Prayer for Refugees — United Church of Canada

Photo by Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson

Prayers of the people, with response & song, including the lighting of 5 candles

We pray for the countries and regions that have hosted refugees. Knowing that refugee camps can be overcrowded, we pray for the continued safety of the camps and offer our thanks to those who work toward providing the basics of shelter, food, health care, and education.

Gracious and loving God,

Hear our prayers.

Candle is lit at first station.

We pray for refugees who have held onto hope while facing death. And we pray for the millions of refuges around the world who have fled their homes in search of basic human needs. We give thanks for their strong faith and pray that they will find the security and stability we all seek.

Gracious and loving God,

Come, hear our prayers.

Candle is lit at second station.

Sung Response   (consider using this chorus or a chorus that is more familiar to the gathered congregation. A verse of a hymn might be chosen.)

Hear my/our prayer oh Lord…

We pray for the Internally Displaced People of Syria and all of the civilians that feel trapped in a war-torn country. We especially pray for the vulnerable among them.

Gracious and loving God,

Come, hear our prayers.

Candle is lit at third station.

We pray that all sides who are actively involved in fighting can find paths that lead to a peaceable solution. May their hearts be opened to the suffering of those they fight against.

Gracious and loving God,

Come, hear our prayers.

Candle is lit at fourth station.

Sung Response (repeat chorus)

We pray for the countless humanitarian workers who provide shelter, care, medical aid, and support to those affected by this long war. We give thanks for the work of our partners and the work of local churches that continue to support human rights for everyone through their various contributions.

Gracious and loving God,

Come, hear our prayers.

(Candle is lit at fifth station.)

Sung Response (repeat chorus)

This prayer may be downloaded as a Word document on the United Church of Canada website.  Click here.  It is part of a complete World Refugee Day Prayer Service by Alydia Smith and Khwaka Kukubo which uses the Exodus story of the Israelite refugees to highlight the sufferings of today’s refugees.

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