How to Actively Pray for Afghanistan
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- Published Aug 20, 2021
The nation of Afghanistan is in the midst of horrific circumstances. No matter where you stand politically, if you are a believer, now is the time to actively pray for our brothers and sisters, as well as those yet to accept Jesus in Afghanistan.
John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This country has troubles. We must take heart for them because Jesus has the victory, but it does not mean that this is not painful or a highly concerning time. Whether you live in Afghanistan or not, as Christians and as people, we need to care. Today I want to share some ways we can actively pray over this nation and the followers of Jesus there.
Twenty years ago, I was in the third grade and my teacher came into the classroom before lunch in tears. She shared some confusing things as my classmates and I headed to the cafeteria to see the massacre of human lives on September 11, 2001. I could not eat lunch that day in anxiety and shock. I was only eight years old, but this was the first moment when I realized that there were truly evil people in the world.
Just one week before the terrorist attack, my own father had been on the fortieth floor of one of the twin towers. It really hit home that there were family members and friends in those buildings and airplanes. America is a strong nation and our country turned to God in a way in which it had not in many years. Many turned to prayer and unity. We no longer cared about politics, we cared about people.
As we approach the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, it is absolutely devastating to see that evil continues in the nation of Afghanistan and around the world. When dishonest and evil people act, the righteous must stand up for what is right and defend the truth. Innocent lives are nervously anxious at the thought of what tomorrow holds. Desperate people are longing for escape from the overthrow of their government.
Evil appears to be prevailing, however it is times like these when we need to pray and even fast for those on the front lines of this situation. I think about Moses raising his hands to win the battle and having Aaron and Hur by his side to hold up his arms in the victory (Exodus 17:12). We can be those who, by prayer, hold up the arms of our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan.
1. Pray for the Innocent
Lord Jesus, you see the people who are crying out in fear in this nation. Please have mercy on their lives. Please provide ways out of danger and help this country. Protect the innocent and bring justice to their oppressors.
Amen.
Proverbs 24:11-12 “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say,’“Behold, we did not know this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?”
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2. Pray for the Christians
God, we plea on behalf of the believers in this place of uncertainty. Father, you are the Prince of Peace and the Lord of Lords. Give them strength to overcome the attacks of the enemy. Help them to see with spiritual eyes. Put on your armor over each one of them. Help them to stand firm in their faith and not waiver. Guard them with your angels. Hold them in your hands. Do not allow the oppressors to lay a finger on them. Give them wisdom and discernment. Protect their churches. Guard their families. Keep them safe in their homes. Give them courage and confidence that you are their Lord and their reward is in heaven. Help them to see miracles. Reveal your path for them. In this trial may they become like gold. Open their minds to recall your Word in times of trouble. Bless them abundantly in your Spirit. Help them to feel your presence. Enable them to draw near to you and know who to trust.
In Your name, Amen.
2 Samuel 22:3-4 “My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”
3. Pray for Justice
Lord, You are ultimately the Judge. You say that every knee will bow and everyone will confess you as Lord one day. This world is corrupt. We do not understand this violence, but know sin is in this world and the Devil knows his days are numbered. Yes, God we praise you, that you already won. We pray now for justice for the nation of Afghanistan. We pray for leadership to rise up against the Taliban and create a peace-filled country. God, you are able to do more than we could ask or imagine. Right now, it is hard to believe that justice could take place. Please move and work in ways that only you can. We pray for wisdom for leaders around the world to know how to help and guide this nation. We pray for everyday citizens to stand up to terrorism and for you to pave the way for safety. You say that the hands of those who shed innocent blood are an abomination to You. We know that you take no delight in this. Please repair and restore this place. Amen.
Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.”
Proverbs 6:16-17 “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”
4. Pray for the Taliban
Father, You tell us to pray for our enemies. We do not have the capacity to pray this on our own, but by Your Spirit. Lord, we cry out on behalf of the oppressors. We pray that you would change their hearts. Convict them of any wrongdoing. Revel yourself through dreams and witnesses. You helped Saul to see your love and have a transformed heart, you can do this for anyone. Please save the souls of the Taliban. Help them to know the deep forgiveness of your grace through Jesus. Help them to see the path they are on leads to a greater death in hell. Open their eyes to see you are their Savior and died for them to be free. Create among them leaders who can help carry the name of Christ and the freedom of You to this nation.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Matthew 5:44 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
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