God is our Refuge
A Tearfund prayer resource for Syria,
reflecting on Psalm 46
Photo: Tearfund partner Medair
PRAYERS FOR SYRIA
The crisis in Syria has been described
by the UN as ‘the great tragedy of this
century’.
Photo: Tearfund partner Medair
LOOKING TO GOD
We know that God is present even in the midst
of disaster.
‘God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.’
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
CRISIS IN SYRIA
Since the conflict began in 2011, more than 100,000 people
have lost their lives.
The UN estimates that more than one third of Syrians urgently
need humanitarian aid.
Photo: Tearfund partner Medair
DESPERATE NEED
More than 2 million refugees have fled Syria to neighbouring
countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. Well over 4 million
people have been displaced within the country.
Access to shelter, food, water and medical care is scarce.
Photo: UNHCR/N. Daoud
Half of those needing
assistance are children.
Photo: Tearfund partner Medair
RESPONDING IN LOVE
Tearfund launched an appeal for Syria in February 2013.
Working with partners, we are using funds raised to provide
food, accommodation and vital assistance to those in need.
Photo: Tearfund
We are committed to
providing long-term
support throughout
Half
those needing
the of
crisis.
assistance are children.
Photo: Tearfund partner Medair
UNITING IN PRAYER
Whether in Syria or the UK, we are united as the body
of Christ around the world.
‘The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.’
Psalm 46:7 (NIV)
Encouragingly, Christians in Syria and around the world are
uniting to pray for the country.
In May 2013, denominations across Syria joined together in a
worldwide day of prayer for their nation.
Photo: Richard Hanson/Tearfund
PRAYER REQUEST FROM SYRIA
A Syrian pastor told us,
‘We need to pray that God will stop the bloodshed and the war.
We need your prayers that God will give us wisdom and
faithfulness and energy… It is an opportunity to present the
love of Christ.’
Photo: Margaret Chandler/Tearfund
TRUSTING IN GOD
We bring our prayers for Syria to Jesus,
the Prince of Peace.
‘He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and
shatters the spear.’
Psalm 46:9 (NIV)
PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER
Please pray:
• that God will raise up leaders to work towards a peaceful
resolution, and for peace to come quickly
• for comfort for all who are suffering because of the conflict
• for access to food, clean water, accommodation and medical
care for those in need
• for all those supporting the relief efforts
• that the people of Syria will know hope for the future.
Loving heavenly Father,
With heavy hearts we lift before you the people of Syria.
We pray that you will be a refuge for the homeless and vulnerable,
bring strength to the hungry and weary
and show your ever-present help and comfort to those in trouble.
Almighty God, who breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
we ask that you raise up peacemakers who will lead wisely towards an end to the conflict.
God our fortress,
We pray for your protection for all who are bringing relief to the people of Syria.
Help us to stand faithfully in prayer with our brothers and sisters,
until peace returns.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.
Amen
To find out more,
or to donate to Tearfund’s Syria Crisis Appeal,
visit www.tearfund.org/syria
Thank you for being part of a Christian
response to the suffering in Syria.