Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

World Relief Baltimore and other US Cities

Homes Not Borders

Ethiopian Community Development Council ECDC

Catholic Charities of Arlington

For the Nations

• Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
  • DONATE GOODS
  • VOLUNTEER

• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
  • DONATE GOODS
  • VOLUNTEER

• World Relief Baltimore and other US Cities
  • DONATE GOODS

• Homes Not Borders
  • DONATE GOODS
  • VOLUNTEER

• Ethiopian Community Development Council ECDC
  • VOLUNTEER

• Catholic Charities of Arlington
  • DONATE GOODS

• For the Nations
  • VOLUNTEER

• Car Ministry
  • DONATE GOODS

• Global Gates
  • VOLUNTEER

We approach God in humility, lament, and expectation as we pray:

Suggestions for intercession

Pray for peace in Afghanistan itself. Pray for God’s peace, justice, and restoration for all who remain behind. Pray for the safety of women and children. Pray for the members of our armed forces and diplomatic corps who remain in Afghanistan to assist in evacuating Afghans. Pray for Christians facing persecution in Afghanistan.

Pray for the refugees who will arrive here, that they may find a warm welcome and see their needs met through the generosity of local Christians and the establishment of long-term friendships. Pray for safety and protection on their journey, for their family members who remain, and for the Lord to guide our work. Pray for resettlement agencies, non-profits, government officials, case managers and others who are helping Afghans transition here. Pray for volunteers to be culturally aware and to be sensitive to our friends who have experienced complex trauma. Pray that in time, many of our Afghan friends would know the good news of Jesus and his transforming power.

Lament: a prayer of the Psalms

When we cannot make sense of suffering, sometimes the best prayer is a prayer of lament. Lament involves crying out, sometimes tears, in an honest appeal for God to act. A prayer of lament (such as Psalms 44 or 90) is an expression of protest or complaint, as well as a confession and for deliverance. Lament connects God’s past promise with our present chaos, hoping for a better future – and often ends with a reminder of God’s power and thanksgiving for his mercy and love. Lament the many human tragedies in Afghanistan, pray for God to act powerfully there, and then thank God for his mercy and love.

Scriptures to pray

• Matthew 25:35-36: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

• Hebrews 13:2: Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

• Hebrews 13:16: And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

• Leviticus 25:35: If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you.

• Job 29:16: I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger.

• Psalm 72:12: For He will save the needy when he cries for help; the afflicted also and him who has no helper.

• Psalm 83:3: Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute.

• Psalm 103:6: The Lord performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed.

• Micah 6:8: He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Thankfulness and hope

Finally, remember to thank God for listening to your prayer and then pause and sit still in God’s presence. Remember that God knows, sees, hears, and understands our prayers. Pray in the confidence that “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them” (Psalm 126:6).