Friends, let’s face it, conflict is everywhere. You turn on the news, and you see it on the screen. Currently, there are conflicts raging around the globe, including the recent conflict between the United States and Iran. Conflict is everywhere. There are casualties everywhere. There is a tremendous sense of grief and loss. War is no joke, regardless of the winning side. It is the result of living in a fallen world. That being said, conflict is inevitable because conflict is everywhere! While that news sounds unpleasant, we are without hope. We have God the Father, who never leaves us nor forsakes us (Joshua 1:9); we have Christ, who has overcome the world; and we have the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us.
That said, let us ask: how can prayer become a powerful catalyst for peace in conflict zones?
How Is Prayer a Lifeline to Peace During Times of War?
As believers, the best thing we can do is pray for peace in the midst of whatever conflicts we face. Prayer is our lifeline to Heaven, as we can talk to God anywhere, anytime! No appointments necessary. You can cry out to Him at this very moment. There is never a wrong time to pray! Praying to the Lord should never be limited by our circumstances or feelings. We are to pray at all times, or, as Paul says, “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Therefore, we can pray for peace in the midst of conflict because we can always pray. It is our lifeline to Heaven.
Throughout scripture, we see several instances of prayer amid conflict. For instance, 2 Chronicles 20 highlights how King Jehoshaphat prays to God for help as a vast army composed of Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites comes against Judah. In response, King Jehoshaphat leads the nation in fasting and prayer. During his prayer, he tells the Lord, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (v12). The king's prayer was an acknowledgement in two ways. First, the recognition of one's uncertainty, while the second is an acknowledgment of one’s hope in the Lord. Jehoshpats' prayer in the midst of his conflict applies to us in ours, especially to those actually living in conflict zones. The uncertainty is real, but so is our hope. For our hope does not rest on ourselves or even in the outcome of our circumstances, but in God alone, our blessed hope.
Why Does Prayer Bring Us Closer to God in Times of War?
Anyone living in our hostile world today can depend on prayer to find peace. After all, prayer is both communion and dependence upon God. I love that the Bible describes Him as a “very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He is always available, no matter what. He is not limited by anything, including conflict zones. After all, Christ calmed the storm despite its raging on. In times of war, we must remember that God is in control and that his authority surpasses that of any nation and its rulers. Therefore, not only can we remain content under conflict, but we can also remain hopeful that the Lord is in control. Whether we're dealing with conflict or not, we must be reminded that we can’t live this life in our own strength, and that is a good thing because God is in control, not us. Remember, He is our very present help in times of trouble.
Why Is Prayer So Powerful in Times of War?
Speaking to His disciples prior to His crucifixion, Jesus tells them “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Friends, no matter where you are in the world today, be encouraged that He has overcome the world. When we pray with that in mind, we can stand firm. Whether you are a civilian, soldier, or ambassador, be encouraged by the words of our Savior. And because He has overcome, so have we, for we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us (Romans 8:37). Despite whatever battles, wars, and rumors of wars that will take place in this world, Christ has the world, and we also share in that victory.
So let us pray without ceasing, for we are empowered by the Holy Spirit when we pray. The apostle Paul writes that “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26). So even when we may struggle with prayer, the Holy Spirit is there to help us and empower us in His presence. Remember Christ’s words to His disciples prior to his arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). How many times can we say we have experienced the weakness of our own flesh, especially in tough times when it is easy to become discouraged? Yet, we shouldn’t be discouraged as the Holy Spirit offers us His assistance. After all, the third person of the Trinity is referred to as “Another helper” and “Comforter.” Praise God that we are not alone as we seek Him. Praise the Lord who graciously has given us the Spirit to strengthen us as we pray. Therefore, it is not an empty ritual but a supernational moment. With that in mind, be encouraged that the Holy Spirit empowers you no matter the conflict or circumstance!
How Prayer Brings People Together in Times of War
In my last point, I want to share how encouraging it is to hear when someone is praying for you. Sometimes God puts it in someone's heart to pray for you, and vice versa, despite not knowing what the other person is going through! But even just being informed that someone is praying for me goes a long way! In moments of conflict, it is quick to conclude that you are alone in your struggle and that no one understands you. Friends, that is a lie from the enemy in order to keep us in isolation! But we were never meant to walk alone, for God has created us for community. How comforting it is after someone has prayed for you. Even if your circumstances didn’t change for the time being, you are encouraged because someone took their time and lifted you up in prayer for the Lord.
Why it's Important to Pray for People and Countries at War
I can’t help but think about the persecuted church around the world as millions of Christians are persecuted for their faith, including death. Yet they are not alone, for God is with them, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for them. Intercessory prayer is a powerful thing as we lift up others who are facing trouble before the Lord, and it is also a good reminder that Christ Himself is interceding on their behalf and ours as our Great High Priest (Hebrews 7:25).
Although conflict is inevitable, we can continue to pray. Do not be too far from your lifeline to Heaven, for our Heavenly Father is never too far from us. He is always here! Be encouraged today, no matter what conflicts you are facing. He is right by your side.
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