Prayer for Top Refugee Countries

A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or other life-threatening conflicts. This does not include people who have been displaced because of weather-related problems or financial motivations.

As of the end of 2024, there were 123.2 million forcibly displaced people around the world. Within that number, there were 42.7 million refugees.

Where were they from? The top 5 origins of refugees as of the end of 2024 were Venezuela, Syria, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. I’m tempted to add other countries of personal interest (e.g., Sudan, DRC), but I’ll stick with those five for this post and prayer.

Father, thank you that, like a hen cares for her chicks and provides refuge, you care for those around the world who have been forcibly displaced. I pray specifically for the 6.3 million from Venezuela. Some know you; some do not; but you love them all. Many love the country of Venezuela, but the tremendous instabilities there forced them to leave. Many of them have had difficult experiences and journeys in other countries. I pray you will bring peace to their lives and protect family members wherever they are.

Great Provider, I pray for the millions who at one point in time were displaced from Syria. I thank you that a few of them have recently been able to return, and I pray they would have the peace and resources they need to settle well. May these people who were created by you, in your image, know your presence, protection, and provision. You have not forgotten them. You know their names, their needs, their fears, their hopes, and the life journey they have been on. Graciously lead them to a safe place where they can settle and rebuild their lives.

Lord, I pray for the 5.9 million displaced Palestinians. You know their loss and suffering. You suffered too. Please heal and comfort them. You are not against them. You deeply care for each man, woman, and child.

Father, it is hard to fathom the realities of the 5.8 million people displaced from Afghanistan. But I know You are not far from them. Please guide their faith, be their hope, and provide the strength they need. Provide for those needing the make difficult family decisions. Walk with those who are still on the move. They’ve lost their place in the world, but you are able to provide amazing refuge.

Righteous God, I pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation for the 5.1 million men, women, and children displaced from Ukraine. Some are in neighboring countries where compassion fatigue is a real challenge and they feel less welcome as the months and years continue. I pray for fatherless families due to the tragedies of war. May the children, specifically, be able to find peace and support, enabling them to learn, grow, and find occasional bits of joy despite what might otherwise be difficult circumstances mixed with grief.

I pray all of these things in the name of Jesus who was once Himself a refugee in Egypt. Amen.