Praying for Turkey
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. –Romans 8:16-17 (NIV)
Today I’m asking you to take a few moments to pray for the people affected by the earthquake in Turkey. As I write this article, the death toll in Turkey and Syria has surpassed 25,000, with tens of thousands more injured, grieving, and homeless. The governments in these two countries are not well-equipped to handle such a crisis and they are not friendly to Christians.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. –Romans 8:22 (NIV)
Things we might pray for, as the Spirit leads:
the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
the restoration of physical, mental, and emotional health to those who have suffered unfathomable loss.
that relief given is received gladly and used effectively to its intended purposes.
strength for our brothers and sisters there who are trying to love their neighbors.
the response of Christians in the region and around the world causes the name of Jesus to be lifted up and glorified in these countries.
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. –Romans 8:23-24a (NIV)
I know of Christians on the ground in Turkey who are even now helping pull bodies out of the rubble. They have brought strangers into their home to provide them with food and shelter. They are being faithful to their calling; they and others like them need our prayer cover even as we assess needs and determine where and how else we may help. When we feel helpless and woefully inadequate, our God shines. Please join me in this. Thank you.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. –Romans 8:26 (NIV)