Across the Middle East, millions of people have been forced to abandon their homes and flee for safety. Most of them are frightened, grieved and in desperate need of help.

In the month of Christmas, let us use this resource to reflect on God’s heart for the struggling people in the Middle East and to uphold them in prayer.

May God be with them.

Bible link: Damascus

Damascus in Syria is famous as the site of Paul’s dramatic encounter with Lord Jesus, which changed him from a ruthless persecutor of Christians into a key apostle of the early church.

Today, Syria is a nation torn apart by brutal conflict. In many areas of the Middle East people are persecuted for their faith and don’t have the freedom to worship.

Read: Acts 9:1-19

Reflect: ‘He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” ’ (Acts 9:4)

Pray:

Lord Jesus, who makes blind eyes see, you tell us to pray for those who persecute us.

We ask you to stop the hand of those set on violence and bloodshed in the Middle East, and pray that they will experience a change of heart so radical that they become people who seek peace and reconciliation.

We pray for protection, comfort and strength for all those who are facing persecution, and for the hope of a future where all people can live together free from fear. Amen.

[Source: Tearfund UK]