With the recent uprising of international conflict between Russia and the Ukraine, more than ever individuals are searching out for international peace. Whether a person is a Christian or not, many people are seeking out security, faith, and hope.
If you are searching out hope today, here are some prayers for international peace — not only for the present time but also for the events of the past and the future.
1. Prayer for Hope
When we are praying for international peace, we need to pray for God to restore hope without our souls and others’ souls. During times of international conflict, it can be easy for us to lose hope, yet we have to push forward in Christ.
Paul tells us, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” It can be hard to be joyful in hope, but it is possible because of Christ. We can have hope because Jesus is the anchor of our souls (Hebrews 6:19).
All of our hope is rooted in Christ, and He will not disappoint us. Trusting God and having faith in Him will never fail us. There will always be wars and rumors of wars, yet Christ will remain with us forever (Matthew 28:18-20).
The Lord has great plans for your future, and they are full of hope. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
During these dark times, you can turn to God in prayer and ask Him to fill your heart with hope.
2. Prayer for Peace
Praying for international peace has to include praying for peace. This might sound obvious, but it is much needed. God wants us to find peace in Him even when everything is in chaos around us. We can find peace in Him because the Lord is our peace.
Jesus tells us, “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” (John 16:33). In Christ, we can have peace.
It can be hard to focus on God during these troubling times, yet it is vital that we go to Him in prayer. Pray for God to give you the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). You should also pray for peace to come upon the world and into the hearts of others.
3. Prayer for Strength
Praying for strength is another positive step to take during difficult times. Strength is hard to obtain on our own, which is why we need God’s help. Alone, we are not strong enough, yet when we are actively in prayer to God, we can be strong.
In your prayers, make sure you take time to pray for God to strengthen you as well as to strengthen others who are experiencing the international conflict. Eras of wars are difficult times, and they are times that need to be filled with prayers of strength.
Soldiers and commoners will grow weak and tired during wartime, which is why we need to pray for God to give them strength. In addition to physical strength, we also need to pray for others' spiritual strength and encouragement.
Our prayers are powerful, and we need to make sure we are actively praying on behalf of our international brothers and sisters across the globe.
Joshua 1:9 tells us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
4. Prayer for Kindness
Including a prayer for kindness is also essential for international peace. Paul tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
In your prayer, ensure that you pray for all sides of the war to extend kindness to each other. If the countries in conflict would extend kindness to one another, there would be international peace. Pray also for God to fill your heart up with kindness in order for you to be a light for Christ in this dark world.
It can be hard to be kind to one another especially if you are in the location that is being attacked, yet God still wants all people to extend kindness even if the offending party doesn’t deserve it. Kindness is absolutely needed in order to achieve international peace.
5. Prayer for Salvation
A fifth prayer for international peace includes praying for salvation for unbelievers. During war times, it is common for unbelievers to start searching out faith. It is the perfect time to pray for others to come to know the Lord and accept His free gift of salvation.
God can work all things out for His good divine purposes, even war. Through war times, many people can come to know the Lord and be redeemed.
As believers, we need to pray for the salvation of our international brothers and sisters in order for them to come to know their Lord and Savior. Salvation is the most important thing we can be given in our entire lives, and it is completely free.
All that is required is to believe that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). If you believe and place faith in Jesus, you are forgiven of your sins, redeemed, and given eternal life.
Romans 10:9-10 tells us, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
During times of war is one the best times to pray for the salvation of lost individuals’ souls.
Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer
It is vital that we as Christians never underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer is powerful and can change the course of history. God wants us to come to Him in prayer because it shows our dependence on Him.
If we neglect to pray to Him, we are acting as if we don’t need His help and provision. Pray to God today and bring your concerns for international peace to Him. The Lord knows all about the present crisis as well as He knows about the past crises and future crises.
Even though we will continue to have troubling times and times of war, God will always remain by our sides. While many may believe international belief is not possible, it is possible and will ultimately occur one day when Jesus establishes His rule on the earth during His thousand-year reign.
Even if you feel your prayers are not making a difference, they truly are making a difference. The soft prayer you say in the morning, afternoon, or night is heard by the Lord. There is not a single prayer that God does not hear as He listens to all of our prayers.
Never give up praying. The Bible tells us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Keep on praying prayers of international peace because not one prayer is forgotten.
For further reading:
What Does the Bible Say about Wars?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Aramyan
This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
