Prayers for Turkey and Syria

A series of devastating earthquakes have hit southern Türkiye (formerly known as Turkey) and north-west Syria, killing 50,000 people and displacing more than six million people. Thousands of buildings, including hospitals and schools, have collapsed and infrastructure has been badly damaged.

What's happening in Türkiye and Syria is heartbreaking. People have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions, with humanitarian needs expected to grow in the coming days. Access to clean water will likely be a challenge, bringing the risk of cholera and other diseases.

World Vision is a member of the DEC and, along with others, is taking emergency supplies to those most in need, including food, water, warm blankets, hygiene kits and shelters.

Please stand with us before God in solidarity and in prayer.

Pray with us

For those who have lost loved ones

Heavenly Father, our hearts are moved by the effects of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The grief felt by families who have lost loved ones, or await news of loved ones, is unimaginable. We turn to you, God of all comfort, and ask that you be close to people in the days ahead and that they might know your peace that surpasses all understanding.

For those who have lost homes

Lord God, we pray for those who have lost their homes or have moved to safety away from tall buildings. Please keep them warm in the midst of this harsh winter and provide all they need. We pray especially for children who are confused and frightened by what is happening. May you be for them an oasis of peace in which to take shelter.

For those providing help

Lord God, we thank you for the swift action of those who are already responding. For the rescue teams searching for survivors, we ask for endurance and resilience. For those providing temporary shelter, we pray for the swift delivery of equipment. And for all those in communities offering comfort and help to their neighbours, we pray that you give them selfless compassion.

For the world’s response

Lord, we pray for world leaders as they decide how to respond. We pray that you stir each of our hearts in generosity towards the people of Turkey and Syria.

Amen.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

(2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV)

World Vision is already working on an emergency response. There is much to be done in the days ahead, as well as to support the longer-term recovery.