Praying for Refugees
For refugees there is much to prayer for. Not sure how to prayer for refugees? This blog provides some prayer points.
Refugees in Australia - Prayer points
The annual Australian intact of refugees is around 10,000-15,000.
Detainees (asylum seekers in detention)
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9v9)
Asylum seekers that reach Australia often spend a period of time in detention while their refugee 'status' is confirmed or denied by regulators. World events regularly impact on the number of asylum seekers in detention. In June 2021, the number was around two thousand. Please consider praying for:
- Comfort for those that have lost and are missing much (eg- family, home, friends)
- They are treated with compassion.
- Provision of medical help, education.
- Mental stability (big problem for detainees). Need for hope.
- Unity and harmony amongst detainees.
- Activities to alleviate boredom.
- Dishonest applicants will be identified and weeded out from the genuine seekers.
- Many will turn to God in this difficult time.
- Opportunity to hear the gospel, and receive Christian love.
Politicians
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 9v10)
- That they will grow to fear the LORD and respond accordingly.
- That they will seek justice and compassion before political gain.
- Grant them wisdom as they form policy impacting refugees.
- That they will tell the truth to the public, and not hide behind ‘spin’.
Advocates
“Speak up for people who can not speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.” (Proverbs 31v8)
- Integrity (Sometimes the truth gets lost amongst the passionate)
- Concern for spiritual well-being. (Often Christians advocates can be so absorbed in the physical needs, that they overlook the spiritual needs)
- Strength to sharing the burdens of refugees, and strength to speak up for those who can not speak for themselves
- Grow in their love for God and the refugees
- That they will show love towards politicians, and keep them in their prayers
Detention centre staff
“Do not deprive foreigners and orphans of their rights …” (Deuteronomy 24v17)
- They will do their job well.
- Will grow in their love towards detainees and visitors.
- Wisdom as they carry out their work.
- Development of positive relationships between staff and detainees.
Refugee case reviews
“The LORD says, ‘I love justice and hate oppression and crime’.” (Isaiah 61v8)
To be granted asylum in Australia, you must be deemed a genuine refugee. Prayer points include…
- Wisdom and fairness in determining genuine refugee cases.
- Integrity
- They will see the refugees as people and not statistics.
Those granted asylum (and now in Australian society)
- Help adjusting to Australian culture.
- Work opportunities
- Learning the English language.
- Starting new schools.
- Forming new relationships.
- Learning the English language.
- Opportunities to meet with Christians.
Australian churches
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2v4)
“…[God] loves the foreigners who live with our people, and gives them food and clothes” (Deuteronomy 10v19)
- Christians will be active in showing loving and generosity towards refugees.
- Courage to speak up for the disadvantage.
- Opportunities for Christians to share the gospel with refugees.
Refugees in the world at large - prayer points
This section refers to refugees overseas (outside Australia). Currently there are over 20 million refugees in the world. Many of the prayer points above are relevant here.
Refugee camps
Most refugees flee to neighbouring countries and often end up in refugee camps. Things to prayer for include:
- Gospel opportunities
- Provision of food, water, shelter, and medical supplies.
- Safety and protection of refugees and aid staff.
- Education opportunities
- Unity amongst the people
Homelands
This refers to the homelands that refugees have fled from. Such homelands may be in turmoil due to war, natural disaster or political upheaval.
- Restoration of peace, and justice.
- Healing/forgiveness amongst the people.
- Other countries to provide genuine aid.
