God is our Refuge

A Tearfund prayer resource for Syria,reflecting on Psalm 46

Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

PRAYERS FOR SYRIAThe crisis in Syria has been described by UNHCR as the worst humanitarian disaster since the end of the Cold War.

Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

We know that God is present even in the midst of disaster.

‘‘God is our refuge and strength,God is our refuge and strength,an ever-present help in trouble.’an ever-present help in trouble.’

LOOKING TO GOD

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Since the conflict began in 2011, almost 80,000 people have lost their lives.

The UN estimated in May 2013 that a third of the population needs humanitarian relief – and this figure is set to rise.

CRISIS IN SYRIA

Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

To date, 1.5 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.

DESPERATE NEED

Photo: UNHCR/N. Daoud

Nearly half of those needingassistance are children.

Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

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.

RESPONDING IN LOVE

Photo: Tearfund

Half of those needing Half of those needing assistance are children.assistance are children.

We are committed to providing long-term support throughout the crisis.Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

Whether in Syria or the UK, we are united as the body of Christ around the world.

‘‘The Lord Almighty is with us;The Lord Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress.’the God of Jacob is our fortress.’

UNITING IN PRAYER

Psalm 46:7 (NIV)

Encouragingly, Christians in Syria and around the world are uniting to pray for the country.

On 11 May 2013, denominations across Syria joined together in a worldwide day of prayer for their nation.

Photo: Richard Hanson/Tearfund

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.’

PRAYER REQUEST FROM SYRIA

Photo: Margaret Chandler/Tearfund

We bring our prayers for Syria to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

‘‘He makes wars cease He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;to the ends of the earth;he breaks the bow and he breaks the bow and

shatters the spear.’shatters the spear.’

TRUSTING IN GOD

Psalm 46:9 (NIV)

Please pray:

• for God to 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

• that health and hygiene conditions will not deteriorate during the warmer summer months

• for all those supporting the relief efforts

• that the people of Syria will know hope for the future.

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER

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 wearyand 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.