the Church, uniting us in our mission and giving us the wisdom and resources needed to serve effectively. Raise up missionaries, evangelists, and compassionate workers who will step into the brokenness and share Your love without fear.

Let us not grow weary in doing good, but renew us daily with Your Spirit so we can continue to lovingly and effectively help those in need.

Father, in this broken world, let Your Church be a beacon of hope, a shelter for the weary, and a source of healing for those in need. Remind us that we are Your ambassadors, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. May we remain faithful to this calling until Christ returns in glory. May the Church be known as a place where the lost are found, the hurting are healed, and the Gospel transforms lives. Use us, Lord, to bring Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

References: Matthew 5:14; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 3:13; Acts 1:8; Matthew 6:10

A Prayer for Provision and Sustenance in this World

Heavenly Father,

You are our Creator and Sustainer, the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. In these times of rising costs, food insecurity, and struggles to provide for basic needs, we turn to You, knowing that You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider.

Lord, we lift up those who are struggling to put food on their tables, pay their bills, or care for their families. Open the storehouses of Your provision and meet their needs according to Your riches in glory. Teach us to trust in Your promise that You will supply all our needs and to seek first Your kingdom, knowing that all else will be added to us.

Help us, as Your Church, to be Your hands and feet, sharing generously with those in need and creating systems of care that reflect Your love. Let us not grow complacent but be moved by compassion to stand alongside the poor and vulnerable, advocating for justice and working for their good.

Lord, remind us that You care for the birds of the air and clothe the flowers of the field, and how much more You care for us. Fill us with faith to trust in Your provision, and contentment in all circumstances. You are our Shepherd, and in You, we lack nothing.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

References: Psalm 50:10; Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 6:26-30; Psalm 23:1

A Prayer for Protection and Safety in this World

Heavenly Father,

Our hearts are heavy as we witness the brokenness and cruelty in this world. Today, we lift up to You the vulnerable—those who face danger, violence, and oppression. You are a God of justice and compassion, and we cry out for Your protection over the defenseless, for Your angels to guard those who are in harm’s way. 

We pray for individuals targeted by random acts of violence. Surround them with Your presence and guard them with Your angels. You are our refuge and fortress, our God in whom we trust.

Lord, we lift up those who live in constant fear—those in war-torn regions and refugees fleeing persecution, and also for children caught in cycles of abuse, and for those who face continual violence in their communities. You are a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Cover them under the shadow of Your wings and let no weapon formed against them prosper.

We wrestle with questions of why, but we know that Your ways are higher than ours. In the midst of pain and evil, help us to trust in Your goodness and sovereignty. Strengthen those who are called to bring aid, healing, and hope. Even when we struggle to understand, we trust in Your sovereignty and Your power to bring good out of evil. Give us hearts to care for those who are grieving and to act with compassion for the wounded.

Lord, we ask for justice to prevail where wickedness seeks to destroy, for peace to reign in places of chaos, and for Your Spirit to move in power. Be the shield for the vulnerable, and let them feel Your presence in their darkest hours. You are the defender of the weak and the rescuer of those in peril.

We place our hope in You, trusting in Your promise to one day make all things new. Until that day, let us be agents of Your love and protection to a hurting world.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

References: Psalm 91:2-4; Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 54:17; Deuteronomy 10:18; Revelation 21:4

A Prayer for Children and Future Generations

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up the youngest among us—our children and future generations. In a world filled with crises, uncertainty, and brokenness, we recognize the profound challenges they face. Lord, we ask for Your divine protection over their minds, hearts, and lives. Shield them from harm and guide them toward the hope and peace found in You alone.

Father, we pray for children growing up in war zones, those enduring poverty, and those who have lost families and homes. Comfort their hearts, provide for their needs, and surround them with people who will love and care for them. Where despair seeks to take root, sow seeds of joy, faith, and resilience.

We ask for wisdom for parents, guardians, and educators as they guide the next generation through challenging times. Strengthen them to be sources of encouragement and faith, teaching their children to trust in You. Help us, as Your people, to model compassion, integrity, and courage so that future generations may see Your light through us.

Lord, we also pray for the future. Raise up young leaders who will act with integrity, courage, and a heart for righteousness. Let their lives be a testimony to Your faithfulness, shining brightly even in the darkest times.

You are the God of all generations, and we place the future in Your hands. We trust that Your plans are good, and we pray for the hope and healing that only You can provide to be poured out on the children of today and the leaders of tomorrow.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

References: Psalm 78:4-7; Isaiah 40:11; Proverbs 22:6; Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 18:5-6

A Prayer for Unity and Reconciliation in this World

Heavenly Father,

In a world fractured by division, hostility, and broken relationships, we humbly come before You, asking for Your healing touch. You are the God who reconciles, who brings together what has been torn apart, and we ask for Your Spirit to work mightily in our communities and nations to restore unity and peace.

Lord, where there is division—between families, communities, and even nations—bring healing and understanding. Help us to see one another as You see us: made in Your image, worthy of love and respect. Break down the walls of bitterness, prejudice, and hatred that keep us apart, and replace them with bridges of compassion, forgiveness, and grace.

We pray for those who have been wronged and those who have caused harm. Teach us the power of repentance and the freedom found in forgiveness. Let reconciliation flow like a mighty river, healing what has been broken and binding up the wounds of the hurting.

Father, we ask for Your Church to be a beacon of unity in a divided world. May we live out the truth that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, but all are one. Let the Church lead by example, showing what it means to live in harmony, bearing one another's burdens, and loving without condition.

Lord, give wisdom to leaders, community builders, and peacemakers working to resolve conflicts. Empower them to pursue justice tempered by mercy, and to seek the common good. Fill us all with Your Spirit of humility, so we may walk together in love and work together for Your glory.

We long for the day when every tribe, tongue, and nation will be united before Your throne, praising You as one. Until that day, use us as Your instruments of reconciliation, bringing Your peace to a divided world.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture References: Ephesians 2:14-16; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:12-14; Romans 12:18; Matthew 5:9

Prayer for Healing, Mental Health, and Emotional Well-being in a Broken World

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts burdened by the pain and suffering that many are facing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. We ask for Your healing touch on those who are struggling with illness, trauma, and emotional distress. You have promised in Your Word that by Jesus' stripes, we are healed, and we cling to that promise for physical healing.

For those struggling with anxiety and stress, may they find rest in You, as You invite us to bring our burdens to You and find peace. Lord, we also pray for those feeling brokenhearted and overwhelmed, asking that You restore their joy and peace, just as You heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. In all things, we trust that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds...in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Scripture References:
Isaiah 53:5 | Psalm 147:3 | Matthew 11:28-30 | Philippians 4:6-7 | 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | 1 Peter 5:7

Prayer for the Environment and Stewardship of Creation

Lord God,

You created the heavens and the earth, and everything in it is a reflection of Your glory. We recognize that You have entrusted us with the responsibility to care for the earth and all its inhabitants. Just as You commanded Adam and Eve to tend and keep the Garden of Eden, help us be diligent in caring for the earth today.

We pray for wisdom in addressing the environmental challenges we face, knowing that all of creation belongs to You (Psalm 24:1), and that it was made through Christ and for Him (Colossians 1:16-17). We ask that You guide us to be good stewards of Your resources, seeking solutions to combat the destruction of the environment. Let us reflect Your care and love for all creation...
in Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture References:
Genesis 1:28 | Psalm 24:1 | Genesis 2:15 | Romans 8:19-22 | Psalm 104:24-30 | Colossians 1:16-17

Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Almighty God,

We lift up our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith. You know the pain they endure, the dangers they face, and the struggles they bear. Your Word reminds us that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed (Matthew 5:10-12), and we ask that You fill them with that assurance. As you also say those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Knowing this, in the midst of their trials, we pray that they would be steadfast in their faith. Help them remember that nothing can separate them from Your love. As You promised to be with us even in the most dangerous of circumstances, please surround them with your presence. Grant them courage, peace, and strength, and help them to remain faithful as they endure...in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Scripture References:
Hebrews 13:3 | Matthew 5:10-12 | 2 Timothy 3:12 | Romans 8:35-39 | 1 Peter 4:12-14 | Revelation 2:10

Prayer for Family, Relationships, and Personal Faith Amid Challenges

Father,

We come before You with gratitude for the families and relationships You've placed in our lives. In a world full of division, we ask for Your grace to restore and strengthen marriages, parent-child relationships, and friendships. Your Word teaches us to love one another with patience and kindness and to bear with one another in humility. We pray that You would heal broken relationships and teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us.

In times of personal trial, we ask that You would help us remain strong in faith, and give us the perseverance to endure. Lord, may we find peace in Your promises, knowing that You are with us through every challenge. May our faith be refined and strengthened in the midst of hardship, and may our relationships reflect Your love and grace...in Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 | Ephesians 4:2-3 | Colossians 3:12-14 | Romans 12:12 | Hebrews 12:1-2 | Psalm 27:14 | James 1:2-4

May this page of prayers for the world in crisis encourage you to lift up these concerns to the Lord daily, and may we experience the power and move of the Holy Spirit as a result!

Here is an article on how Christians need to be ready to respond in times of crisis (one important point is to be prayer warriors):

https://becomingdisciples.com/article/are-you-ready-how-christians-respond-in-times-of-crisis/

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