Pray for the nations

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Our world is aching. From war zones to hidden prisons, from famine to persecution — millions are suffering right now.

But even when the pain feels too great to grasp, God still hears every cry.

Last week, I felt led to pause and pray for five places where hearts are breaking and hope feels distant. I actually posted about this already on social media but totally forgot to hit “publish” here, until today

Each one carries its own story of struggle — and each one needs our intercession.

Nigeria — The Deadliest Place to Be a Christian

Across parts of Nigeria, faith can cost you your life. Extremist groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militias continue to terrorize Christian villages — burning churches, abducting believers, and displacing entire communities.

• In 2025 alone, over 7,000 Christians have been killed for their faith.

• Since 2009, more than 52,000 Christians have been murdered and 18,000+ churches destroyed.

• Thousands more remain missing or displaced, especially in Benue and Plateau States.

It’s heartbreaking — and yet the Church in Nigeria continues to sing, worship, and serve with unshakable faith.

Pray for:

Protection for believers.

Comfort for families who’ve lost loved ones.

Rescue for the kidnapped.

And courage for those who continue to follow Jesus in the face of unimaginable danger.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

North Korea — Faith in the Shadows

North Korea remains the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Faith there must exist entirely underground — whispered prayers in secret, hidden Bibles, worship behind closed doors.

• Tens of thousands of Christians are imprisoned in labor camps.

• Around 400,000 believers are estimated to worship in hiding.

• Being caught with a Bible can mean torture or execution — and punishment often extends to family members.

Yet the light of Christ still burns in the dark. God’s people continue to pray, to memorize Scripture, and to quietly share hope.

Pray for:

Hidden believers’ safety.

Endurance for those imprisoned.

And for cracks of hope and truth to pierce through the walls of fear.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

Gaza — A Land Crying Out for Mercy

For two years, Gaza has endured relentless destruction. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and families have been torn apart by violence, famine, and loss.

• Over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed.

• About 170,000 have been injured.

• 95 % of Gaza’s population has been displaced.

• At least 440 deaths have been confirmed from starvation and malnutrition.

It’s a tragedy that transcends borders — every statistic represents a face, a name, a child of God.

Pray for:

Protection for civilians.

Access to food, water, and medical aid.

Comfort for the grieving.

And peace rooted in justice and mercy.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3

Ukraine — Still Standing Amid the Storm

The war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year, leaving a trail of shattered homes and weary hearts.

• Since February 2022, more than 14,000 civilians have been killed and 36,000 injured.

• Millions remain displaced within Ukraine and across Europe.

• Constant drone strikes and shelling make daily survival an act of faith.

And yet — even amid sirens and smoke — the Church continues to serve.

Thousands of local congregations have transformed their sanctuaries into shelters for civilians. Where pews once held worshipers, they now hold families seeking warmth, bread, and a place to rest. Pastors and volunteers have stayed behind in dangerous regions, caring for the elderly, delivering food, and offering comfort in the midst of fear.

Christian organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Mission Eurasia, and World Vision continue to provide critical support — field hospitals, meals, blankets, trauma care, and prayer. Believers around the world have joined them through donations, partnerships, and sister-church initiatives that help rebuild homes and faith communities torn apart by war.

And through it all, the sound of worship still rises. In basements and bomb shelters, believers gather to sing hymns of hope as explosions echo in the distance. The Church in Ukraine has become the hands and feet of Jesus — proof that even in the darkest valley, faith cannot be silenced.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

Pray for:

Protection for civilians.

Strength for those serving on the front lines.

Healing for the wounded and traumatized.

And for a lasting, just peace.

“Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, God is our refuge and strength.” — Psalm 46:1–2

Sudan — Caught in a Forgotten War

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between rival military factions.

Tens of thousands have been killed, and millions have fled their homes.

• Over 150,000 people have died since the conflict began.

• 14 million have been displaced — one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

• Famine and cholera outbreaks are spreading rapidly.

Hospitals have been bombed, aid routes cut off, and entire families forced to walk for days to find safety.

Pray for:

Protection for families trapped in conflict zones.

Provision of food, water, and medicine.

Peace between warring factions.

And comfort for those who have lost everything.

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” — Psalm 9:9

Every number represents a person — a child, a mother, a friend. Every story matters.

We may not be able to stand beside them physically, but we can stand with them in prayer.

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray… I will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

So let’s keep praying — not out of fear, but out of faith. Because prayer is not passive, it’s powerful and even when we can’t be everywhere, our prayers can.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, open our eyes to the suffering around the world.

Break our hearts for what breaks Yours.

Move us to pray with compassion and persistence — not just once, but continually.

May Your peace, justice, and healing cover every nation named here — and every heart crying out for hope.

In Jesus’ name, amen.