Pray for children in the Middle East

Across the Middle East region, millions of children are facing escalating crises.

In 2026, 44.8 million children are exposed to life-threatening risks from conflict, displacement, disease and climate shocks. Nearly half of all children in the region, 110 million, are growing up in countries affected by conflict, where instability affects every aspect of life.

The scale of need is immense. One in three children are malnourished. Millions lack access to clean water, education and protection. Behind each number is a child facing uncertainty, displacement and fear.

Moments like these can feel paralysing. What can we do in response? How can we pray? We are reduced to silence in the face of it all.

But in the same breath that recognises our powerlessness and humanity, we acknowledge the power and profound love of God. Who knows exactly what it’s like to be a child growing up amidst conflict and occupation in the Middle East. Who knows the face and name of each child who is suffering today. And who listens and responds to our prayers with the attentiveness of our father and the life-giving power of our creator.

Let us pray.

Pray for protection and peace

• Pray for children and families living in conflict areas, that they would be kept safe from violence and harm.

• Ask for peace in the region, that fighting would cease and stability would be restored.

• Pray especially for children left vulnerable to the risks of exploitation, abuse and child-labour.

Pray for provision amidst urgent need

• Pray for provision for the millions lacking food, clean water, and medical care.

• Lift up children facing malnutrition, that they would receive the nourishment they need to survive and grow.

• Ask God to multiply resources and open supply routes in hard-to-reach areas.

Pray for emotional healing and hope

• Pray for children experiencing trauma, fear, and loss, that they would find comfort, healing and hope.

• Lift up parents and caregivers under immense pressure, that they would have strength and resilience.

• Pray for access to safe spaces where children can begin to recover emotionally.

Pray for World Vision's response

Even in the midst of crisis, we trust that God is present and at work. World Vision’s teams are already responding, reaching families with life-saving support.

So far, 1,920 people have received hot meals and ready-to-eat food, with supplies being prepared to reach many more, including food for 30,000 people and hygiene kits for 5,000 families.

• Pray for this response to reach further and faster, that emergency food, hygiene kits and support for displaced families would get to those most in need without delay.

• Pray for wisdom and resilience for teams in the area and working remotely, particularly in Lebanon, Iraq and the West Bank, as they navigate complex and high-pressure situations.

• Pray for provision and open access, that supply routes remain secure and resources continue to grow to meet increasing need.

• Pray for strength and protection for World Vision staff, that they would be sustained emotionally and physically as they care for others.

Praying together

For personal prayer

Focus on one or two themes above and pray specifically for children, imagining their situation and lifting them before God. 

For small groups

Read the statistics aloud, or the introduction as a whole.

Spend time praying through each section.

Leave space for listening and shared prayer.

For church settings

Download this PDF to guide you as you lead prayers in a service. 

Download this PowerPoint to help guide congregations through the various prayers. 

Include moments of silence to reflect on the lives behind the numbers.

Help us as we respond today in Lebanon and the West Bank

World Vision is one of only three organisations already positioned in southern Lebanon. We have staff and supplies in place, providing temporary shelters, hot meals, blankets, hygiene kits and more.

In the West Bank, we’ve been providing emergency relief supplies to families who’ve lost everything.

Your donation today can deliver the life-saving support children need to survive.