Prayer for God’s Intervention in Current Conflicts and Suffering

Day Thirteen

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
—2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18

All it takes is one scroll through the news headlines to see that conflict and suffering are front and center not only in our own country but around the world. Ever since the fall, relationships with others and relationships between nations have been broken. Inevitably, sin and broken relationships lead to suffering. There are many faithful followers of Jesus and missionaries who are facing active persecution and suffering for their faith and raising the banner of Christ. We long for the day that sin, conflict, persecution, and suffering are no more. We live in the in-between of the “already and not yet”. Jesus has already defeated Satan, sin, and death, but Jesus has not yet returned to eradicate sin, suffering, and death. In all suffering and conflict, we can be assured that the Lord is with us and we will not be destroyed. 1 Corinthians 15:14 tells us that one day “death will be swallowed up in victory” and along with it, conflict and suffering of all kinds. Until that day, we proclaim with John in Revelation 22:20: “Come, Lord Jesus”.

Father, we ask you to intervene in the conflict and suffering that is taking place across the world. We pray that your Spirit would draw near to those who are suffering and remind them that they are not alone and they have not been forsaken by you. We pray that all conflict and suffering leads to a greater understanding of your compassion and your protection. We pray for perseverance for those enduring suffering so that they would not lose heart as they look toward eternal things and would be renewed day by day. We ultimately pray that you would be glorified in all conflict and suffering and that Jesus would return soon to make all things new. Amen.

As you go through your day:
1. Pray for someone you know who is enduring conflict and suffering in their life.
2. Pray for God to intervene and draw near to those around the world who are enduring conflict and suffering in their nations.
3. Pray for protection over believers and missionaries in other countries that are hostile toward the Gospel.
4. Pray for Jesus to come back soon to make all things new.