As 2026 unfolds, the world faces a convergence of humanitarian, geopolitical, and economic crises that are stretching societies, governments, and aid systems to their limits. According to the United Nations, well over 300 million people now require urgent humanitarian assistance, the highest level ever recorded - driven by conflict, climate-related disasters, displacement, and economic breakdown.

Armed violence continues to fuel hunger and mass displacement in multiple regions, including Sudan, Gaza, Yemen, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, and parts of the Sahel. The World Food Programme warns that conflict remains the primary driver of acute food insecurity, with supply routes disrupted, farmland abandoned, and aid access increasingly restricted. Millions of children are at risk of severe malnutrition, with long-term consequences for entire generations.

At the same time, global instability is rising. Strategic analysts and conflict-monitoring organisations warn that unresolved flashpoints, militarisation, and hardened rhetoric between regional and global powers heighten the risk of escalation through miscalculation. Economic pressures intensify these dangers. The World Bank reports growing debt distress, persistent inflation, and widening inequality, hitting the poorest communities hardest and undermining fragile states.

Climate shocks, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and storms further compound vulnerability, particularly in countries least equipped to respond. Together, these overlapping crises reveal the fragility of human systems and the deep interconnectedness of global suffering.

Scripture reminds us that creation groans under the weight of brokenness, yet God remains sovereign over nations and history. This moment calls the Church to watch and pray. Not only for relief, but for repentance, justice, restraint, and the mercy of God to break into a wounded world.

Prayer Pointers

1. Pray for Civilians in Conflict and Crisis

Pray for men, women, and children caught in the chaos of war, disaster, and humanitarian emergencies. Ask God to protect, provide, and sustain hope where suffering feels unending. Pray especially for the vulnerable, the young, the elderly, and those uprooted. That they would know God as a refuge and strength in every storm.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

2. Pray for Provision Amid Hunger and Displacement

Pray that food, clean water, shelter, and aid would reach nations facing hunger and mass displacement despite insecurity, funding gaps, and political barriers. Ask God to open safe pathways for relief workers, strengthen those who serve in dangerous conditions, and stir generosity in governments, churches, and meet urgent needs with compassion and consistency.

 “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”  Psalm 107:9

3. Pray for Wisdom and Humility Among Global Leaders

Pray that global leaders would walk in humility, restraint, and clarity as tensions rise and decisions ripple across nations. Ask God to guard hearts against pride, fear, and aggression, guiding leaders toward diplomacy. Pray that courage would take the form of mercy, foresight, and protection of human life.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Proverbs 16:18

Summary Prayer

Father God, be our refuge in a wounded world. Feed the hungry, shelter the displaced, and protect the innocent. Break the pride that fuels conflict, grant leaders’ humility and wisdom, and let Your justice, mercy, and peace shine brighter than fear and despair. Amen.

More Information:

• UN Global Humanitarian Overview
  https://www.unocha.org/global-humanitarian-overview
• World Food Programme – Global Hunger Crisis
  https://www.wfp.org/global-hunger-crisis
• Council on Foreign Relations – Global Conflict Tracker
  https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker