Discover how Christians can pray for refugees, migrants, displaced families, world leaders and the Church’s response to a world on the move. We had an amazing global prayer watch on Saturday praying for strangers, refugees and nations on the move. The figures for displaced people are mind-blowing. So, how do we pray as Christians?
Millions of people are fleeing conflict, persecution and hardship. As nations wrestle with the challenges of migration, how should the Church respond, and what is God calling us to pray?
“The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow.” — Psalm 146:9
Across the world, millions of people are on the move.
Families are fleeing war, children are growing up in refugee camps, and people are risking dangerous journeys in search of safety and a better future. From Sudan and Ukraine to the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, the movement of people has become one of the defining humanitarian challenges of our generation.
In the United Kingdom, migration continues to generate intense political debate. Questions about borders, asylum, housing, public services and integration are complex and often deeply divisive.
But as Christians, we are called to look beyond the headlines and ask a different question:
What is on God’s heart for the nations, and how should we respond in prayer?
A crisis that goes far beyond Britain
When we hear the words migrant crisis, our thoughts may immediately turn to small boats crossing the English Channel or debates about immigration policy.
Yet this is a much bigger global picture.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 100 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced from their homes in recent years.
Some are refugees who have crossed international borders seeking protection. Others are internally displaced, forced to flee their homes but remaining within their own countries. Many more people migrate in search of employment, family reunification or better opportunities.
These different experiences should not be confused, but they remind us that human migration has many causes and consequences.
Behind every statistic is a human story.
A mother desperate to protect her children. A father unable to provide for his family. A young person whose education has been interrupted by war. An elderly person who has lost everything familiar.
And every one of them is known and loved by God.
1. Pray for those forced to flee their homes
Imagine having to leave your home with only what you can carry, not knowing whether you will ever return.
For millions of people, this is their reality.
Across countries affected by conflict, including Sudan, Ukraine and parts of the Middle East, families continue to face displacement, uncertainty and loss.
How can we pray?
- Pray for protection for refugees and internally displaced people.
- Pray for food, clean water, shelter and medical assistance.
- Pray for children separated from their parents and families searching for missing loved ones.
- Pray for healing from trauma, grief and fear.
- Pray for opportunities for people to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
Scripture: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
Father, be a refuge to those who have lost their homes. Bring comfort to the grieving, protection to the vulnerable and hope to those facing an uncertain future.
2. Pray for peace in nations experiencing conflict
Migration is often a symptom of something much deeper.
War, persecution, violence, instability and economic hardship can force people to make impossible choices.
If we want to pray meaningfully about migration, we must also pray about the circumstances driving displacement.
Pray particularly for nations experiencing prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises, including Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar and Syria.
How can we pray?
- Pray for an end to violence and armed conflict.
- Pray for peace negotiations and reconciliation.
- Pray for leaders to act with justice and integrity.
- Pray for the protection of vulnerable communities and persecuted minorities.
- Pray for conditions that allow displaced people to return home safely and voluntarily when they wish to do so.
Scripture: “He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.” — Psalm 46:9
Lord, bring peace where there is conflict, justice where there is oppression and restoration where communities have been destroyed.
3. Pray for protection from trafficking and exploitation
Many migrants and refugees face dangerous journeys across deserts, seas and international borders.
Some fall into the hands of traffickers and criminal networks that exploit their vulnerability.
Women and children can face particular risks of abuse, exploitation and violence.
How can we pray?
- Pray for the exposure and dismantling of human trafficking networks.
- Pray for protection for people travelling along dangerous routes.
- Pray for rescue workers and humanitarian organisations.
- Pray for victims of exploitation to find freedom, healing and support.
- Pray for international cooperation to prevent trafficking and protect human life.
Scripture: “Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” — Psalm 82:4
Father, expose those who profit from human suffering. Protect vulnerable people and strengthen those working to rescue and restore lives.
4. Pray for wisdom for the UK and world leaders
Migration raises difficult questions for governments and communities.
How should countries manage their borders? How can genuine asylum claims be assessed fairly? How can communities welcome newcomers while ensuring that housing, healthcare, education and other essential services are available?
These are complex challenges that require wisdom, compassion, integrity and sound judgement.
The Bible encourages us to pray for those in authority, regardless of our political views.
How can we pray?
- Pray for wisdom for the UK Government and leaders across Europe and the world.
- Pray for fair, efficient and compassionate asylum systems.
- Pray for justice, security and the protection of human dignity.
- Pray for local authorities and communities supporting newcomers.
- Pray for constructive discussion rather than hostility and division.
Scripture: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority.” — 1 Timothy 2:1–2
Lord, give wisdom to those making difficult decisions. May justice, truth, compassion and integrity guide those in positions of authority.
5. Pray for healing from fear, hatred and division
Migration has become a deeply emotional and sometimes divisive subject.
Concerns about security, integration and public services can coexist with compassion for those seeking refuge.
But fear, racism, hatred and misinformation can damage communities and relationships.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers.
How can we pray?
- Pray against racism, prejudice, hatred and violence.
- Pray for understanding between established communities and newcomers.
- Pray for truthful, responsible public conversations.
- Pray for healing where communities have experienced tension.
- Pray that Christians will model grace, wisdom and compassion.
Scripture: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
Father, heal division in our communities. Help us to listen with humility, speak with wisdom and recognise the dignity of every person.
6. Pray for the Church to welcome the stranger
Jesus gave a powerful challenge in Matthew 25:
“I was a stranger and you invited me in.” — Matthew 25:35
Throughout Scripture, God’s people are reminded to care for foreigners, strangers and those who are vulnerable.
Today, churches across the world have opportunities to offer practical support, friendship and community to people who have arrived in unfamiliar places.
For some, a welcoming church may become the first place where they experience belonging.
And as people from different nations and cultures come together, the Church has opportunities to demonstrate the reconciling love of Jesus.
How can we pray?
- Pray for churches to become places of genuine welcome and friendship.
- Pray for practical support through food, language classes, mentoring and community activities.
- Pray for migrant and refugee Christians to find fellowship and opportunities to serve.
- Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel sensitively, freely and lovingly.
- Pray for unity across cultures, languages and generations.
Scripture: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers.” — Hebrews 13:2
Lord, open our eyes to the people You have placed around us. Give Your Church a heart of compassion and a willingness to demonstrate Your love through practical action.
7. Pray for the root causes of displacement
We must not only pray for those who are moving. We must also pray for the places they have left behind.
Imagine the difference if families could live safely, children could attend school without fear, and people could earn a living without facing violence or persecution.
Let us pray for lasting transformation in the nations.
Pray for peace where there is war, economic opportunity where there is poverty, justice where there is corruption, and recovery where communities have been devastated by disaster.
Scripture: “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” — Amos 5:24
Lord, bring healing to broken nations. Raise up leaders who pursue justice, protect the vulnerable and work for peace. Restore communities and give people hope for the future.
Could God be calling the Church to something more?
The movement of people across the world presents enormous challenges, but it also raises important questions for the global Church.
People from different nations, cultures, languages and faith backgrounds are now living alongside one another in communities across Britain and beyond.
Could this be an opportunity for the Church to demonstrate the love of Christ in new ways?
Could God be calling us to build bridges where others see barriers?
Could He be challenging us to move from fear to compassion, from indifference to intercession, and from prayer into practical action?
In Revelation 7:9, John describes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne of God.
The heart of God is for the nations.
As we pray for a world on the move, let us remember that our calling is not simply to respond to a humanitarian challenge, but to reflect the heart of Jesus.
A prayer for a world on the move
Heavenly Father,
We bring before You the millions of people across our world who have been forced to leave their homes.
We pray for families fleeing war, children separated from loved ones, and those travelling through dangerous places.
Be their refuge, their strength and their source of hope.
We pray for nations experiencing conflict, persecution and instability. Bring peace where there is war, justice where there is oppression and restoration where communities have been devastated.
We lift up the leaders of the United Kingdom and nations around the world. Give them wisdom to make decisions that uphold justice, protect life and promote peace.
We pray against hatred, racism, exploitation and division. Help communities to grow in understanding and compassion.
And Lord, awaken Your Church.
Forgive us when fear or indifference has prevented us from seeing the needs of others.
Give us Your heart for the stranger, the refugee, the migrant and the displaced.
May our churches become places of welcome, friendship, healing and hope.
As people from the nations move across the earth, may they encounter the love of Jesus through the lives of Your people.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Join us in praying for the nations
At the World Prayer Centre, we believe that prayer can make a difference in the lives of individuals, communities and nations.
We invite you to stand with us in prayer for refugees, migrants, displaced families, governments and communities around the world. Together, let us seek God’s heart for a world on the move.
Join us for Global Prayer Watch on Zoom, as we pray for the nations and ask God to bring peace, protection, wisdom and hope. Find out more about our prayer gatherings.
Natasha Ruddock is the Communications Manager at World Prayer Centre.
