Pray for Syria’s Future

After years of civil war, ethnic strife, poverty, and earthquakes, the newfound freedom washing over Syria is amazing to behold. As rebel forces stormed across Syria over the last few weeks, taking cities from Idlib to the capital Damascus, the national army folded. Once the rebels closed in on Damascus, Bashir Al-Asad, the much despised autocratic president, fled to Russia.

The newly-formed caretaker government, run by a rebel commander and the pre-existing prime minister, pledge to restore peace and safety in Syria. The new leadership has promised protections for women’s rights, and religious freedom for minorities and non-Muslims. These are welcome statements for sure.

At the same time, there is some skepticism in the international community due to past political affiliations of the rebel leadership. The UN is searching respect for human rights and a careful transition to democratic rule. As it stands, the newly installed political leadership of Syria seems ready to take its country forward in a positive direction.

Let’s pray for God to guide Syria forward at this unique time in the nation history.

How to Pray

• Pray for peace: Ask God to end the cycle of violence, and for leaders to choose reconciliation over vengeance. 
• Pray for minorities: Ask God to protect minorities, including Alawites (the former president’s ethnic group), and to avoid more bloodshed. 
• Pray for healing: Ask God to heal Syria as a nation, and to restore broken relationships. 
• Pray for wisdom: Ask God to grant wisdom to church leaders as they guide their communities. 
• Pray for Christian communities: Ask God to strengthen Christian communities, and for them to remain a beacon of hope.