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Message PrayersSeeking God’s heart for immigrants, refugees and those whowalk alongside themFOR SUCH A TIME AS THISA PRAYER GUIDE BY

2TABLE OF CONTENTSAbout this Guide 4A Prayer for Refugees in the U.S. and Around the World by Rev. Tish Harrison Warren 6A Prayer for Our World and People on the Move by Rev. Sabrina S. Chan 8A Prayer for Resilience in Our ImmigrantCommunities (Una Oración por la Resiliencia en Nuestras Comunidades Inmigrantes)bySandra María Van Opstal 11A Prayer for Asylum-seekers and Immigrants at the Southern California/Mexico BorderbyRev. Liliana Reza 14A Prayer for Asylum Seekers and Other Immigrants in Mexico and at the Border (Una Oración por los Solicitantes de Asilo yOtros Inmigrantes en México y en la Frontera)by Pastora Adriana 16A Prayer for Recently Arrived Refugees in the U.S. by Todun Afolabi 18For Migrant Families Separated: APrayer of Lament by Quina Aragon 20

3world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisA Prayer for Refugee and Immigrant Mothers by Alexandra Hoover 22A Prayer for Immigrant Children and DREAMERS by Liz Dong 24A Prayer for Churches in the U.S. and the Global Church by Pricelis Dominguez 26A Prayer for Immigrant Churches in the U.S (Oración para las Iglesias Inmigrantes) by Ivette Valdez 29A Prayer for Persecuted Christians by Chelsea Sobolik 32A Prayer for Our Relationships and Discourse by Kathryn Freeman 34A Prayer for Discernment and Courage in Our Advocacy byJess Galván 36A Prayer for Loving Your Neighbor by Bri Stensrud 38About World Relief 40

4ABOUT THIS GUIDEWhen Esther first heard about the suffering of her people, she was deeply distressed. The weight of the moment was heavy. She could have turned away — let fear or uncertainty or even certain death hold her back. Instead, she sought truth. She listened to those who were directly impacted. And when the time came, she acted — not alone, but with the strength of a community that fasted and prayed alongside her.This is that kind of moment.On January 20, 2025, a series of executive orders sent shockwaves through immigrant and refugee communities — thousands of lives thrown into uncertainty overnight. Refugee families who recently arrived now face homelessness. Refugees and asylum-seekers who waited days, months and even years for safety have had doors slammed shut. Immigrants are now thrown into a sense of confusion and fear as their presence is put into question. Policies that once protected people in vulnerable situations have been unraveled.It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such sweeping change. But as people of faith, we know that before we step forward to advocate, we first step into prayer.

5world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisLike Esther, we seek God’s heart. LikeEsther, we do not do this alone.This prayer guide is an invitation. Aninvitation to lament, to intercede, to stand in the gap for immigrants, refugees and those who walk alongside them. Every prayer in these pages has been written by women — women who are connected to these communities, who have witnessed the impact firsthand, who carry these burdens in their own hearts.May these prayers move us closer to God’s heart. May they remind us that advocacy begins on our knees. And may they prepare us to step forward with courage, for such a time as this.

6A PRAYER FOR REFUGEESby Rev. Tish Harrison WarrenLord Jesus, who loves the refugee and whose family on earth sought refuge in a far off land to flee the violence of Herod, and who calls all nations and people from all nations to yourself, we pray for those men and women and vulnerable children in danger and trouble who need refuge.Would you protect those experiencing religious persecution and violence? Would you protect the vulnerable? Would you turn the hearts of your church and America's leaders to compassion and righteousness and justice?Help us love our refugee neighbors as we would want us and our children to be loved. Grant wisdom and grace to government leaders and to leaders in so many local churches that serve refugees, asylum-seekers and other immigrants.Would you bring hope? Would you bring rescue? Would you bring justice?In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray.Amen.

7world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisRev. Tish Harrison Warren is an Anglican priest and former writer for The New York Times. She is the author of several books, including Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life, which won Christianity Today's 2018 Book of the Year, and Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work, or Watch, or Weep. Tish has also worked in various churches and Christian non-profits for over two decades, serving as a parish priest, a campus minister and with those aected by poverty and addiction. She lives in Austin, TX, with her husband and three children.

8A PRAYER FOR OUR WORLD AND PEOPLE ON THE MOVE by Rev. Sabrina S. ChanLoving God, Our hearts break. Our world is in turmoil. Wars, oppression, famine and more. People are migrating: fleeing danger, looking for a better life, looking for safety.Leaving behind hometowns, neighborhoods, community, family, jobs. Facing uncertainty, hostility, isolation, new languages and cultures to navigate to survive.Scripture is full of stories of people on the move – journeying or forcefully taken to different lands. “Love the stranger”, you say, “for you were strangers in Egypt.” Jesus, you too were a young stranger in Egypt, fleeing death.

9world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisYou see and love each image-bearer on the move. We ask for an end to violence, for more just governments and leaders. For kindness, welcome, and protection for each one on the move.And Holy Spirit, please help us, the church, to rise up – to love as you’ve called us to! Help us out of our complacency and paralysis to expand our hearts and to be your hands and feet in welcoming refugees, immigrants and the vulnerable. Amen. Rev. Sabrina S. Chan, a daughter of immigrants, is an author of Learning Our Names: Asian American Christians on Identity, Relationships, and Vocation. She serves as national director of Asian American Ministries for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, is an ordained minister and earned a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, fromevr natio, trib, peol an lgua, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” REVELATION 7:9-10

11world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisA PRAYER FOR RESILIENCE IN OUR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES by Sandra María Van OpstalGod of our ancestors, God who journeys with us, We come to you as a people who have been pressed but not crushed, Displaced but never without a home in you,You see our struggle — The policies that dehumanize, The exhaustion of proving our worth, The fear of being torn from the places we have tried to call home. And yet, you are our refuge and strength, An ever-present help in trouble.Teach us resilience, not as something we must strive for, But as a fruit you grow within us. UNA ORACIÓN PORLA RESILIENCIA EN NUESTRAS COMUNIDADES INMIGRANTES por Sandra María Van OpstalDios de nuestros ancestros, Dios que camina con nosotros, Venimos a Ti como un pueblo que ha sido oprimido pero no destruido, Desplazado pero nunca sin un hogar en Ti.Tú ves nuestra lucha — Las políticas que nos deshumanizan, El agotamiento de tener que probar nuestro valor, El miedo a ser arrancados de los lugares que hemos intentado llamar hogar.Y sin embargo, Tú eres nuestro refugio y fortaleza, Nuestra ayuda siempre presente en tiempos de angustia.Enséñanos la resiliencia, no como algo que debamos alcanzar, Sino como un fruto que Tú cultivas en nosotros.

12Root us in Christ — In his suffering, in his endurance, in his resurrection hope. Let our faith be forged like the finest oil pressed from olives, Like the richest wine drawn from grapes grown in dry, unyielding soil. For we are a people shaped by struggle, And yet, we endure.In our communities, may we reflect and remember, May we stand together, holding each other up, May we walk in honesty and vulnerability, Inviting humility, curiosity and faith to deepen our strength.For those who are weary, be our rest. For those who grieve, be our comfort. For those who fight for justice, be our courage. For those who feel forgotten, remind us that we are seen.Arráiganos en Cristo — En Su sufrimiento, en Su resistencia, en Su esperanza de resurrección.Que nuestra fe sea forjada como el mejor aceite, Prensado de las olivas, Como el vino más rico, Extraído de uvas que crecen en suelo seco y árido.Porque somos un pueblo moldeado por la lucha, Y aun así, perseveramos.En nuestras comunidades, quereflejemos y recordemos, Que nos sostengamos mutuamente, Que caminemos en honestidad y vulnerabilidad, Invitando a la humildad, la curiosidad y la fe a profundizar nuestra fortaleza.Para los que están cansados, sé nuestro descanso. Para los que lloran, sé nuestro consuelo. Para los que luchan por la justicia, sé nuestra valentía. Para los que se sienten olvidados, recuérdales que son vistos.

13world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisY cuando el mundo nos diga que la desesperanza es nuestra única opción, Enséñanos a levantar la mirada— A las montañas, a las historias de nuestros ancestros, A la esperanza de Tu reino, que ya está irrumpiendo.Nos mantenemos firmes, no en nuestra propia fuerza, Sino en el nombre de Jesús, Quien fue refugiado, quien sufrió, quien resucitó, quien reina.Amén. And when the world tells us that despair is our only option, Teach us to lift our eyes — To the hills, to the stories of our ancestors, To the hope of your kingdom, already breaking through.We stand, not in our own strength, But in the name of Jesus, Who was a refugee, who suffered, who rose, who reigns.Amen. Sandra María Van Opstal is a second-generation Latina pastor, activist, author and a powerful leading voice on the intersection of faith and justice. She is executive director of Chasing Justice, a BIPOC-led movement that mobilizes the next generation of Christians to live justly. Sandra’s distinctiveness comes from working in both local and global contexts as a practitioner and academic, which has solidified her calling to disrupt oppressive systems within the church and center marginalized voices. Sandra is the author of TheNext Worship, Forty Days on Being An Eight as well as contributor to The New York Times bestselling book A Rhythm of Prayer.

14A PRAYER FOR ASYLUM-SEEKERS AND IMMIGRANTS AT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA/MEXICO BORDER by Rev. Liliana RezaGod of great mercy and love,Be with those who find themselves on the migrant journey. We pray for unaccompanied children, families and individuals who are desperately seeking refuge and safety. For many, the journey is long and full of unknowns so we pray for courage, strength and peace.Holy Spirit be near.God of great mercy and love,You are not bound by walls and borders. Grant us the courage to be the church you have called us to be. Grant us the boldness to be a people that live generously out of kindness and compassionate hospitality. Jesus, we want to be more like you.Holy Spirit guide us.Amen.

15world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisLiliana Reza is the Director of Border Engagement at World Relief where she advocates for refugees, immigrants and displaced people. Growing up in a mixed-status family and serving as a missionary in Latin America shaped her passion for this work. She holds an MA in Intercultural Studies from Nazarene Theological Seminary and is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Based in San Diego-Tijuana, she loves exploring the borderlands, spending time with friends and family and training for marathons.

16UNA ORACIÓN PARA LOS SOLICITANTES DE ASILO Y OTROS INMIGRANTES EN MÉXICO Y EN LA FRONTERApor Pastora AdrianaPadre nuestro que estás en el cielo,Te damos gracias por este nuevo amanecer, el cual trae nuevos retos. Rogamos por los retos de las personas en movilidad, para que encuentren a su paso, personas, iglesias y comunidades que les den un espacio para descansar, un alimento para recobrar fuerzas y una palabra de aliento, en donde sea reflejada tu paz, que sobrepasa el entendimiento.En el nombre de Jesús.Amén. A PRAYER FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS AND OTHER IMMIGRANTS IN MEXICO AND AT THE BORDER by Pastora AdrianaOur Father in heaven,We thank you for this new dawn, which brings with it new challenges. We pray for those on the move, that they may find their way, people, churches and communities that can offer them a place of rest, food to regain strength and words of encouragement, where your peace — which surpasses all understanding — may be reflected.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Pastora Adriana is the Pastor of a church in Tijuana, Mexico and is a World Relief church partner. This church also serves as a temporary shelter for migrant families and individuals from all over the world as they await asylum and immigration appointments to cross the border. This small but mighty church has been committed to welcoming and supporting migrants along the journey since 2016. Since 2020, they have hosted over 7,000 migrant families and individuals.

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. Theforeigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Lv he a urself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” LEVITICUS 19:33-34

18A PRAYER FOR RECENTLY ARRIVED REFUGEES TO THE U.S. by Todun AfolabiAbba,Thank you for being a good Father through every season.Thank you for your enduring presence in an ever-changing world.Thank you for your promise and oath — two things that are unchanging as we see in Hebrews 6:18.Therefore, we, who have fled for refuge, have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. You are our safe place. You are our firm foundation. Our confidence comes not from our own experience but from your consistent presence with each passing day. You are always within and around us.Thank you for a hope that is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Thank you for the hope that leads us closer to you, knowing that you are already there with us. May we never lose sight of you, even now when it’s hard to see beyond tomorrow.You lead us and we will follow.Amen.

19world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisTodun Afolabi is the U.S. Volunteer Engagement Program Manager at World Relief, supporting eorts across our U.S. oces. She first joined World Relief in 2018 as the Church and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator in Chicagoland. With a background in law, she is passionate about humanitarian eorts and engaging communities in their stories of change. Todun and her husband immigrated to the U.S. in 2011 from Nigeria.

20FOR MIGRANT FAMILIES SEPARATED: A PRAYER OF LAMENTby Quina Aragon“The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” Psalm 146:9Jesus, what you’ve brought together let none tear asunder. “Amen,” we say at weddings, witnessing with glee two lovebirds become a new family. Yet, these — the very foundation of society — are being torn apart: another baby ripped from her mother’s breast at the border another wife watching her husband cuffed and cursed by an empire, which perceives these families a threat — as Pharaoh did the Hebrews as Herod did the babies of Bethlehem — so these families face the sword of today: policies that try to justify (with state-sanctioned might) hate. We hear in their tears “Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” 1

21world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisbaby girls, baby boys caught in the crossfire of our empire’s guile.They come to our borders, seeking asylum in the land of the free. They are brave. Impossible to overstate what they already overcame.O Lord, what can we say? Isn’t fear of the stranger costly? Doesn’t it sow seeds of such searing hypocrisy ripening to be reaped in whirlwind on this precious land? Isn’t there innocent blood on our flag-toting, citizenship-holding hands? When our mouths feel stuck in the pit of our churning stomachs, we wonder: where to even begin? Lord Jesus, we begin with lament. Please end these family separations. 1 Matthew 2:18Quina Aragon is an author, editor and spoken word poet residing in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and daughter. She is the author of Love Has a Story: 100 Meditations on the Love of God. She is also the author of three children’s books: Love Made, Love Gave and Love Can, which poetically communicate the Bible’s storyline through a Trinitarian lens of love. Quina has also contributed chapters to numerous books and has written scripts for two short films. She’s had the privilege of working with Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Vū Studios, World Relief and many more.

22A PRAYER FOR REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANTMOTHERS by Alexandra Hoover God, your love abounds in faithfulness. You are the ultimate parent, the best Father, the One who cares for our children even more than we do. In the uncertainty of our journey, remind us that you go before us, making a way where there seems to be none. Help us to walk in peace, trusting your hand of grace and mercy even when the road is hard and unfamiliar.Would you give us wisdom and discernment to mother well — to nurture, guide and protect our children with strength that comes from you? When we are weary, grant us rest. When we feel stretched beyond our limits, expand our capacity. When all seems lacking, be our provider, meeting every need in ways only you can.Surround us with a community of kindness, hands that will help, and hearts that will welcome. Let our children feel safe, seen and loved — no matter where we are. Remind us that we are never alone — that even in the in-between, we are held by you.Lord, for every mother who carries the weight of displacement, fear or loss, be her refuge. Replace fear with faith, sorrow with joy and uncertainty with the deep assurance that you are with her.

23world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisWe entrust our children, our futures and our very lives into your faithful hands.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Alexandra Hoover is a ministry leader, Bible teacher and author of Eyes Up: How to Trust God’s Heart by Tracing His Hand. She’s enrolled in Northern Seminary, pursuing her Master of Arts in Women and Theology. She’s a passionate teacher and preacher whose words spur people on to hope, healing and mission. She currently serves on sta at her local church in Charleston, SC, and spends her days with her family.

24A PRAYER FOR IMMIGRANT CHILDREN AND DREAMERS by Liz DongLord Jesus,I bring before you the immigrant children traveling all over the world, moving from place to place in search of safety and stability.When the world can feel so big and confusing, we find comfort that you see them and you hear their worries. We pray that you grant them a soft place to land for rest as well as an abundance of joy. May they feel your presence as they seek out opportunities to play and to be a kid in the midst of the unknown.For those children who have grown up and are still waiting for answers, please grant us strength to pursue justice and compassion, and peace to know that our ultimate security is found in you and you alone.Amen. Liz Dong came to the United States from China with her mom when she was just a young child. Growing up, all she ever knew was life in America. Liz is a DREAMer, (“Dreamer” or “DREAMer” refers to an immigrant youth who was brought to the U.S. as a minor and who remains undocumented) and has been a member of the board for World Relief since 2024.

“Speak up for thosewho cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” PROVERBS 31: 8-9

26A PRAYER FOR CHURCHES IN THE U.S. AND THE GLOBAL CHURCHby Pricelis DominguezJesus, We, your beloved body, intercede for the global body. We thank you for the gift it is to represent you on earth through our life, words, thoughts and actions. We thank you for empowering us to display the fruits of the living spirit of God and to create good works that serve the world. We ask that you continue to cover your churches within the United States and all across the world. We pray that every church leadership team be edified and encouraged by you. That every congregant that belongs to a church be seen and kept by you. That every member of the body that is searching for a healthy church be carried and graced by you. That every person that belongs to your body sees their beautiful presence within the church as purposeful and powerful. Forgive us for the ways we have misrepresented or misunderstood you and lead us into your everlasting way. Help us display your kingdom here on earth so your will of justice, love, mercy, peace and joy for all would be evident in all countries, through all languages, and through every living soul on this blessed earth.

27world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisKeep our gaze on you as we walk obediently in rejoicing with those who rejoice, suffering with those who suffer and sharing the good news that is liberating for all. Give us eyes to see how we can be generous beyond what is asked and extend justice where injustice has reigned. May this be the work of the hands of every church that proclaims your name. We submit to you and you alone. In Jesus’ unmatched name, Amen. Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez (MSW, MSEd) is a truthteller and space builder committed to helping the body of Christ be healthy and holy. She is the author of Being a Sanctuary: The Radical Way for the Body of Christ to be Sacred, Soft, and Safe, the founder and CEO of Full Collective, creator of the annual Sowers Summit, and host of the Being a Sanctuary podcast. She has spoken at conferences such as Proverbs 31 and Verity Conference and has written for Chasing Justice and She Reads Truth. She is also a contributor to the devotional The Women We’ve Been Waiting For. Pricelis holds master’s degrees in community-based leadership and social work, and she is currently pursuing a master of arts in biblical and theological studies from Denver Seminary. She is a proud Black Latina (Dominicana) born and raised in New York City, where she resides with her husband and son.

“Tis  h e kno wa lv i:Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 JOHN 3:16-18

29world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisORACIÓN PARA LAS IGLESIAS INMIGRANTESpor Ivette ValdezDios del extranjero, Dios del peregrino, Dios de aquellos que han viajado en busca de refugio — Venimos ante Ti, elevando en oración a las iglesias de inmigrantes, Comunidades de aquellos que han dejado su tierra natal, pero han encontrado una familia de fe en Tu casa, unidos por el amor y la esperanza.Recordamos a Rut, quien dejó su hogar y halló refugio entre Tu pueblo. Recordamos a Jesús, María y José, quienes huyeron del peligro y buscaron seguridad en tierra extranjera. Señor, Tú eres torre fuerte y protector de quienes buscan un hogar.En esta hora de incertidumbre, cuando el miedo intenta paralizar, cuando las políticas amenazan y la injusticia acecha — A PRAYER FOR IMMIGRANT CHURCHES by Ivette ValdezGod of the foreigner, God of the sojourner, God of those who have traveled in search of refuge — We come before you, lifting up immigrant churches, Communities of those who have left their homelands, yet have found a family of faith in Your house, united by love and hope.We remember Ruth, who left her home and found shelter among your people. We remember Jesus, Mary and Joseph, who fled danger and sought safety in a foreign land. Lord, you are a strong tower and protector of those who seek home.In this hour of uncertainty, when fear tries to paralyze, while policies threaten, and injustice looms —

30Pedimos que envíes Tu Espíritu para consolar y fortalecer a Tu Iglesia. Somos Tu Cuerpo — cuando uno sufre, todos compartimos en las lágrimas, el dolor y el lamento profundo. Señor, haz sentir Tu presencia en medio de Tu pueblo.Oramos por los pastores, aquellos a quienes has confiado el cuidado y la guía de Tu pueblo. Concédeles fuerza y sabiduría para liderar con convicción y compasión.Sé escudo para el vulnerable. Sé defensor del cansado. Sé refugio para el desplazado. Porque Tú eres el Dios que ve, el Dios que provee, el Dios que protege.Consuela a Tu pueblo, oh Señor. Que sean fuertes y valientes, que no caigan en el miedo ni en la angustia, sino que confíen en la promesa de que Tú vas delante de ellos, que nunca los abandonarás ni fallarás.We ask that you send your Spirit to comfort and empower your church. We are your body — when one suffers, we all share in the tears, the grief and the deep lament. Lord, make your presence known among your people.We pray for pastors — those entrusted to shepherd and care for your people. Grant them strength and wisdom to lead with conviction and compassion.Be a shield to the vulnerable. Be a defender of the weary. Be a refuge for the displaced. For you are the God who sees, the God who provides, the God who protects.Comfort Your people, O Lord. May they be strong and courageous, not given to fear or panic, but trusting in the promise that you go before them, that you will never fail nor abandon them.

31world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisEn Ti depositamos nuestra confianza. Tu eres nuestro refugio, nuestra fortaleza, nuestro hogar.Amén. We place our trust in you, our shelter, our strength, our home.Amen. Ivette Valdez is a speaker, writer, Bible teacher and co-founder of the online community and podcast "Latinas Loving Jesus.” She serves as the Executive and Teaching Pastor at Centro de Adoración Poplar in the Central Valley of California and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership at Northwest University.

32A PRAYER FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS by Chelsea Sobolik El Roi — the God who sees. We come before you, burdened by the suffering of our brothers and sisters around the world who face persecution for their faith in you. You are the God who sees, the God who hears the cries of the oppressed and the God who is ever-present in times of trouble. We lift up to you those who are imprisoned, tortured, displaced or rejected because they have chosen to follow Jesus. Surround them with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and remind them that great will be their reward in heaven. Lord, give them courage to endure the trials they face. Strengthen their faith when fear and weariness threaten to overwhelm them. Let them feel your comforting presence, reminding them they are not alone. Raise up voices to advocate for their freedom and dignity. We pray for those in power — governments, leaders and oppressors — soften their hearts and turn them toward truth, justice and mercy. For such a time as this.Our world is desperate for salvation, and you alone offer forgiveness and abundant life. You’ve called Christians to proclaim the good news — please give us resolute spirits to tell others about our great God.

33world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisMay we regularly intercede for our brothers and sisters and not grow weary in doing good.We pray all this in the powerful name of Jesus,Amen. Chelsea Sobolik serves as Director of Government Relations for World Relief. Previously, she worked for the leading evangelical child welfare organization in the country, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), and on Capitol Hill. She is the author of Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work and Longing for Motherhood — Holding onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness. Chelsea lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband, Michael, and their son, Dev.

34A PRAYER FOR OUR RELATIONSHIPS AND DISCOURSE by Kathryn FreemanDear Heavenly Father,Thank you for the gift of community and the difference in creativity, knowledge and abilities that exist within our community. Lord, we are in a challenging time where difference threatens to divide us rather than unite us under a common purpose to love you and our neighbors. This divide has made it difficult to share our hearts and our struggles. But Lord, we know you are bigger and nothing will conquer your bride — the church. So, we pray for wisdom and discernment in our conversations about the very real issues facing our neighbors and our families. Things that seem political but have an impact on the flourishing of those around us, on their ability to work, feed their families, send their kids to school, breathe clean air, drive on safe roads and live healthy and fulfilling lives. Knowing this, we pray against the spirit of fear that would silence us when we need to be loud and the spirit of pride that keeps us from listening to others share their hearts and struggles.

35world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisWe pray that in discussing the real impacts of policy decisions by our elected leaders that we would be led by the fruits of the spirit: kindness, peace, gentleness, self-control, joy, patience, and most of all, love. Love for justice, love for our neighbors and their well-being, love for the least and the lost but most of all, Lord, love for you.Amen. Kathryn Freeman serves as the National Advocacy & Operations Specialist at World Relief. She is passionate about Jesus, justice, and Beyonce. She is a member of Concord Church in Dallas, TX.

36A PRAYER FOR DISCERNMENT AND COURAGE IN OUR ADVOCACY by Jess GalvánGod Almighty, You are breathing, living Spirit within us. Thank you for your mercy and the divine gift of the Holy Spirit, our advocate. A helper we rely on when our weariness begins to seep in. Point us always back to you.May your Holy Spirit fill us with the capacity to pursue justice and to declare the truth when it can feel easier to stay quiet. In our pursuit of the truth, guide and direct us so that we are genuinely transformed to live out a bold love for our neighbor, the foreigner and the sojourner. Break our hearts for our neighbor and like the glass cup forged and bent in fire, may we come out blazing, reflecting your light in our mission. Remind us, daily, that love and compassion is not a sign of weakness but of our direct resolve to be like Jesus. Give us the courage to advocate and not lose sight of the God-given dignity of refugees and other immigrants fleeing the most horrifying of circumstances. Prompt us to move, rooted in a faith anchored in love. Nudge us closer and closer to truth to bring glory to your creation. May the Holy Spirit serve as our dependable guide, showing us the way. Amen.

37world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisJess Galván is the Sr. Content Specialist at World Relief, an advisor for Chasing Justice, writer, editor and a proud daughter/granddaughter of Mexican immigrants. She is passionate about storytelling and amplifying diverse voices to reveal the beauty of God’s creation. She is also a writer and editor for a variety of clients in publishing, most recently Penguin Random House and Alabaster Co. When she isn’t wordsmithing in the pursuit of faith and justice, she is spending time with her family in the Houston, TX area.

38PRAYER FOR LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR by Bri Stensrud Lord in heaven, Our ways are not your ways. You have told us in your Word to love you with our whole heart and then love our neighbors as we would love our own bodies, our families and our friends.This is a radical way of living, Lord, so would you help us love as you intended your followers to do?The ways in which we serve and see our neighbors must deepen. It cannot look like the ordinary. It cannot look like what we’ve always done. Lord give us wisdom. In the days ahead, I believe you’re going to ask us to love people in ways we may have never thought of loving them before. Remind us to look for our neighbor. Give us eyes to see our neighbor. Give us the courage to walk with our neighbor like we never have before. Give us your Kingdom priorities. Reorient our lives to this end.

39world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisWe throw our fears at your feet and ask for courage. People over politics. People over platform. People over comfort. People over convenience. Lord, let it be so. Help me to love my neighbor as myself. We ask these things in Jesus name, Amen. Bri Stensrud is the Director of Women of Welcome. She holds a Masters of Biblical & Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, serves on the Board of Directors for The National Association of Evangelicals and has authored two books: Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation and the children’s book, The Biggest Best Light: Shining God’s Light into the World Around You.

40ABOUT WORLD RELIEF In 1944, Europe was enveloped by a tremendous displacement crisis as World War II raged. In response to the desperate situation, members of Park Street Church in Boston fasted during the Lenten season and collected the funds they saved in an offering to meet the needs of displaced Europeans. Other churches joined in and out of this compassionate response, World Relief was born. Since our founding, we’ve spent the last 80 years convening the global church, in all its expressions. It is World Relief’s mission to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church.While we’re proud of the work we’ve done and the change we’ve made, we know that the true essence of World Relief is found in people like you — the advocates who pray fervently and fight for change. It’s found in the community members who care deeply and serve generously, and in the donors who give abundantly and pray faithfully.For 80 years, World Relief has witnessed countless stories of faith, hope and transformation as they’ve unfolded. Our work has always been rooted in ordinary people in community as the church sees people as Jesus saw them, naturally teaching and doing the things Jesus did in the way Jesus did, with the attitude Jesus had and with the objectives and outcomes Jesus had. Now, we invite you into those stories. As you pray, ask the Lord to direct your next steps.

41world reliefprayers for such a tim e as thisGIVEVisit worldrelief.org/stand-in-the-gap. Your support will provide:Emergency housing and food for refugee families in the U.S.Life-saving medical care and humanitarian aid for populations in need overseas.Advocacy efforts to challenge unjust policies and defend human dignity.ADVOCATECall your local representatives and ask them to reinstate the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and follow us on social media to stay informed — @worldreliefPRAYKeep praying that the current administration reverses the executive orders that are harmful to people in vulnerable situations and can continue to receive life-saving assistance.WAYS YOU CAN STAND IN THE GAP (GIVE, ADVOCATE, PRAY)

“ jusic, lv erc, an alk umbl wi yu o.” MICAH 6:8