I’m sure that, like me, many of you are deeply concerned about the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which is being increasingly covered by the international news media. (You can find out more here).   

The deteriorating situation means the country is facing what the UN has described as “one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory.” There are now 10.5 million internally displaced people (IDPs)* in Sudan, making this the largest displacement crisis in the world. Almost all of these IDPs are in areas with acute levels of food scarcity.  

And it’s not just Sudan that is seeing an increase in IDPs. According to the International Organisation of Migration, 32.5 million people have been internally displaced due to violence across sub-Saharan Africa. In places like Nigeria, Mozambique, and northern Kenya, a rise in tribal clashes and Islamic extremist attacks have forced many people to flee their homes.  

In response to these escalating crises, Anglican Aid has launched a Forced to Flee Emergency Appeal to help our long-term partners in these countries provide essential aid to the displaced.  

But in cases like these, money alone cannot solve the problem. So I urge you to join me and the Anglican Aid team in praying for the displaced, and for an end to the conflicts they are fleeing. Below is a prayer you might like to use in your individual prayer time, or in your church or small groups.  

A PRAYER FOR THE DISPLACED

Almighty God, you are a refuge for the oppressed; a stronghold in times of trouble.  

We pray for Anglican Aid’s partners in Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, and beyond who are caring for those who have been forced to flee their homes. Please enable them to provide essential aid and spiritual care to those who need it most.  

God of all comfort, please bring comfort through the love of your people to those who have lost everything. For those who have been targeted due to their Christian faith, please direct their hearts into your abounding love and Christ’s perseverance. And for those who do not know you, we pray that they would find their ultimate refuge in Jesus.  

Lord of peace, you make wars cease to the ends of the earth. We pray that you would restore justice and peace, enabling people to return to their homes. Please bring the perpetrators of violence to repentance. And help us, and all your people, to fix our eyes on that day when Jesus will return to renew this broken world, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.  

In his name we pray, 

Amen. 

* An internally displaced person, or IDP, is someone who has fled their home due to conflict, violence, or disaster, but has not crossed an international border.