Our hearts were warmed as we saw this photo of 640 Afghans being able to flee Kabul and our hearts were broken realising they were leaving the land of their birth and everything they have ever known.
Our Father, teach us to pray. Break our hearts with the things that break Yours. Help us to weep with those that weep. For You O Lord, “hear the desire of the afflicted; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more” (Psalm 10:17-18). We earnestly cry out to You, that You “will be a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9). The “breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall” (Isaiah 25:4).
Open the hearts of leaders in nations around the world to extend hospitality, shelter, and compassion within their borders. For those Afghans who have been left, fearing what may come, be their hiding place and strong high tower. Be the sovereign sentinel of Christians who already are targets for the Taliban. Give them boldness to extend the love and hope of Christ in the face of all obstacles. Protect the Afghani soldiers, translators and the many who have assisted Australian and other allied forces. Our Father, be a refuge for the women and girls fearing the loss of education, employment and the threat of child marriage. We ask this, “because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy,” arise O Lord, “set (them) in the safety for which (they) long” (Psalm 12:5).
And Father, lest we forget that “You are not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9), we pray for the salvation of the Taliban, realising with men this may seem impossible, but with You all things are possible.
In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.