Praying for Refugees: 4-Day GuideSample

Day 4 – Praying for refugees: Hope

Hope: A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

Reflection

The author of Hebrews says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1). In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul highlights hope, alongside faith and love, as one of life's three most important things. Hope is central to the gospel message and the well-being of the human soul. And hope is what we have abundantly in Christ—enough to generously share with others in need.

When we pull together acceptance, hospitality, and peace, we fuel hope in someone's life.

• Hope that things will get better.

• Hope that God has a plan and future for them.

• Hope that they can be part of something good.

• Hope that their life matters.

Fueling hope may look like helping someone find a place to stay, bringing someone a warm meal, or helping a family set up a bank account. When we help someone meet a practical need, we infuse hope that they can make a better life for themselves and their loved ones.

One more thing: Hope is contagious. When we cultivate it in someone, they take that hope and share it with others. And our own internal stores of hope grow as well.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the hope I have in Christ. I did nothing to earn it and can't do anything to prove I'm worthy of it. So, I freely accept it and want to walk in it each day. In love, you filled my heart with faith, hope, and love. I now ask you to guide me so I can be an expression of your hope in the lives of others. Help me overcome my fear and discomfort so I may be a blessing to you and others. Thank you for reminding me we're all foreigners and exiles in this world. Help me to be light and love in my world. Amen.

Learn more about Bethany Christian Services and how you can extend Christlike welcome to new refugee neighbors at www.Bethany.org/refugees.