1. God is our Refuge A Tearfund prayer resource for Syria, reflecting on Psalm 46 Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

2. PRAYERS FOR SYRIA The crisis in Syria has been described by the UN as ‘the great tragedy of this century’. Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

3. We know that God is present even in the midst of disaster. ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ LOOKING TO GOD Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

4. Since the conflict began in 2011, more than 100,000 people have lost their lives. The UN estimates that more than one third of Syrians urgently need humanitarian aid. CRISIS IN SYRIA Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

5. More than 2 million refugees have fled Syria to neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. Well over 4 million people have been displaced within the country. Access to shelter, food, water and medical care is scarce. DESPERATE NEED Photo: UNHCR/N. Daoud

6. Half of those needing assistance are children. Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

7. Tearfund launched an appeal for Syria in February 2013. Working with partners, we are using funds raised to provide food, accommodation and vital assistance to those in need. RESPONDING IN LOVE Photo: Tearfund

8. Half of those needing assistance are children. We are committed to providing long-term support throughout the crisis. Photo: Tearfund partner Medair

9. Whether in Syria or the UK, we are united as the body of Christ around the world. ‘The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’ UNITING IN PRAYER Psalm 46:7 (NIV)

10. Encouragingly, Christians in Syria and around the world are uniting to pray for the country. In May 2013, denominations across Syria joined together in a worldwide day of prayer for their nation. Photo: Richard Hanson/Tearfund

11. A Syrian pastor told us, ‘We need to pray that God will stop the bloodshed and the war. We need your prayers that God will give us wisdom and faithfulness and energy… It is an opportunity to present the love of Christ.’ PRAYER REQUEST FROM SYRIA Photo: Margaret Chandler/Tearfund

12. We bring our prayers for Syria to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. ‘He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear.’ TRUSTING IN GOD Psalm 46:9 (NIV)

13. Please pray: that God will raise up leaders to work towards a peaceful resolution, and for peace to come quickly for comfort for all who are suffering because of the conflict for access to food, clean water, accommodation and medical care for those in need for all those supporting the relief efforts that the people of Syria will know hope for the future. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER

14. Loving heavenly Father, With heavy hearts we lift before you the people of Syria. We pray that you will be a refuge for the homeless and vulnerable, bring strength to the hungry and weary and show your ever-present help and comfort to those in trouble. Almighty God, who breaks the bow and shatters the spear, we ask that you raise up peacemakers who will lead wisely towards an end to the conflict. God our fortress, We pray for your protection for all who are bringing relief to the people of Syria. Help us to stand faithfully in prayer with our brothers and sisters, until peace returns. The Lord Almighty is with us; The God of Jacob is our fortress. Amen

15. To find out more, or to donate to Tearfund’s Syria Crisis Appeal, visit www.tearfund.org/syria Thank you for being part of a Christian response to the suffering in Syria.