Pray for War to Cease

“We’re facing a catastrophic situation”, says Jamil, Regional Secretary for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). “In Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza, as well as in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, daily bombings continue. There is no safe place in the region.”

Today, we’re not spotlighting grassroots ministry in a national movement. We’re simply asking you to intercede for the Middle East – and its students and staff.

It’s been humbling to share heartening MENA stories of courageous student witness in Prayerline. But to tell one more such story risks the impression that it’s ‘business as usual’, when the reality is so far from that.

Jamil continues, “We are in grief in a deeply painful situation. We need prayer. We need God’s intervention.”

Plans Thwarted, Lives Destroyed

As their new academic year began, students in the Lebanon Inter Varsity Fellowship (LIVF) were looking forward to resuming their weekly Bible study groups. Some even had plans to start new groups. And more than 20 graduates were scheduled to fly to an IFES MENA conference (24-28 October) – for much-needed fellowship and biblical reflection with others in the region.

But when Israel’s September offensive against Hezbollah began, everything changed. Universities closed. Students left Beirut, heading back to their families. Those in the south of Lebanon had to flee, losing homes and lands. Flights were cancelled, preventing the graduates from joining the MENA conference.

The attacks have disrupted the lives of all, without distinction. Thousands have been killed, tens of thousands injured, and over a million displaced. Lives and livelihoods have been destroyed.

Roula, General Secretary of LIVF, says, “as believers, we’re taking refuge in the Lord, interceding for this country, and showing love and hospitality to our neighbours, regardless of their background. We trust that, as Christians, our call is to pray, love, and proclaim life where God has placed us.”

Yet, the reality is hard. She says that many are distressed and desperate, fearful that their towns and cities will soon be rubble like Gaza.

He Makes Wars to Cease

On World Student Day, God’s Word in Psalm 46 inspired us to “be still” and pray that students facing troubles would find refuge in God. Today, we call for prayer that takes the word in the ninth verse at face value – that the Lord Almighty “makes wars cease to the ends of the earth”.

The Devotional Guide encouraged us to explore the Psalm’s application by paraphrasing it for ourselves: “He stops conflicts all around the globe. He defuses the bombs and dismantles the guns; he sends the tanks to the scrapyard.” (v.9)

With whatever words we can muster, let’s take the Spirit-inspired Word from centuries past and pray Spirit-led words – and groans (Romans 8:26) – for the manifestation of its truth today.

Over a year on from the Hamas attacks and hostage-taking that led to spiralling conflict and widespread devastation in the Middle East, let’s persevere in prayer. Let’s pray in faith for God’s intervention. Let’s pray for a sudden cessation of war in Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon – and all across the Middle East.

Let’s join with Roula in prayer:

“Father, as darkness, threats, and death surround us, our hearts sink in despair. We lift our weary souls to you, seeking peace and healing in your presence. Grant us patience. Help us find strength and grace in our time of need, as you promise. Give us courage to choose love over fear. Visit our land and region, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”