As you’re no doubt aware, one of the main stories in the news over the past few weeks has been the so-called Calais Migrant Crisis. Estimates suggest that between 3- and 5,000 people are currently camped in Calais, with many attempting to enter the UK. Reports say that conditions in the camp are worsening and tensions rising.
The situation is hugely complex, eliciting strong opinions on all sides. There are no easy solutions. But whilst we may not know what is the right course of action, it’s important that we pray, entrusting the situation to God and asking for His wisdom and provision.
Deuteronomy 10 says:
‘For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.’ (Deuteronomy 10:17-19)
As people who have experienced the love and mercy of God, it is good for us to come before Him and ask that He would extend His love and mercy to fellow human beings who are suffering, and enable us to know how we too can love those around us.
On Sunday we spent a few moments at our church praying for this situation. If you’re anything like me, it can be hard to know where to start with prayers like this. So I thought it may be helpful to post the prayer we wrote, in case it helps to kickstart some of your own…
_____
Heavenly Father, God of gods, Lord of lords,
We bring before you the situation in Calais and the many thousands who are camped there. We admit that we don’t have all the answers, and often don’t know how to pray. But we ask that you would reign in this situation; that your kingdom would come and your will be done.
We pray for the people in the camp, particularly for those escaping persecution and pain. For those fleeing from Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia and other war-torn lands. We ask that you would comfort them in this unsettled time, provide for their needs and give them hope.
Would you protect the growing number of children in the camp who are alone and vulnerable. And would you also protect and comfort the families who remain in their home countries.
We ask that you would give Governments and all those seeking a solution, wisdom and compassion. Give them the courage they need to make wise decisions, not based on fear, but guided by your Spirit.
Give the media integrity as they report on the situation. May they not dehumanise these people, but portray their plight fairly and with dignity.
Be with the aid workers who are seeking to provide food, shelter and medical treatment for those inside the camp. Provide them with all the resources they need, and help them to maintain peace within the camp.
We remember how you cared for your people when they were foreigners and exiles, and we are grateful for the way you continue to care for us. We long for the day when war, violence and economic hardship will be no more. When nations will stand side by side, united by the Prince of Peace. Until that day, may we love as we have been loved, and may your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
This was originally posted at christchurchlondon.org
Liam Thatcher 