Every minute, 20 people leave their homes to escape war, persecution, extreme poverty, or terror. There are currently 70.8 million displaced people around the world, and 10 million of these fled in the last year alone. Those who flee often end up living in poverty, with insufficient food, clothing, and shelter. On top of physical needs, they are also coping with grief and trauma. 

As the church, we are called to care for the vulnerable and welcome the “stranger” (Matthew 25:35-40). 

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partners with local churches around the world to support refugees and immigrants through education for children, assistance for persecuted Christians, emergency relief for families in crisis, and support for families who have been resettled. In the United States, NCM also works with compassionate ministry centers that are providing legal assistance for people seeking a path to citizenship.

This Saturday, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a time to pray for those who are searching for a new, safe place to call home. Below are prayers you can use in your personal devotional time as you remember refugees, or share with your church family. 

Learn more about the church’s response to the global refugee crisis here.

Prayers for Refugees

A Prayer from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Lord God, as you called your Son back home from his early childhood exile in Egypt, gather from the four corners of the world all refugees who long for a home. Grant peace to those who can return to the homes they left behind, that they might rebuild their lives. Grant courage to those who must move on to new homes, that they might re-root their lives. And grant hope to those who continue to wait without a home, that they might revive their lives. We pray this in the name of your son, our Hiding Place and our Deliverer. Amen.

A Prayer for the People of Syria from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Almighty eternal God, source of all compassion, the promise of your mercy and saving help fills our hearts with hope. Hear the cries of the people of Syria; bring healing to those suffering from the violence, and comfort to those mourning the dead. Empower and encourage Syria’s neighbors in their care and welcome for refugees. Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms, and strengthen the resolve of those committed to peace.

O God of hope and Father of mercy, your Holy Spirit inspires us to look beyond ourselves and our own needs. Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies. Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria, and fill us with hope for a future of peace built on justice for all.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace and Light of the World, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer for Uprooted People from World Council of Churches,

“In Solidarity with Uprooted Peoples”

God of the widow and the stranger you are made known in our Savior Jesus Christ. Born as a migrant, exiled as a refugee, he knew the pain of homelessness but taught his friends the meaning and challenge of love. Lead us as we build communities rooted in hospitality and justice. Amen.