The news erupting from Afghanistan in recent days has been nothing short of devastating. The Taliban's extremist group has taken control over major cities, displacing and abusing countless people. Women and children have faced ungodly attacks, rape, and torture. A recent email sent from Christians in Afghanistan said that most (Christians) are expecting to be killed within the next two weeks if things do not change. With so much happening, we need to pray more than ever for our leaders. Whether or not we agree with those in leadership politically, now is the time to put aside those differences and pray for the work of God in their hearts.
Prayer for Wisdom
Father God,
We pray for those in leadership in our country and for the role they have in foreign affairs. We know, Lord, that true wisdom comes from You and that You can see every factor, outcome, and aspect of what is going on behind the scenes. We pray for wisdom for those in leadership so that they may help usher in peace. Please give them a hunger for truth and a sense of duty to live out their role in authority with honor and consideration of those suffering. We pray that wisdom is something they seek from You over any other voice or entity, and we pray that You would work in their hearts as they speak. May wisdom be the atmosphere in which they carry themselves, and may their hearts be aligned with Your heart.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Guidance from the Holy Spirit
Father God,
Today we come together in prayer and petition for guidance for those that are in a position to make a difference. May their hearts hunger for righteousness and for Your Holy Spirit of peace. Give them discernment for actions they ought to carry out these next hours and understanding that can only be given from You. Please Lord guide their efforts and give them a new heart of flesh, not stone, led by Your Spirit and Your decrees (Ezekiel 36). We pray that the Holy Spirit would abide within them and that they would willingly submit their hearts to You, oh Lord. For it is through Your power and Your power alone that true wisdom, true peace, and true leadership are born. Holy Spirit, please abide within them not solely for today but for all days to come so that they may experience an intimate and holy relationship with You, one that shapes how they operate in all facets of their lives moving forward.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Prayer for Strategy
Father God,
We know that for crises such as the one going on in Afghanistan right now to come to an end, there must be a strategic plan in place. Lord, as these plans are being crafted and formed, we pray truly that all of those involved would invite Your Spirit in. We pray that those who have the final say and those who offer help in ideas would look to You for what to do and when. Lord, it is a terrifying time that we live in, but You hold all of eternity in Your hands. We intercede right now for those in our Government to operate from a place of wisdom in planning, organizing, and arranging how the United States will take a stand during this tense time.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Prayer of Peace
Father God,
Peace is something our hearts truly ache for in this fallen world. Genuine peace is something that can only be brought about through You. Lord, we pray for peace in Afghanistan right now in the Holy Name of Christ Jesus. We pray for those suffering, for those being ruthlessly and viciously attacked, and for those who are in such fear that there would be an end put to this takeover. Father, we pray that those in place of influence and position in our country to help bring about peace would do so through obedience to Your direction to them. We pray that there would be a heavyweight upon them of the severity of what is occurring, and Lord, we pray that the world realizes their need for You in their lives and that they would put aside temptation to work from their own flesh, and instead lean on You for help. Father, we pray for peace, true peace. I pray for every man, woman, and child in Afghanistan that they would come to know You, the Prince of Peace, personally and experience the freedom that is being Your child. May peace be in the atmosphere surrounding us all, bringing Your Kingdom to Earth.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Prayer of Invitation to God
Father God,
We stand today, brothers and sisters in faith, and invite Your Holy Spirit into our midst. Lord, we know that true salvation comes from You and You alone. We humbly ask as Your children for You to move in our world today. We pray for Your children in Afghanistan today who fear death at any moment for their faith in You. We pray for those who do not know You to come into a relationship with You through Your Holy Spirit. Lord, we invite You into this struggle and crisis today. The Bible is proof time and time again that You can change any situation, that You can turn around even the darkest of days, and Father, we pray to see You do it again. Not that a single man may have an ounce of glory, but that all glory, honor, and praise would be given to You and You alone.
We pray this in Jesus' Name,
Amen
What is occurring right now in the Middle East is in every way heart-wrenching, but we have one hope, and that hope is through Jesus Christ. No matter our personal opinions of those in command right now in our country, we need to be praying for them. They are in a place of influence and authority for a reason, and they desperately need our prayers. For it is through God alone that they can move towards the impact of peace in their decisions in the next hours. Stay vigilant in prayer for them and for all of those impacted in Afghanistan. He hears our prayers. Lord, please bring Your Kingdom to our world in Jesus' Holy Name.
Related Resource: Listen to our FREE podcast, Teach Us to Pray with Christina Patterson. You can find all the episodes on LifeAudio.com. Listen to our episode on desperate prayers right now:
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Vadimguzhva
Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive," “Jesus Calling Blog,” and “Coffee and Bible Time,” among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging women to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, is available everywhere now. Connect with Cally: @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength
Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional and podcast! An easy way to start your day with prayer: read or listen to today’s prayer and sign up to receive it by email.
