World in Prayer

Sharing in God’s loving compassion for all

Prayers for Russia

War with Ukraine dominates what has been prayed here for Russia, together with ceasefire talks, sanctions and strained relations with neighboring countries. Other prayers hold protesters and journalists at risk, nuclear tension, wildfires in Siberia, and the care of creation in the far north.

Be Still and Know: A Prayer for the Gaza Ceasefire, California Fires and a World in Whirl (January 16, 2025)

Writer’s note: Unexpectedly, I am to write this week, with my mind in a whirl of clamoring news and imminent events. If the eminent theologian, Rowan Williams, uses the prayer method of ‘I turn up, and shut up’, it will more than suffice for my need and hopefully yours. Let us journey together under the […]

Our Backs Tell Stories: A Prayer Honoring Women Confronting Gender Based Violence (January 9, 2025)

“Our backs tell stories no books have the spine to carry.” – Rupi Kaur Divine Mother, our world is filled with great sorrow. The tragedy of violence against women across continents is alarming, and yet, it continues to increase in volume. Heal us, protect us, and inspire us to demand change. Thank you for the […]

Do Not Conform to the Pattern of This World: Prayers for Gaza, Beirut, Cuba and the Travel Moon (October 24, 2024)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:2 O Lord, renew our minds and with that clarity set us toward your perfect will. […]

Lord, Hear Our Prayers: World Communion Sunday, Hurricane Milton, and the Headlines of War (October 10, 2024)

“All who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves.” (1 Corinthians 11:29) “Even when our cups run dry, God’s grace overflows. Even when our plates are empty, God’s generosity overflows. And even when our hearts are barren, God’s love overflows. Friends, you have been called and claimed by the […]

A World Without School Shootings: A Prayer After Georgia and for Migrants in the Channel (September 5, 2024)

God of all seasons, of all people, of each other… may we be lifted into a new season and a new way of being in your world. A world without school shootings, as another has just taken place in Georgia, United States. A world without war and conflict, as this past week a 16-year old […]

Transcendent and Intimate: Prayers for Sudan’s Displaced, a Sao Paulo Crash and India’s Doctors (August 15, 2024)

Holy One, you are both transcendent, stretching far beyond our understanding and intimate, closer than the air we breathe. I find comfort in that! Especially when tragedy and illness strikes close to home, it is comforting to know that I am surrounded by your love and care AND at the same time that same love […]

Lord, Have Mercy: Prayers After the Southport Killings and for Sudan’s Refugees (August 1, 2024)

O God of all peoples. Hear these prayers as bits and pieces of the news this week are shared. You know all sorrows and joys. It seems like a heavy and fearful time right now. Shine your light on these times bringing clarity and justice, peace and recovery. Renew our hearts and minds. Bring your […]

This Is My Song: Prayers for Typhoon Gaemi, Global Hunger and New Zealand’s Abuse Inquiry (July 25, 2024)

World in Prayer is seeking a few more volunteers to join our team! Each week, one writer compiles the news and crafts the accompanying prayers. The week’s editor checks the prayers for accuracy and coherence, then posts them on our website. Team members generally serve approximately once every 4-6 weeks. Requirements: an interest in international […]

Prayers for World Leaders: France in Limbo, Kenya’s Cabinet, and the UK Election (July 11, 2024)

God of power and might, we pray you intervene in the hearts and minds of world leaders. We see the turmoil playing out at the highest levels of government of so many countries. The election in France has left the country in limbo, with three blocs short of aa majority and no new government in sight […]

For Childhood Lost: Prayers for Children in DR Congo, Gaza, Ukraine and Forced Labor (July 4, 2024)

Holy one of fire and transformation, O lord, upon us is the unfolding travesty begun more than fifty years ago with the U.S. intervention and destabilization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The news today reports of the world’s largest humanitarian crises as fighting and defending the mineral extraction industry in the east by […]