How should the church pray in uncertain times? This article surveys the Bible and shows how other Christians prayed and how the church can follow in their footsteps.

Source: Australian Presbyterian, 2003. 3 pages.

Contemporary Worship Ten Ways to Pray in Times Like These

1. “Lord, do something that will show people Your glory over all the earth.”⤒🔗

“O God ... let Your glory be over all the earth.” Psalm 108:5
“Be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5

This is a moment for God to do something that no diplomat, no world leader, no army could possibly do — so all will know that “the Lord, He is God.”

2. “Lord, use these anxious and uncertain times to bring many to Christ.”←⤒🔗

“Pray ... that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1
“May God be gracious to us and bless us ... that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among the nations.” Psalm 67:1, 2

God can use this fearful time to reach the hearts of many — in Iraq, in Australia, America, across the Middle East, among the young men and women of the military.

3. “Lord, guide our leaders to be instruments of Your will on earth.”←⤒🔗

“I urge ... that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority.” 1 Timothy 2:1, 2

A believer’s responsibility to “honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17) and to pray for those in authority transcends political labels and issues — it is a spiritual responsibility!

4. “Lord, protect the innocent.”←⤒🔗

“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in time of trouble ...” Psalm 40:1
“A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:5

In the violence of war, of oppression, of terrorism, only God can protect the innocent — innocent citizens, innocent victims, innocent combatants.

5. “Lord, use human authorities to bring punishment on evildoers.”←⤒🔗

“The governing authorities ... are God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the evildoer.” Romans 13:1,4
“It is God who judges; He brings down one, He exalts another.” Psalm 5:7

Ultimately it is God Himself, sometimes using human instruments, who removes those He does not want in authority any longer. “He brings princes to naught.” (Isaiah 40:23)

6. “Lord have Your way and Your will in the lives of our enemies.”←⤒🔗

“Pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27

Jesus has charged us to represent even our enemies before His Throne of Grace.

7. “Lord make a way for people to live in the dignity and freedom that goes with being made in Your image.”←⤒🔗

“Live as free men...” 1 Peter 2:16
“Weep and wail, because of the misery that is coming upon you ... you who have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men...” James 5:1, 5, 6
“Act justly ... love mercy ... walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Every person on this planet is “God’s workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10), worthy of the dignity and respect a “God’s image” person should have.

8. “Lord, help Your people model peace in these troubled times, pointing the people around them to Jesus — at a time when hearts are soft.”←⤒🔗

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm, and secure.” Hebrews 6:19
“Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” John 4:35

This uncertain time is a life-saving moment — when those who belong to Jesus have an unusual window to introduce Him to those who don’t. But the window may not be open for long.

9. “Lord, use world events to open many doors that have been closed to Your gospel.”←⤒🔗

“The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm.” Nahum 1:3
“Pray that God may open a door for our message...” Colossians 4:3

God’s plan is much larger than disarmament, political change, or military victory — He’s about getting the Good News of His Son to hearts and places it has never gone!

10. “Lord, bring peace out of all that’s happening.”←⤒🔗

“That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:2

God has told us that the result He desires in answer to our prayers for our leaders is a climate where peace and righteousness can flourish.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.