This month, we pray for Afghanistan. This prayer and addition prayer points were written by Christian Aid Ireland. 

In this desperate time of violence in Afghanistan, we can feel powerless. But we believe in the power of prayer.

Let us pray.

O God of mercy and of peace, 

We hold before you the peoples of Afghanistan. 

Be living bread to those who are hungry each day.

Be healing and wholeness to those who have no access to health care amidst the ravages of pandemic.

Be their true home to all who have been displaced.

Be open arms of loving acceptance to those who fear because of their gender, ethnicity, religious or political views.

Be peace to those engaged in armed conflict and those who live within its shadow. 

Turn our hearts and minds to your ways of just and gentle peace, 

Open our eyes to see you in all acts of compassionate care 

Strengthen our hearts to step out in solidarity with your suffering people and 

Hold us all in your unfailing love. 

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself of all but love in order to bring life in all its fullness.

Amen.

 Other points for prayer:

• For women, girls, and ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, that hard-won advancements in rights will not be reversed.

• For a coordinated and effective international response to the humanitarian crisis.

• For the thousands of Afghan Internally Displaced People who are facing famine

• For safe and open borders for all those who wish to and are able to leave Afghanistan. Pray that they would be met with sanctuary and hospitality.

• For the halting of attacks on civil society. For effective political negotiations. Pray for peace.