As I’ve watched footage from the events unfolding in Afghanistan over the past couple of days, my heart is heavy. While talking heads drone on, searching for scapegoats (and there is need for true accountability), I can’t get the images out of my head. Of people in such desperation, they are clinging to the OUTSIDE of a plane as it is taking off. Of a military plane crammed full of people who are leaving everything they’ve ever known and perhaps most, if not all, of their family. Even this morning, I watched as parents passed babies and children over the top of the crowd waiting for possible flights at the airport, hoping that at least maybe their children will survive and knowing as they are lifted from their hands, they might never see them again.
In times such as this, I am thankful that Jesus is our great High Priest. That because of His work, we can with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Though we usually think of this verse in personal terms (ie. I am the one in need), we can also pray in this light for others and ask that God would show forth His grace and mercy to others in need. Certainly, the Afghan people, and especially our brothers and sisters in Christ in Afghanistan, are in a time of need.
I am also thankful for the Holy Spirit in such circumstances. I am no expert on Afghanistan. Nor have I had any experience close to what is occurring in real time in the country. And, so often, I don’t know what to pray for. But this is what the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8: 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 (v.26). Therefore, my prayer many times is simply, Lord, have mercy!
I am also thankful for the work of many mission organizations and for their insights on how to pray for Afghanistan. One such organization’s prayer guide that I have used, especially as I have been praying for the Christians in Afghanistan, comes from Voice of the Martyrs. Here is their guidance:
PRAY FOR GOD’S PROTECTION. The situation on the ground is fluid right now. Pray for God’s protection over His people
PRAY FOR WISDOM. Ask God to bless our brothers and sisters with discernment as they decide whether to stay or go and even with whom they should talk.
PRAY FOR FELLOWSHIP. Believers in Afghanistan often must keep their faith a secret — even from family members. Pray that God will help each Afghan believer to connect and fellowship with at least one other believer in person, by phone or through some other technology. Pray that God will remind them that they are not alone, but are part of the global body of Christ.
PRAY FOR SAFE PASSAGE. Pray that God will provide safe passage to those who feel led by God to leave Afghanistan and provide for their immediate needs in their new location.
PRAY THAT MUSLIMS WILL MEET CHRIST. The Taliban claim to be “true Muslims,” strictly adhering to Sharia (Islamic law). As Muslims in Afghanistan see this cruel face of Islam, pray that they will be drawn to Jesus Christ, the shepherd Savior who doesn’t oppress but instead chose to lay down His life for His sheep.
PRAY FOR CHRISTIANS TRYING TO HELP. For decades, VOM has provided help and encouragement to Christians in Afghanistan. Pray for the wisdom of front-line workers, and pray that God will open new pathways for them to continue their work under Taliban control. (https://www.persecution.com/2021-08-afghanistan/?_source_code=EM21H7)
Saints, please join me in praying for the people of Afghanistan.
