Trending Christian Blog and Commentary

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!

Syrian Christians Speak Up, Ask for Prayer

Yesterday, Charisma News published an exclusive interview with an anonymous Syrian Christian woman who spoke from her heart about the war and how Syrian Christians are dealing with it. Her perspective is unique, firsthand, and valuable — and she shared many insights that only an insider could. What struck me most throughout the interview was her commitment to prayer, and her desperate desire that Western Christians join with Syrian Christians in unceasing and purposeful prayer.

She shared that people in her area “have one prayer a day for the country for six months, inviting people from any denomination — Muslim denominations and Christian denominations — and we pray with them for the country. And when we pray, we pray for Sunni and Shia and Christians and Jews and enemy religions. We pray for all denominations, and we pray for all people.”

The woman admits that living in Syria today means that any moment could bring death. However, living day by day has allowed them to truly focus on the Lord, and on reaching others for him. People in her area give New Testaments and food to refugees, and try to get along as best they can in a time of so much unrest.

It is clear that she wants Western Christians to care and know about the suffering in Syria.

“What’s happened in America? We are really worried. The Christians, the believers there, are sleeping. They don’t know anything about suffering in other countries. They are blind.”

And once American believers wake up? Pray, she begs. Pray for Syria.

“Please pray that God will stop the terrorists and not let them enter any more. Already we have 600,000 terrorists — from Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt and many areas…

We want you to pray also for the children, for the situation, the economic situation. People … can’t go to the police station because the police station is controlled by the terrorists, and we can’t have any solutions from the government. We need real protection and for God to stop this war.”

Psalm 145:18 tells us, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Syrian Christians are calling on Christ to guide and protect them. Will we join our brothers and sisters in this noble cause?

It is, perhaps, the greatest (and only) way for most of us to help. ReligionToday.com contributor Dr. Robert Jeffress states that “every American should be praying for President Obama’s success in making and executing the right decision regarding our involvement in Syria.” In another commentary on the issue, Dr. Jim Denison reminds us of Jesus’ command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Over and above the debating, the worrying, and whatever the governments around the globe decide about intervention, let us remember what one Christian blogger penned:

“When it’s just too big….
All that’s left is prayer and fasting.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.”

Debbie Holloway is the Family Life Editor for Crosswalk.com

Publication date: September 11, 2013