In late January 2023, my husband and I had the opportunity to travel somewhere we never imagined we would—the Middle East. We went to visit some friends of ours, who were living in the region at the time. And it was, quite simply, a trip that surpassed all of our expectations.

We rode four-wheelers through the rust-colored sand of the Arabian Desert and marveled at how expansive it was—how the dunes stretched for miles and miles, as far as our eyes could see (and then some). We pulled off on the side of the road to watch a herd of camels slowly roam by. We visited an ornate mosque and heard the call to prayer ring out five times each day. And we also met many steadfast believers who were faithfully gathering together, studying God’s Word, and following Jesus in the midst of the broader Muslim culture. 

While there, we soaked in as many of the local sights and sounds as we could, we ate some incredible food, and we drank as much karak chai as possible. Truly, it was an incredible trip—one that stretched my understanding of God’s creation and the bounds of His Kingdom. It was a week we will never forget. 

In recent days, however, I’ve read news reports of drones being shot down over some of the same places we visited. Of damage to the beautiful buildings we saw. Of the airport we flew into suddenly shut down as anxious travelers try to make it home safely to their loved ones. Of the death toll rising. Of fear and uncertainty swelling in the wake of a massive geopolitical conflict. 

God tells us in His Word that He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). But this? If I’m being honest, I’ve wondered how God could possibly work good amidst a situation like this.  

If you, too, feel burdened by these events—uncertainty swelling in your chest and fear settling in your heart—then I invite you to stop, breathe, and turn to the Lord. Though we might not know what the days and weeks ahead will hold, we do know the God who holds everything in His hands. He is the God to whom we can turn in every moment. And I invite you to turn to Him now as you read and pray the words below. 

Dear Lord, 

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (Psalm 2:1).

These are words that an unnamed psalmist penned thousands of years ago, yet they feel just as relevant today. As reports of events happening in the Middle East stream in—reports of missiles and military attacks, of death and destruction, of fear and uncertainty—I feel the burden of this world’s brokenness. I feel the chasm between what should be and what is. I feel the weight of uncertainty. Honestly, I feel afraid.

Lord, in the midst of these feelings, remind me that You are enthroned above all (Psalm 2:4). Remind me that You are in control of this situation, as broken as it may seem. Remind me that You see all, You know all, and one day, You will be faithful to redeem all.

God, I pray that Your peace would reign over the chaos. I pray that Your justice and righteousness would have the final word. And I pray that somehow Your goodness, beauty, and truth would burst forth in even the most unlikely moments and places. 

I pray for the de-escalation of this conflict. And in Your mercy, I pray that You would limit any further destruction or loss of life, especially among civilians. 

I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are directly impacted by this conflict. I pray that You would remind them that You are their refuge and strength—a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Remind them that in You, they need not fear, even when it feels like the earth might give way (Psalm 46:2). You are with Your people always; You remain a mighty fortress forever (Psalm 46:7, Psalm 91:2). 

For those caught in the midst of this conflict who don’t know you, God, I pray that You would miraculously make Yourself known. I pray that You would capture hearts and draw people to Yourself through Your Son, Jesus, even through this dark time. 

For the men and women serving our country, I pray for Your wisdom, guidance, and protection. I pray for peace for their families as they anxiously await updates on the safety of their loved ones. 

For those of us thousands of miles away, I pray that You would help us remain steadfast in prayer. And if there are ways we can serve others, I pray that You would make those known and help us walk in obedience. 

God, You are sovereign over all things, and by Your power, all things hold together. 

Remind us of this today. 

Amen. 

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Editorial Note: This prayer was inspired by the following passages of Scripture: Psalm 2, Psalm 46, Psalm 91, Romans 8, and Colossians 1. Consider turning to these passages for further reflection and possibly even using the words of these passages to pray a prayer of your own. 

Author Bio:

Helen Hummel is an Editorial Manager at The Daily Grace Co.®, where her love for the written word meets her love for the Word made flesh. She finds great joy in helping others communicate the truth of the gospel in a clear and compelling way. Helen lives just south of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and young daughter.

Additional Resources for Prayer:

The Prayer Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Prayer		Prayers For Anxiety		Verse Cards for Uncertainty		Job
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