How to Pray for Sudan
The media can be a very useful tool in not only understanding situations happening across the world, but also in helping us know how to pray: What country could I pray for today? What is happening at the moment in the Middle East? What is the latest news from Ukraine? Used in a Kingdom way, the news can inform our prayers and help us grow in heartfelt concern for people the world over.
The media is also driven by many factors including the interests of its readership or viewers, current trends, political alliance and bias, and the constant need for new and unique news. Sudan may have fallen out of top position in the news these past weeks, but at Welcome Churches, we pray together daily and we are encouraged by having Samuel on our staff team who is from Sudan.
After speaking with Samuel this week, we encourage you and your church to continue praying for Sudan; these topics below may help guide your prayers.
Pray for the Church in Sudan
As war disrupts normal lives, law and order often deteriorates. In Sudan, numerous churches have been attacked by those who want to disrupt their Christian lives and their freedom to meet together, taking advantage of the chaos that the war is bringing. There have been numerous injuries and deaths these past weeks. Pray for “God’s presence to be felt by Christians in Sudan, for God to preserve and strengthen His church in Sudan and for the Church to continue to be a blessing to those around them.”
I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11
Pray for Peace
Praying for peace can sometimes feel like a huge and difficult prayer to pray but we are urged to do so by scripture. Pray for those in authority making decisions, pray for regional leaders, pray that the fighting in Khartoum and other parts of the country stops. And pray for those affected by the conflict, including families that have lost their loved ones.
Pray for the wounded, displaced and those who left the country to become refugees in the neighboring countries. “We pray that relief and other essential humanitarian needs will be delivered to the most vulnerable and affected people inside and outside the country. We pray for medical supplies and other essential services to be provided, including water and electricity. We pray for the Church in Sudan to be able to go through this crisis stronger and united and we pray for protection for individual Christians across the country.”
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Pray for Sudanese people, everywhere
The people of Sudan are facing huge traumas and stresses as they navigate the effects of the war on their daily lives and safety, facing unsafe conditions and threats, as well as lack of food and drinking water in many places and the urgency of finding a place of safety. People in the UK who have relatives and friends in Sudan will also be facing trauma and stress as they hear about these conditions and are unable to be there or help.
Pray for God’s presence to be with everyone, whether they already know Him or not, for God’s provision for them, for God’s peace in the midst of chaos and trauma.
Encourage a Sudanese friend
Lastly, you may know someone at work or in your community or church who is Sudanese. Why not let them know that you are praying for them and for Sudan. This might be through a conversation with them or a simple text message. They may be Christian, or Muslim or may no longer have a practicing faith, but the fact that you contacted them will be encouraging and uplifting to them.
If you would like to give any encouragement about coping with trauma, the Bible Society produces a Beyond Disaster booklet in English that you can order - or you can download a copy in English or Arabic for free.
Thank you for praying for Sudan.