Will you consider praying with us for the people of Afghanistan? Here are nine ways to pray for the Afghan people.
Over 2,500 people were killed or injured in a magnitude 5.9 earthquake that hit eastern Afghanistan this past Wednesday. Numerous families are devastated, grieving the loss of loved ones, and very likely there will be many more families grieving in the days to come.
The Afghan people have already endured so much over the last several months, and now hundreds, even thousands of families will be experiencing a different kind of anguish. Right now, all they can see is their despair, fear, and loss.
1 Timothy 2:1 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people,” As Christians, we have the privilege of lifting up prayers on behalf of those who are too broken, too lost, or who don’t have the words.
“As Christians, we have the privilege of lifting up prayers on behalf of those who are too broken, too lost, and who don’t have the words.”
Below, I’ve listed nine ways we can pray for Afghanistan. Won’t you join me in praying for the Afghan people?
1. Pray for the injured.
Early reports are saying that at least 1,500 people are injured, and it’s likely that many more will be found over the next several days. Pray that those who are injured will get the medical care they need and that they will recover quickly. Also, pray that the Lord will expedite their physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Ps. 147:3)
2. Pray for the families who are mourning.
At least 1,000 people are reported to have been killed, with numbers expected to continue rising over the coming days. Since the earthquake happened in the middle of the night, many were killed in their sleep. Pray for the families who have lost mothers, fathers, siblings and children. Pray that the Lord would draw near to them and that they will feel the presence of a loving Father who cares for them.
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:18)
“Pray that the Lord would draw near to them.”
3. Pray for those who may still be trapped or lost.
Unquestionably, there are many more people who are trapped, scared, and need help. Pray that help would come quickly so that many lives are saved and that those who are waiting to be rescued would turn to the Lord. Pray that the Lord will bring them peace and comfort as they wait for aid.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Ps. 56:3)
4. Pray for the emergency responders and those searching for survivors.
With so many people having been killed, injured, or missing, rescuers are no doubt exhausted physically and emotionally. Pray that more search and rescue personnel would be available and for the wellbeing of those who are working tirelessly. Let’s ask for God to comfort them during this terrible time and that he would give them wisdom and direction so that they may find more survivors.
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;” (Prov. 2:6)
“Pray that more search and rescue personnel would be available.”
5. Pray for the medical professionals.
Hospitals, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals will be inundated with patients needing care. Pray that God would enable patients to get the care they need, for there to be plenty of medical supplies, and for the wellbeing of the medical professionals tending to patients.
“May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.” (Ps. 20:1)
6. Pray for those who have lost their homes and belongings.
The Afghan people were already struggling due to a lack of food and supplies. Now, with the devastation of the earthquake, homes, buildings, belongings, and more are completely gone. Many will need food, supplies, and housing. Pray that the Lord would raise up people to help and that he would supply the needs of the Afghan people.
Let’s pray this verse over those who have lost everything:
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)
7. Pray for the Taliban.
We serve a big God; let’s pray that he would change the hearts of the Taliban and that he would give them wisdom. Pray that they would work for the good of the Afghan people.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ez. 36:26)
“We serve a big God; let’s pray that he would change the hearts of the Taliban.”
8. Pray for Afghan missionaries and believers.
Pray that God would give Christians in Afghanistan protection as they seek ways to help; let’s also pray that he would direct their paths so that they can be most effective as ambassadors for Christ.
Pray this verse over the believers:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13)
9. Pray that hearts would be receptive to the gospel.
Afghanistan is primarily a Muslim country and there are 70 unreached people groups; pray that many would seek solace in Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God would increase exponentially. Let’s pray that this tragedy may be the spark to the gospel spreading in Afghanistan.
Pray that this verse may come to fruition in Afghanistan:
“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matt. 13:8)
And finally, let’s end with this prayer:
“O God, merciful and compassionate, who art ever ready to hear the prayers of those who put their trust in thee: Graciously hearken to us who call upon thee, and grant us thy help in this our need, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”[1]
[1]Taken from The 1662 Book of Common Prayer: International Edition [IVP Academic 2021]. All rights to new material and updated language reserved.
