Helping churches pray for the Lord’s people around the world.

Below are monthly resources to help your church community to pray big prayers to our big God for people and places where Anglican Aid is working around the world.

Each update includes a slide, prayer points, and a written prayer.

Never miss an update – subscribe here to have Big Prayers for Churches delivered to your inbox each month.

May prayer focus:
Praying for mothers who are displaced

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month, please pray for Anglican Aid projects that support people who have been displaced. For a mother who has fled war, caring for her family is especially difficult when she has lost her home and livelihood, and has no means to shelter, clothe, and feed her children. 

Jamila was a widow and mother of six when tribal conflict flared in her village in Marsabit, northern Kenya. Her house was burned down and everything she owned was either burned or stolen. Jamila fled with her children, grandmother, and aunt and settled in a camp for internally displaced people. 

Supported by Anglican Aid, the Diocese of Marsabit has provided food for the displaced families in the camp and shared the hope Jesus gives. This year, they also helped Jamila’s family take the first steps towards returning to her village by providing iron roofing sheets to help rebuild her house. 

“We thank God that our land is now peaceful, and some people are returning to their homes,” said Jamila. “This is a great step which I wouldn’t have been able to start by myself. I thank the church and the donors for the support.” 

Almost half of the world’s 75 million displaced people are in sub-Saharan Africa. Anglican Aid partners with Anglican dioceses in Mozambique, Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, and DR Congo as they care for families who have fled war and conflict. This Mother’s Day, please pray for mothers who are displaced, and for Anglican Aid’s partners supporting them in extremely difficult circumstances. 

Pray:

• Praise God that his people are supporting families who have fled war or conflict. 
• Pray that God will provide displaced families with food, shelter, medical care, and the means to re-establish homes. 
• Pray that God will strengthen displaced mothers to persevere through great difficulties. 
• Pray that God will help Christian mothers who are displaced to raise their children to know and love Jesus. 
• Pray for peace and a return to order in Mozambique, Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, and DR Congo. 

A prayer for mothers who are displaced:

Mighty God, our Lord and King, blessed are all who take refuge in you.

We thank you for Anglican Aid partners who are caring for families who have fled war or persecution. We pray especially for mothers who have lost their homes and have no means to look after their children. God of compassion, please provide them with food, shelter, and medical care, and resources to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Would you bring many mothers who are displaced to know that you are God, their ever-present help in trouble, and that nothing in all creation can separate us from your love.

Lord of peace, you make wars cease to the ends of the earth. We pray that you would restore justice and peace, enabling families 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.

April prayer focus:
Training church leaders around the world

As we prepare to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection this Easter, we can give thanks for those who have shared the message of Jesus with us and skilfully, faithfully taught us from his word.

Anglican Aid is working to strengthen God’s church around the world through supporting Bible training at trusted partner colleges. Last year 1,500 people were trained for gospel ministry with support from Anglican Aid. This includes around 300 pastors and hundreds of lay church workers, women’s, youth, and children’s ministers.

Many of Anglican Aid’s partner Bible colleges are operating in especially difficult contexts where there is persecution, violent conflict, or poverty. Anglican Aid is supporting 17 Bible schools in DR Congo, helping with construction and running costs. Some of these are operating in active war zones. There are over 500 students currently enrolled in these schools.

In Nigeria, the Christian Institute is preparing students for ministry in the northeast, where Christian villages are coming under violent attack from Islamic extremists.

Anglican Aid is also supporting the Bible training of students at colleges in Myanmar, Nepal, Egypt, Mozambique, Madagascar, Sudan, South Sudan, northern Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Malawi, and Chile.

All of this is with the aim of strengthening God’s church to proclaim the message of our risen Lord Jesus, boldly, truthfully, and faithfully.

Pray:

• Praise God for growing churches around the world and that Bible colleges are equipping leaders to shepherd God’s flock. 
• Pray that Bible college teachers model Christ and teach with passion and truth, guarding the gospel and preparing students for ministry in challenging contexts. 
• Pray that students grow in faith and knowledge and develop godly character, as by his Spirit, the word of God transforms hearts and minds. May the Lord prepare them for a lifetime of service in his kingdom. 
• Pray for God’s protection and sustaining hand over Bible college students in places of war and persecution such as DR Congo, Myanmar, and Nigeria. 

A prayer for the training of church leaders:

Our Father, we thank you for Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep.

We pray for Anglican Aid’s partners who are training church leaders to shepherd your people around the world. As students are nourished with the truths of the faith and good teaching, we pray they will be prepared to shepherd your people well. As they follow Jesus, help them to be eager to serve those under their care as humble, blameless examples to the flock.

Please especially protect and sustain those who are training in places where there is war or persecution. We think of Bible college students and their teachers in DR Congo, Nigeria, and Myanmar. We pray they will be strengthened for endurance for a lifetime of service so when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

March prayer focus:
Please pray for Democratic Republic of Congo as rebels take Goma

Violence has surged in the east of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the M23 rebel group taking over the city of Goma at the end of January. In mid February, they also took control of Bukavu, a city south of Goma. Long-held tribal tensions and the desire for control over mineral resources in the region have driven the escalation of this conflict.

Anglican Aid’s partner in Goma, Life in Abundance, reported that there was already around half a million displaced people in the city before the latest violence. According to the United Nations, nearly 3,000 combatants and civilians were killed in the fighting and thousands more injured. Homes have been destroyed, and services like electricity, internet, and water, cut off.

Together with Life in Abundance, we are responding to the emergency by helping displaced people find shelter in church buildings or with Christian families. Generous donations to our Forced to Flee Appeal last year have allowed us to respond immediately to our partner’s request for aid for 5,000 people including:

• Corn flour, rice, beans, and cooking oil
• Clothes
• Sanitary items
• Medicine

Our Christian brothers and sisters on the ground are caring for the spiritual and emotional needs of those affected too. With help from Anglican Aid, they’re setting up trauma counselling workshops, and offering God’s comfort through prayer.

Pray:

• Pray for peace in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

• Give thanks for the love being shown to displaced people by Christians through Anglican Aid’s partner, Life in Abundance. Pray for them as they provide essential aid including food, medicine, shelter, and clothing to people displaced by violence.

• Pray that the governments of DRC and neighbouring countries will act wisely and justly to bring peace.

• Pray for God’s comfort for those who have lost loved ones or experienced trauma.

• Pray that Bible College students in DRC supported by Anglican Aid, would be able to return to their colleges despite transport disruptions, and that they would be able to study in peace.

• Pray that God will strengthen his church in DRC to proclaim the gospel and bring lasting peace to this troubled country.

A prayer for Democratic Republic of Congo:

Mighty God, our Lord and King, while the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain, we know that you have authority over all things. All who take refuge in you are blessed.  

We pray for our brothers and sisters in Goma and Bukavu in Democratic Republic of Congo, where violence has again flared. Please bring comfort, healing, and restoration to the people of these cities, now under the control of a rebel group. Would you restore order and install leaders who will govern wisely, and for the good of the people. 

Thank you for our brothers and sisters from Anglican Aid’s partner, Life in Abundance who are caring for people who have been displaced in the conflict. As Life in Abundance workers show your love by providing food and other essentials, help them to share the hope they have in you. 

We pray that the gospel will go out in DRC, and many will find new life in Christ. Would you enable Bible college students who are supported by Anglican Aid to learn how to correctly handle the word of truth. Prepare them to build up the body of Christ, so your people are united in the faith and in the knowledge of your Son. Please change hearts to bring lasting peace to this troubled country. Our Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, we pray in your name and for your glory. 

Amen. 

February prayer focus:
Back to school in East Africa!

As kids are heading back to school in Australia, the school year is also beginning in East Africa where there are over 2000 children in schools and education programs supported by Anglican Aid.

We praise God that Tarime Girls Secondary School in Tanzania is due to open this week. Around 30 girls, aged 14 and 15, have enrolled. This school will enable girls to complete a secondary education, bringing them better employment opportunities and options besides child marriage. The school is poised for growth, having employed five teachers and a chaplain, and it is now registered with the government so it can conduct external exams. We praise God for the generosity of Christians in Australia who have given to enable this school to be built!

Also currently due to welcome its first kindergarten students, St Thomas’ Primary School, Engaruka is educating Maasai children. To date, getting to the nearest school for children in this area has involved a three-hour walk, so few children have been able to attend school. We praise God that this new school has opened.

These are just two of 12 Christian schools and education projects supported by Anglican Aid in East Africa that are helping to educate around 2125 children! Please pray for them as they start a new school year.

Pray:

• Give thanks for the generosity of Christians in Australia that has enabled the building of Tarime Girls Secondary School and St Thomas’ Primary School, so girls and Maasai children can be educated.
• Pray for God’s ongoing provision for schools and education projects in East Africa supported by Anglican Aid.
• Pray for adequate rain and uninterrupted water supply for schools in East Africa. Zimbabwe and Zambia experienced a devastating drought in 2024.
• Pray that teachers at schools supported by Anglican Aid will share a love for Jesus with the children and their families.
• Pray that students at schools supported by Anglican Aid will learn well, come to know Jesus, and grow up to share the benefits of their education with others.

A prayer for Anglican Aid schools as the new school year begins:

Our Lord, the true and living God, you made the earth by your power, founded the world by your wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by your understanding.

We praise you that Anglican Aid schools and projects in East Africa are helping students to learn and flourish in your good creation.

Thank you for new Christian schools due to open this week in Tarime and Engaruka in Tanzania. We praise you for providing for these schools to be built and ask you to keep supplying everything they need – faithful staff, water, electricity, books, classrooms, and equipment.

Please bring many students to these schools and help teachers to skilfully instruct with patience, so students learn effectively and see your goodness reflected in your people. As these children grow up, would you help them to share the benefits of their education with others. And would you bring many of them to know Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In his name we pray.

Amen.

January prayer focus:
Please pray for Damascus Church Aid in Syria

You may have heard of recent events in Syria with the overthrow of the government of President Bashar al-Assad, after 13 years of civil war.

We have been in touch with our long-term partner in Syria, Pastor Samir Yacco from Damascus Church Aid, who tells us that the takeover by the Islamist rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was relatively peaceful and his church has been able to resume its worship meetings, Bible study, and Sunday school.

However, years of war, an earthquake, and economic sanctions have taken their toll in Syria. Infrastructure – including schools, roads and hospitals – has been destroyed, the economy has shrunk, and food prices have soared.

Pastor Samir said that representatives from the new government are assuring faith leaders in Syria that things will be better under the new regime.

But many in Syria and around the world are watching to see how things will unfold. Some are expressing concern about what kind of religious freedom will exist and whether Christians will be in danger, particularly those who have a Muslim background.

“We have to watch,” said Pastor Samir. “The Lord is still supervising this universe – we have no fear. At least there has been no killing; no kidnapping; no violation or breaching of civil liberty or freedom. Only the shortages of resources are the nightmare of Syrian people now.”

Pray:

• Give thanks that Damascus Church Aid has faithfully cared for neighbours in need and proclaimed the gospel through years of trouble in Syria.
• For the nation of Syria to be able to re-build and replenish after years of civil war and economic sanctions.
• That displaced Syrians returning home will be able to rebuild homes and livelihoods.
• That Christians in Syria will be free to continue meeting publicly and following Jesus under the new regime.
• For the protection of Muslim background believers in Syria.
• For God to strengthen his church in Syria.

A prayer for Damascus Church Aid in Syria

Our Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace,

We thank you that Anglican Aid’s partner, Damascus Church Aid, has continued to care for neighbours in need through years of war and economic sanctions in Syria, all the while sharing the hope they have in you.

Would you help the nation of Syria to restore schools, hospitals, and roads after years of civil war. As displaced Syrians return to their country, help them to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. We ask that the new government will bring stability to Syria so your people can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. In this time of transition, please strengthen our Syrian Christian brothers and sisters with all power according to your glorious might so they have great endurance and patience.

As Syrians hope for a new era of peace, we pray that many will hear the good news of Jesus and turn in faith to him, the Prince of Peace, so they can know peace beyond all understanding and enjoy new life with him forever.

We pray in his name and for his glory.

Amen.

December Prayer Focus:
Anglican Aid projects around the world at Christmas

As we remember the coming of our King Jesus, would you please join in praying for Anglican Aid partners as they celebrate Christmas in very different contexts to ours?

Just like us, many will be taking the opportunity to proclaim the message of Jesus at Christmas events and church services. Some will share gifts in the name of Jesus with children and families living in poverty.

For others, Christmas brings additional danger. Last year at least 295 Christians were killed during the Christmas period in co-ordinated attacks on Christian villages in Plateau State in northern Nigeria. Our partners in the Diocese of Jos said that many were displaced after these attacks with an Internally Displaced People camp in the area housing 8,000 people.

After these attacks, one pastor from the Diocese said, “We do not and will not go for any reprisals or attacks. The Lord is our help and refuge.”

In Nigeria, more believers are killed for their faith each year than everywhere else in the world combined and Christmas seems to be a particularly dangerous time. Please pray for Christians there.

Anglican Aid, in partnership with Canberra-Goulburn Diocese, is supporting the Diocese of Jos as it provides emergency aid for Christians who have been displaced by violence. It is also supporting Jos Diocese as it builds a school for disadvantaged children and trains Christian leaders for ministry in this difficult environment.

Pray:

• Praise God for Anglican Aid partners who are boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus at Christmas events in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. May God’s Spirit bring many to faith in Jesus.
• Pray that families who receive gifts from Anglican Aid partners at Christmas will also accept the best gift – new life in Christ.
• Pray for the protection of Christians in Nigeria as they gather to celebrate Christmas.
• For God’s provision for Christians in Nigeria who have been displaced by violence.

A prayer for Anglican Aid projects around the world at Christmas

Our Lord God, we thank you for the good news of great joy for all people that we celebrate at Christmas, the coming of Jesus, our Saviour.

We thank you for Anglican Aid partners around the world who are bringing this news to their neighbours at church services and other events. Help them to share the message of Jesus clearly and with courage and kindness. As partners share gifts with people in need, we ask that many will also receive the best gift of all, forgiveness and new life in Christ.

We pray too for the protection of Christians in Nigeria as they gather to celebrate Christmas. Help them to keep trusting you in this hostile environment and to keep showing your love and forgiveness to people who would seek to harm them. Ultimately would you bring many in Nigeria to repentance and faith in Jesus, so they begin a new life with him that lasts forever. We pray in his name and for his glory. Amen.

November Prayer Focus:
Lebanon and the Middle East

Over the last month, many families from the conflict zone in south Lebanon have moved north, seeking safety. Some have sought help from Anglican Aid’s long-term partner, Good Shepherd School. In response, the school is now sheltering displaced families and helping them with essentials like bedding, clothing, and food.

Directors of Good Shepherd School, Reem and Emil Bourizk, have also taken families into their home alongside their own children. “We know that we should not say no to the stranger,” they said.

Bombardments in their area have brought the conflict very close to home. On 15 October, the BBC reported 21 people were killed in an airstrike in north Lebanon, near their village.

Emil said: “The evil one is shaking our area. But this is giving us as children of and witnesses of the Lord Jesus an amazing opportunity to shine the light of the Lord and share the love of the Lord. This is a very rich time, a time of suffering and trouble, but also rich for the gospel. Please pray with us.”

Pray:

• For peace, and an end to the war
• For protection and wisdom as Reem and Emil care for strangers seeking safety
• For God to comfort those experiencing trauma
• In thanks that God’s people are sharing his light

A prayer for Lebanon and the Middle East

Almighty God, our Lord and King, blessed are all who take refuge in you.

We pray for peace in the Middle East. We pray for governments and those in authority in Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza. Please give them wisdom and the will to bring an end to the war. We ask this so suffering is eased, order restored, and your people in these places can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Father of compassion and God of all comfort, we lift up those who mourn loved ones or have lost homes and livelihoods in the conflict. Would you comfort them and provide food, shelter, and resources to rebuild homes and livelihoods. We thank you for the kindness being shown to displaced people by Reem and Emil Bourizk from Anglican Aid’s project Good Shepherd School in north Lebanon. Would you protect them and give them wisdom as they care for strangers who come to their door. Please encourage their hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. May their light shine so many see their love and glorify you, our Father in heaven.

We pray that in this time of trouble in the Middle East you would bring many people to trust in the Lord Jesus as their King forever. It is in his name we pray and for his glory. Amen.

October Prayer Focus:
Please pray for the Democratic Republic of Congo

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Attacks in the east in recent months have left thousands of people displaced.

This nation of 100 million people ranks as one of the five poorest in the world. Government services are scarce, so the Anglican church there seeks to serve by running 700 schools and 90 health centres.

With its extreme poverty, DRC is one of Anglican Aid’s priority countries. We are helping the Anglican Church to renovate and build schools and Bible schools. We are also providing funding for the operation of 17 Bible schools to strengthen the church with trained gospel workers.

Please pray with your church:

• For peace in DRC, especially in the east of the country.
• For safety for ministry workers as they travel in dangerous areas.
• That Anglican church schools will provide quality, Christian education to children who will grow up to serve the Lord and use their education to benefit others.
• That Bible college students and the churches they lead will be shaped by God’s word and bring transformation to their communities.
• That God will build his church in DRC.

A prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo 

Almighty God, you are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We pray for our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Anglican Aid is seeking to strengthen the church. Would you bring peace to this nation that has suffered decades of conflict.

For people who have been displaced after fleeing violence, please provide food, medical care, shelter, and resources for people to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. And please give them hope by the power of your Holy Spirit. Where there is disorder and chaos, would you restore order and peace, enabling people to flourish in your good creation.

Please help children in Anglican schools in this nation to learn well, growing up to serve you and using their education to benefit others. Would you enable Bible college students to learn how to correctly handle the word of truth, so they can build up the body of Christ, uniting your people in the faith and in the knowledge of your Son.

We pray in his name and for his glory.

Amen.

To download the slide, click the button, then right click and select ‘save as’. 

Anglican Aid prayer

Heavenly Father,

Whose will it is that all people will be saved, and come to a knowledge of  the truth, and whose will it is that we care for the poor, needy, widows, orphans and refugees.

We pray for the work of the Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid.

We pray for your grace to fulfil every good work that you have prepared for us in advance to do as we anticipate the triumphant return of our King and Saviour, in whose name we pray.

Amen.