Brink Of War? A Prayer For The Nations

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

The skies are clear. The children can play freely.

The only sounds we hear are birds chirping, children laughing, and the everyday rhythms of life and work.

This is the peaceful life we enjoy here in Switzerland.

But not everyone gets to live like this.

Right now, many families – especially children – are hiding in bunkers, unable to run or laugh in open fields, their lives overshadowed by the deafening sound of bombs and sirens.

My own family is going through a difficult and uncertain season, yet our challenges pale in comparison to the suffering endured by those in war-torn regions.

And instead of grumbling, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the peace, protection, and provision we experience each day.

Every waking hour, at mealtimes, and before we go to bed, our family – especially our children – remembers to lift in prayer those who are afraid and alone, grieving and mourning, displaced and heartbroken.

One afternoon, after picking up my children from school, we were waiting for my son to return from his swimming class when I noticed my daughter, Callie, speaking with a woman wearing a hijab and abaya.

She turned out to be the mother of my son’s classmate. We greeted each other warmly.

Later at home, Callie told me that the woman had shared, in French, that Israel was killing Muslims, and that she hated Israel and the United States because they were “killers.”

I asked Callie how she responded. She said she just listened.

Then I asked her how she felt hearing those words.

She quietly replied, “It made me ask myself: Who am I for?”

I never imagined I would be having this kind of conversation with my child.

But it was a powerful and sobering moment, a reminder that we live in a world marked by pain, division, and misunderstanding.

I told my children that our family doesn’t take sides. We love the Muslims as much as we love the Jewish people and fellow Christians.

We pray for Iran, Palestine, and the Arab nations in the same breath that we pray for Israel.

I wish there were more we could do beyond teaching and raising awareness, to ease the pain of innocent people caught in the crossfire.

But I truly believe that intercession, rooted in compassion, is one of the most powerful things we can offer right now.

Prayer is what the world desperately needs.

Here is our family’s prayer for the nations in these perilous times:

A Prayer For The Nations
Father, we acknowledge that You are sovereign above all. You are in control. Nothing surprises You, and nothing can shake You.

Not only do You reign, but You are seated firmly on Your throne.

Let Your glory be revealed across the earth. Amid the turmoil and conflict among nations, may Your peace reign.

Grant wisdom to world leaders. May their decisions be guided not by anger or vengeance, but by discernment and understanding.

We pray for the de-escalation of conflict and for the healing of wounds, seen and unseen.

We lift up our Jewish and Muslim, Ukrainian and Russian brothers and sisters. Show Yourself to be merciful, gracious, and compassionate toward them.

Heal the brokenhearted. Bring peace to the weary and fearful. You hear the cries of Your people. You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit.

Let unity replace division, love replace hatred, and peace rise out of chaos. We will be still and know that You are God. Therefore, we shall not fear.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.”
– Psalm 46:1–2 (NLT)