Suggestions on how to pray
about terrorist attacks and the war on terrorism

Though we are faced with difficult situations, start with praise. Focus on God's divine character. Praise God that He is sovereign, that He has ultimate control over all, and that nothing takes Him by surprise (Isaiah 45:5-7).

On behalf of yourself and others, ask God for a passion and love for Christ that DRIVES OUT FEAR (1 John 4:18).

• Ask God to use these events to bring unprecedented SPIRITUAL OPENNESS to people—a hunger for God and His truth. Ask God to reveal Himself in a special way to them. Pray that Christians will quickly respond to each spiritual need.

• Ask God to BLESS THE MINISTRY that has been thrust upon the church to help those affected by the terrorist attacks and the war. Ask Him to empower them with a powerful witness when they are called upon to act on these issues, or speak about them.

• Ask God to focus the minds of public officials and the military on the NEED FOR PRAYER in dealing with the challenging difficulties and decisions before them.

• Ask God to stand against Satans attempts to make people experience unresolved ANGER OR GUILT over the loss of loved ones and friends, or a desire to seek revenge. Dear God, we know that You are a God of JUSTICE. The people who killed so many in these plane crashes are at this very moment, suffering for their evil. Justice will be served, if not in this life, then in judgment for those who are not covered by the grace of God through Jesus.

• Pray that those ARABS AND MUSLIMS who are innocent of these attacks will not be blamed or harmed.

  See: Why should Christians love Muslims?

• Pray for the return of peace in all nations where trouble has been stirred up by these events.

• Thank God that he will use for GOOD, what Satan intended for harm (Gen. 50:20-21). Ultimately, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spirits and principalities of wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:12).

• Thank God for the people who will be DRAWN TO SEEK GOD’S FACE because the overwhelming nature of these events leaves them nowhere else to turn. Thank Him for the opportunities He is opening around the world for true followers of Jesus Christ to help others in His name.

• Thank God for a vivid REMINDER of your own mortality and vulnerability, asking Him to prepare your heart and spirit for a faithful response when you are faced with tragedy.

• Dear Lord, you know that this country needs COMPASSION right now! And that true Christianity holds the only true demonstration of compassion through the Hope that is in you, dear Jesus Christ. Please give each one of us the determination and grace to be lights shining out your love unto the world around us, through our actions, our deeds and prayers.

• In the midst of great tragedy, terror and fear, we must be courageous enough to LOVE God and Truth above all other things. Carry the light of love and peace in our hearts for all those who have suffered. Pray for those who live in perpetual darkness, for their hearts have never known Light, Love or Peace. If we hold HATE in our hearts, then there will be no room for love.

• Ask God to bring REPENTANCE AND REVIVAL to our nation. Dear Father, we know that our nation has strayed far from your mandates. There is much sin—great rebellion against You and Your laws. We remember ancient Israel. You withdrew your protection from their nation when they became so very sinful and rebellious against you Lord. But you promised,

  “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chr 7:14).

  I pray that you will mightily throughout our nation to bring conviction of sin and repentance—a great revival. I confess my own sin in Your sight and repent of it. May revival begin with me. From this day forward, I want to live a more holy life—a life in Your service, dear God. Please work in me, and in my nation (2 Chr. 7:14).

• Father in heaven, hear the prayers of Your people this day. Comfort the grieving; comfort Your people, heal our nation. Awaken it to its need of You—awaken OUR hearts to pray and intercede for a REVIVAL of Godly sorrow, repentance and new commitment to You. May a revival of righteousness sweep across our land. In Christ’s name, Amen.

God of faithfulness, we come to You in anguish
after the targeted attacks on our nation.
We are filled with anxieties and questions.
What words of supplication
can we bring before You,
what prayer, what deeds?

God, we need Your grace
to center our minds and settle our hearts.
We need Your hope
to sustain our passion for justice
and our will to be peacemakers.
We need Your wisdom to help us recognize
Your presence dwelling within us
and within every being You have made.
We need Your courage
to live as children of light, hope and love,
putting away all darkness, fear and hatred.

Take from us all longing for vengeance.
Fill us with compassion for victims of violence
throughout the world.
Give us a love that is not withheld
even from our enemies.
Grant that our leaders may act justly.

Be with us in our prayer.
Help us to truly believe,
not only in Your abiding presence,
but also in the power of prayer
to move mountains.

Pull us from the grasp of violence.
Guide our steps in Your way of peace.
Amen.

There are many people to keep in your prayers, including, but not limited to, the following:

• recovering victims of terrorist attacks, and for the families of all who have been injured or killed
• relief organizations and missions who are charged with helping those in need
• government leaders and advisors
• recovery workers
• all those who have been charged with protecting lives from further terrorism
• military personnel who have been called to fight terrorism
• the Christian missionaries in Muslim areas around the world who are providing physical and spiritual aid, despite the threat of violence and death
• all people who are suffering loss of employment and economic hardships due to these events
• all those responsible for terrorist attacks—pray that their evil plans will be thwarted and that they will see the error of their ways, repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Master—and accept justice for their actions