This prayer seeks to create a spiritual connection between the supplicant and the divine, allowing the supplicant to express their concern, empathy, and desires for peace and harmony in Syria and Turkey. It addresses the tragedy and suffering experienced by individuals and families who have been displaced, injured, or lost loved ones
In a world filled with turmoil and strife, it is essential to take a moment to reflect on the well-being of nations that are facing significant challenges. Syria and Turkey, two neighboring countries in the Middle East, have experienced their fair share of difficulties in recent years. From political unrest to armed conflicts, the people of these nations have been enduring hardships that call for compassion and empathy. One way to express solidarity and support is through prayer. In this article, we will explore different prayers for Syria and Turkey, reflecting various religious and spiritual perspectives.
Prayer for Syria and Turkey in Islam
Islam, being one of the major religions in the Middle East, holds a significant place in the lives of people in both Syria and Turkey. For Muslims, offering prayers for the well-being and peace of these nations is a common practice. A heartfelt prayer in Islam for Syria and Turkey may sound like this:
“O Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate, we beseech You to shower Your blessings and mercy upon the people of Syria and Turkey. Ease their suffering, protect them from harm, and grant them the strength to rebuild their lives in peace. We pray for unity, justice, and stability in these lands. Guide their leaders to make decisions that promote the welfare of their citizens. May your divine grace envelop these nations and bring an end to their suffering. Ameen.”
Prayer for Syria and Turkey in English
While religious prayers hold deep significance for many, not everyone follows a particular faith. Therefore, a prayer for Syria and Turkey in English provides a universal way to convey empathy and goodwill toward these nations. Such a prayer could be as follows:
“Dear God, we come together in solidarity to pray for the people of Syria and Turkey. We are deeply moved by their struggles and suffering, and we ask for Your guidance, comfort, and protection during these difficult times. May peace and stability return to their lands, and may the people find hope and strength to rebuild their lives. We extend our heartfelt support to those affected and hope for a brighter future for these nations. Amen.”
Catholic Prayer for Syria and Turkey
The Catholic Church, with its rich tradition of prayer and intercession, offers a specific prayer for those affected by conflict and strife. A Catholic prayer for Syria and Turkey might sound like this:
“Heavenly Father, we lift up our hearts in prayer for the people of Syria and Turkey, who are enduring tremendous hardships. We implore Your divine mercy to shine upon them, granting them comfort, healing, and courage. St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of peace, guide us in spreading love and understanding among all nations. We ask for your intercession in bringing an end to the violence and suffering in these lands, and for the restoration of peace. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we seek Your grace for the people of Syria and Turkey. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
powerful earthquake in Turkey and Syria has left millions of people at the mercy of a freezing winter as their homes have been reduced to rubble. And now, on 20 February, another earthquake of 6.4 magnitude has struck Turkey. More than 35,000 people have lost their lives and it’s a race against time to reach people in desperate need.
‘In Aleppo, many hospitals and medical centres had been destroyed during the conflict and haven’t been rebuilt yet,’ explains Martin Leach, who leads Tearfund’s work in the region. ‘People were already extremely vulnerable, so this earthquake is a crisis on top of a crisis.’
From shelter to food and warm clothing, the needs are enormous – but prayer can make a difference.
Please join us in praying for the people across Turkey, Syria and the region who have been affected by this disaster.
This guide is divided into two sections: the first giving you suggestions about what to pray for, and the second providing different creative prayer ideas for you and your church, group or family to use.
A building in Syria destroyed by the earthquake. | Image credit: Karam Al-Masri/DEC
What to pray for…
There are four areas we can focus our prayers on: for the emergency response; for people affected by the earthquake; for the church in Syria who are responding; and for peace.
Pray for the emergency response
- Lift up first-responders and pray for energy and strength as they work around the clock to save lives.
- Pray for clear roads and bridges, so that emergency services and supplies can quickly reach those in need.
- Pray that those who are still missing will be found safe.
- Ask God for good weather so the rains and snow do not slow down the response.
- Hospitals in the areas affected are overflowing. In Syria, many hospitals have not been rebuilt since they were destroyed in the conflict there. Pray for resilience for health workers as they respond; pray for capacity to treat people who are injured and for resources – medicine, equipment and hospital beds – to be readily available.
Pray for people affected by the earthquake
- Pray for comfort for those who have lost their loved ones and healing for people who are injured. Ask God to draw near to them in this time of grief and uncertainty.
- Pray for provision of safe shelter, food, clean water and warmth for people who have lost their belongings, homes and livelihoods. Ask God to give them courage and strength to face these new challenges.
- Pray that vulnerable people – such as people with disabilities, orphans and pregnant and nursing mothers – will be protected and that no one will have to suffer alone.
- Pray for freedom from anxiety and fear for people who are feeling distressed – particularly those already in fragile situations throughout the region.
Pray for our church partner
Tearfund’s local church partner is responding now. Here is how you can pray for the vital work they are doing.
- Pray for wisdom and resources as they respond to people’s immediate needs and plan for how they can support communities in the long-term.
- Pray that the three shelters that they have opened in Aleppo for people made homeless by the earthquake will be a place of safety and comfort.
- As people receive shelter, hot meals, water and other essentials from them, pray that they will feel loved and encouraged.
- Pray that God’s power will be revealed through the church in this situation – bringing a message of love and hope in the midst of the tragedy.
- Pray that the work they are doing to support others will inspire other churches across the region to unite in action to care for communities in need.
Pray for peace
Conflict broke out in Syria in 2011. Much of the country now lies in ruin. The city of Aleppo, which was badly hit by the earthquake, is home to millions of people who have already faced devastating conflict. Many people in northern Iraq, who are rebuilding after years of conflict, and in Lebanon, also felt the earthquake tremors.
- Pray for a lasting peace and recovery for Syrians who have suffered more than a decade of conflict.
- Pray for peace and comfort as people are further traumatised by the earthquake and already are feeling anxious, depressed and fearful. Pray that people will not lose hope – even in these challenging times.
Entire towns have been reduced to piles of rubble. | Image credit: Karam Al-Masri/DEC
Ways to pray…
Pray using a map
Use an internet search engine, globe or an atlas to find a map of Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon.
As you look at the map, invite the Holy Spirit to reveal a particular location to you.
Once you have chosen somewhere, lay your hand above it on the map. Pray for that location and the people there. Ask God to reveal specific things you can pray for, or use the first part of this guide to help.
If doing this activity as a group, you could take it in turns to choose a location to pray over. If you’re using a physical map, you could keep it up as a reminder to pray and add Post-it notes throughout the week.
Pray with children
A simple way you can invite children to pray for the earthquake is to do it by using building blocks, such as Lego or Duplo.
Together, build a house and explain to them as you go ahead that many people have lost their homes due to the earthquake.
Give your homes a new name – such a ‘House of Peace’ – and as you build, ask the children what they should be filled with, eg hope, warmth, joy, beds, food… As these come up, pray for the people affected to have these.
If you don’t have building blocks, this activity also works by painting or drawing a house with the children.
Keep the homes up in your house as a reminder to pray.
Conclusion
In times of crisis and adversity, prayer serves as a powerful tool for expressing empathy, hope, and support for those in need. Whether through Islamic, English, or Catholic prayers, individuals can channel their compassion and goodwill towards the people of Syria and Turkey. These prayers transcend religious boundaries and offer a universal message of solidarity, calling for peace, unity, and healing in the face of challenges. As we offer these prayers, may they bring comfort and strength to those who are suffering and inspire positive change in the world.