Praying The News

In 1923, Swiss theologian Karl Barth advised young theologians to “Take your Bible and take your newspaper and read both. But interpret the newspaper from your Bible.” This great advice is still current.

As our news sources have multiplied, we have many more opportunities to know what is going on all over the world. If you read or listen to today’s news, you know how crucial it is for us to pray now!

God’s Word talks a lot about prayer. Psalm 86:6 says, “Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.” James 5:16b says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

We must pray for our world. The situation in Afghanistan, as well as the situation at our own southern border, needs the prayers of Christians today.

Afghanistan: Pray for…

• safety and calmness for the situation in the country

• the families being pulled apart

• those helping to evacuate people from the country

• our leaders as they make decisions

• our servicemen and women risking their lives to help others

• the resettling of the refugees

• doors to be opened to share the Gospel and that Afghans will be saved

• the underground Christian church

Our Southern Border: Pray for…

• safety and stamina for the Border Patrol

• safety for those who live along the border

• our Texas Baptist River Ministry missionaries as they minister to the immigrants

• the immigrants and their motives for crossing the border

• churches in Texas to find ways to help minister during these stressful days

Please stay current on the news and use it to prompt your prayers.

Written by WMU of Texas President Earl Ann Bumpus