Currently we have surpassed 100,000,000 refugees on our planet. That’s more than 100 million people just like you and me, who have had to make the terrible decision to flee the place they love, their home, and what they know in hopes of finding a safe enough place to live and have their being.
People escaping violence or persecution must be able to cross borders safely. They must not face discrimination at borders or be unfairly denied refugee status or asylum due to their race, religion, gender, or country of origin.
António Guterres – UN Secretary-General
Just for a moment think about where you are, the people with whom you do life, the place you call home, and all that you know and feel comfortable with… what if in an instant – and entirely out of your control – you had to leave it all, and set out looking for safety. One hundred million people. That’s a lot of displaced people.
Least we forget, Jesus was a refugee. Jesus began his life on the run.
Check out this great resource, UNHCR.
Lord God,
Help us to remember those who tonight will go to sleep unfed and unwelcome, strangers in foreign lands, people who have fled for their lives and are far from their homes.
We lift up to you those who are escaping persecution and conflict, having fled death, torture or ruthless exploitation. So many carry wounds, mental and physical. So many have suffered greatly.
Lord Jesus, give us more of your compassion for their plight, soften our hearts to their situation, and help us follow your lead in seeking justice and mercy on their behalf.
We pray for an end to the wars, poverty and human rights abuses that drive desperate people to become refugees in the first place.
We give thanks for people working in troubled countries and ask for more of your blessing so we can bring life, dignity and hope to those that remain.
We thank you that you are Lord of all the earth and all its people are loved by you.
Author Unknown
We pray these things in the name of your Son who was himself born into the troubled life of a refugee.
Peace, dwight
