Amid intensifying warfare in Ukraine, the United States has paused several weapons shipments to Kyiv, citing the need to prioritize national defence readiness. The decision, confirmed by the White House, reflects growing concerns that U.S. stockpiles are being stretched too thin after more than two years of heavy support for Ukraine.

Key shipments impacted include Patriot air defence systems and precision-guided munitions vital tools in Ukraine’s effort to defend against relentless Russian aerial attacks. The pause arrives just days after Ukraine endured its most massive aerial assault yet: more than 500 missiles and drones targeted Ukrainian cities, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure.

While the U.S. insists the strength of its military remains unshaken, this moment marks a turning point in American support. Defence leaders are reassessing how best to balance aiding allies with safeguarding homeland readiness. Ukrainian officials have responded with concern, calling the decision painful amid Russia’s increasing gains, including full control of the eastern Luhansk region and territory in Dnipropetrovsk.

Tensions in the region remain high. Russia’s President Putin recently reiterated his claim that Ukraine “is ours,” while Kremlin forces continue their slow advance. Yet, Ukraine has also struck deep into Russian territory, targeting arms facilities with long-range drones. Meanwhile, international diplomacy stirs again: French President Macron held his first conversation in over two years with Putin, urging a ceasefire and negotiations.

The U.S. decision comes just weeks after President Trump’s face-to-face with Ukrainian President Zelensky at the NATO summit. While the two leaders have had a rocky relationship, talks have resumed, and prior suspensions of military aid and intelligence sharing were eventually reversed.

For followers of Christ, this pause is more than policy it’s a reminder of the sobering cost of war, the weariness of nations, and the need for lasting peace. Military might can delay destruction, but it cannot rebuild hearts, cities, or hope. Our ultimate trust is not in weapons or alliances, but in the God who “makes wars cease to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 46:9).

Prayer Pointers (One Min Prayer for Ukraine & Russia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoX_5peamEQ )

1. Pray: Ukrainian civilians caught in the crossfire, that God would be their shield, refuge, and source of hope.
2. Pray: and ask the Lord to give discernment to U.S. and global leaders as they balance aid, readiness, and long-term peace.
3. Pray: for softening in hardened hearts on both sides of the war—that the Spirit of God would stir repentance and peace.

Prayer – Praying for Peace for Ukraine & Russia
Lord God, protect the innocent in Ukraine and Russia alike. Let mercy interrupt violence. Give leaders courage to pursue peace, not pride. Break the weapons of war and raise up Your church to bring healing where fear and hatred have taken root. Amen.

“He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear.” Psalm 46:9 (ESV)

More: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgk33k204ddo

In a small northern village in Sri Lanka, the dirt tells a story. One that families have carried in silence for decades. Chemmani, once just a quiet Tamil village near Jaffna, is now known for something darker: mass graves. Hidden beneath the soil may lie hundreds of victims - ethnic Tamils believed to have been killed or disappeared during the civil war.

This June, the UN’s top human rights official, Volker Türk, visited the Chemmani grave site, where excavations recently unearthed 19 skeletons, including children. For people like 68-year-old Manuel Jeyachandra, whose son was taken by military personnel in 2008 and never seen again, this moment brought a flicker of fragile hope.

Jeyachandra is one of thousands of Tamil parents still waiting to know what happened to their missing loved ones. Since the war’s end in 2009, over 21,000 formal cases of missing persons have been submitted to Sri Lanka’s Office on Missing Persons. Yet justice has been painfully slow. At least 384 parents have died without answers.

Many fear the government lacks the will or the courage to face its past. UN officials and human rights groups are calling for independent, international investigations and transparent excavations carried out to global forensic standards. Without truth, they warn, there can be no closure. And without closure, there can be no true peace.

The Tamil community, once silenced, is raising its voice again. Protests, vigils, and testimonies are emerging, led not only by elders, but by a new generation. Youth groups are stepping up, organizing exhibitions and public storytelling to preserve the memory of the disappeared and demand accountability.

For believers, this moment invites intercession. Scripture teaches that every hidden thing will one day be brought into the light (Luke 8:17). Justice delayed may not be justice denied, if the Church will weep with the grieving and pray for truth to break through the stone walls of impunity.

We pray for the God who sees, even in the soil, to raise up voices of righteousness, heal the deep wounds of war, and bring restoration to the land and people of Sri Lanka.

Prayer Pointers

1. Pray: for grieving families to find answers, and for the truth about the disappeared to be revealed with clarity and compassion.
2. Pray: to stir the Sri Lankan government to act justly and transparently, resisting cover-up and committing to full accountability.
3. Pray: for the Church in Sri Lanka to be a voice of healing, advocacy, and hope amid grief, silence, and suspicion.

Prayer – Praying for the people of Sri Lanka

Lord, shine Your light on every buried truth. Comfort grieving families who still wait. Let justice rise from the dust and move leaders to act with courage. Heal Sri Lanka’s wounds with truth, mercy, and the power of resurrection hope. Amen.

 “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Luke 8:17 (ESV)

 More: https://www.ucanews.com/news/unearthing-the-truth-buried-in-sri-lankas-mass-grave-sites/109475

Australia is entering formal talks to join a new defence and security agreement with the European Union, signalling a significant shift in its international posture amid a worsening global security environment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa during the G7 summit in Canada to explore the proposed partnership.

The potential agreement would align Australia with other EU security partners like Japan, South Korea, and the UK, covering cooperation in military exercises, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, defence industries, and critical technologies. The talks follow recent dialogue in Singapore and Rome, where the proposal was first floated at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

Though initially cautious, the Australian government appears increasingly open to deepening military ties with Europe, especially under pressure from President Trump for allies to boost defence spending. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently warned that nations failing to invest adequately should “learn to speak Russian,” underscoring the West’s growing alarm over Russia’s military posture.

Australia’s defence and foreign ministers, Richard Marles and Penny Wong, are tasked with advancing the agreement. EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, confirmed progress, noting shared democratic values and strategic interests between the EU and Australia.

Albanese also met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss joint military technologies such as over-the-horizon radar and Canada’s potential entry into AUKUS Pillar II, which focuses on emerging defence tech including AI, hypersonics, and quantum computing.

While the Israel–Iran conflict casts a shadow over the G7 meetings, Albanese continues bilateral discussions with leaders from Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany, as well as a crucial meeting with President Trump. The Australian leader is also expected to request tariff exemptions and reaffirm commitments under the US–UK–Australia nuclear submarine pact.

Prayer Pointers:

1. Pray: Australia’s leaders to act with discernment as they forge new security alliances in a volatile global climate.
2. Pray: for God to restrain escalation and use these diplomatic efforts to protect lives and promote peace among the nations.
3. Pray: for the Church to stay awake, courageous and a clear voice of hope and holiness in an age of militarised uncertainty.

Prayer for Australia

Lord, in a world arming for conflict, we ask for wisdom over war, peace over pride. Guide Australia’s leaders in truth. Restrain escalation. Raise up Your Church as peacemakers in the storm, anchored in Your unshakable kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

More: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/16/australia-to-hold-talks-aimed-at-entering-defence-pact-with-eu

This declaration, announced by Elias Sithole of the National Disaster Management Centre, enables the national government to mobilize resources and coordinate relief efforts across provincial lines. Under the Disaster Management Act, such a classification is used when a crisis exceeds the capacity of provincial response mechanisms and requires national intervention.

Since June 9, communities across the country have faced worsening weather patterns, highlighting the limitations of existing contingency plans. The national designation allows the activation of the SANDF, SAPS, and other national bodies, enabling a unified, more robust emergency response. Government departments and agencies will now be tasked with coordinating relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery efforts.

KwaZulu-Natal had already been operating under a provincial disaster classification earlier this year due to flooding, but this broader national declaration now incorporates multiple affected regions. According to the government, the focus will be on restoring services, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and supporting displaced or affected citizens. Updates and progress will be monitored and reported regularly.

The disaster classification will remain in effect until the situation no longer meets the criteria or is officially revoked. Citizens, churches, and aid groups are being encouraged to participate in relief efforts and prayer.

Prayer Pointers:

1. Pray: protection and strength for families displaced or grieving due to loss, and for quick recovery of essential infrastructure.
2. Pray: for God to guide leaders coordinating disaster relief to act with clarity, compassion, and urgency, leaving no community overlooked.
3. Pray: for long-term resilience against climate-related disasters and for wisdom to build systems that protect the vulnerable.

Prayer: Praying for the grieving, displaced and leaders

Lord, we lift South Africa to You. Bring comfort to the grieving, strength to the responders, and shelter to the displaced. Guide leaders with clarity and compassion. May Your mercy flow through every floodplain and heart. Restore what the storms have broken.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

More: https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/828522/national-state-of-disaster-declared-in-south-africa/

At least 31 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded following nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The demonstrations, held on “Saba Saba Day” (July 7), marked the anniversary of Kenya’s 1990 uprising for multiparty democracy and were driven by ongoing public outrage over proposed tax hikes, police brutality, and perceived government corruption.

Over 532 people have been arrested, with reports of two forced disappearances. The violence, which erupted in major cities including Nairobi and Eldoret, saw armed gangs allegedly working alongside masked police officers in unmarked vehicles. Protesters clashed with security forces in 20 of Kenya’s 47 counties, and widespread destruction to property including supermarkets, has further heightened tensions.

President William Ruto’s response has drawn strong criticism, especially after publicly stating that police should shoot looters in the legs rather than kill them - a remark seen by many as an endorsement of violence. Civil society groups, including the Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group, condemned the heavy-handed tactics used by security forces, which they claim defied court orders prohibiting such excessive deployment.

The United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) voiced deep concern over the killings, urging Kenyan authorities to ensure accountability and respect for international human rights obligations. Meanwhile, the Kenya National Cohesion and Integration Commission, a government body, warned politicians not to stoke ethnic tensions and denounced the police for their use of excessive force.

These protests form part of a broader wave of unrest that has gripped Kenya since June 2024, primarily led by youth demanding economic justice, political reform, and an end to state-sanctioned violence. More than 100 people have now been killed since the protests began.

Families of the victims and many Kenyan citizens continue to call for international oversight, police accountability, and structural reform, especially as the official response increasingly risks further polarising the nation.

Prayer Pointers:

Pray: for those grieving to receive comfort, truth, and justice for loved ones killed or disappeared in the crackdown.

Pray: ask God to raise righteous leaders in Kenya who value peace, equity, and the dignity of every life.

Pray: and intercede for protection and moral courage for peaceful protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders across Kenya.

Prayer for Peace and Justice in Kenya

Lord, we lift up Kenya in this hour of grief. Comfort families, protect the innocent, and raise up leaders of justice. Let truth prevail, violence cease, and Your peace reign over every street and soul in this broken land. Amen.

“Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”  Proverbs 31:9

For more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/9/at-least-31-dead-532-arrested-in-kenyas-antigovernment-protests

30 Days of Prayer for the Church in Israel and Iran (17 June – 16 July)

There is one more week remaining of this prayer initiative, and we would welcome your participation!

On Pentecost Sunday, together with millions around the world we cried out for the salvation of Israel, for Jews, Arabs and Internationals in the land, and for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

I am sensing a strong burden for the Middle East in the light of the ongoing crisis there and would like to invite you to continue to uphold that region and, in particular, the Christian Church there.

We have prepared some daily prayer pointers focusing on real-life people across the region who are serving God as evangelists, church planters and pastors. Many of these believers have sacrificed much for the Gospel and we want to uphold them at this critical time of challenge and opportunity for the Church there!

As well as daily prayer pointers, we are also bringing testimonies, answers to prayer and background story podcasts, to give you fresh perspectives that will inspire and encourage you in your prayers!

Every prayer counts! – Together with our IPC family, and in partnership with some underground house church movements, we are mobilizing 5,000 prayer ministries from 150 nations to pray for Jesus followers in Israel and Iran.

Among those committed to pray are 1.5 million Muslim background Christians who are joining us!

I really hope that you can be part of this tsunami of prayers at this significant time.

Sign up for daily prayer pointers HERE

We are pleased to make available four powerful excerpt videos from the recent 2025 Global Day of Prayer for the Jewish World livestream held during Pentecost weekend!

WATCH ON IPC Youtube

Video 1 - a 40 minute program of key moments from the live stream. Perfect to use in a prayer and worship setting, or for personal devotions. (40:00)

Dr Jason Hubbard from International Prayer Connect and Brian Alarid from World Prays introduce excerpts from the June 2025 Global Day of Prayer featuring leaders from around the globe and many millions online!

Video 2 - 'Lord, Use Me' - an inspiring talk from Rick Warren. (26:17) See IPC Connections Editorial article 2 for the full transcript.

Video 3 - Pray for Someone by Name - An introduction to the 110 Cities initiative and Pray for 5 - focusing on our calling to be praying for those who don't know Jesus. (7:52)

Video 4 - Pentecost Praise led by the ORU Worship Team. (21:33)

1. When Wind Meets Fire
2. Yahweh We Love You
3. Center
4. Holy Forever
5. Give Me Jesus

VIEW AND WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE

More info at www.110cities.com | www.prayforall.com | www.ipcprayer.org | www.oru.edu

Join Us for 15 Days of Prayer for the Hindu World (12–26 October 2025)

“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.” (Psalm 96:3)

We warmly invite you, your family, and your church to join International Prayer Connect for 15 Days of Prayer for the Hindu World, from 12–25 October 2025. Together, let’s stand in prayer for over 1.2 billion Hindus, many of whom have never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

This special prayer initiative surrounds Diwali, the Hindu “Festival of Lights”- a time when hearts are open to spiritual conversations and new beginnings. As Hindus celebrate light triumphing over darkness, we believe this is a prophetic moment to pray that many will discover Jesus, the true Light of the World (John 8:12).

We’re excited to announce that adult and children’s prayer guides have been prepared in over 30 languages and are available at 110cities.com. These guides feature powerful testimonies - like miraculous healings that led entire villages to Christ - alongside fascinating facts, cultural insights, and profiles of cities where significant unreached Hindu people groups live. Each day offers focused prayer points and links for further exploration.

This journey culminates on 20^th October with a Global Day of Prayer, uniting believers worldwide to intercede for breakthrough among Hindu communities.

“Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance.” (Psalm 2:8)

Whether you’re a church leader, a family, a youth group, or an individual intercessor, your prayers can open spiritual doors and transform destinies.

Let’s raise our voices together so that every Hindu person may one day hear and respond to the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Join us - and let’s pray for the Hindu world!

More info: https://110cities.com/hinduism/

Join the Eurasia 24/7 Prayer Summit – Called to the Wall!

13-15 October 2025 (Optional Prayer Journey on 16th) - Island of Malta

Across Europe and the Middle East, there’s a rising sense of urgency and hope. The spiritual heritage of these lands runs deep, and many believe we are standing on the threshold of a great awakening.

In this pivotal hour, Jericho Walls International Prayer Network and IPC warmly invite you to the Eurasia 24/7 Prayer Summit, taking place 13–15 October 2025 on the beautiful island of Malta.

The summit’s theme, “Called to the Wall,” echoes the powerful words of Isaiah 62:6-7:

“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”

God is raising up watchmen—men and women who will not rest until Heaven touches Earth in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The Eurasia Summit is a gathering for those who carry a burden for prayer for revival in these regions. Leaders from every nation in this vast and diverse part of the world will gather in Malta to celebrate what God is doing and contend for what is yet to come.

This summit is part of a global movement, one of five strategic gatherings around the world, all carrying the same vision: to see 24/7 prayer established in every nation on earth by 2033.

The mission is clear—to encourage, equip, and empower leaders to build unceasing prayer in local churches, cities, and nations.

Whether you are a pastor, prayer leader, intercessor, or simply someone burning with a vision to see God move in your nation, this summit is for you. Let’s unite across borders, languages, and cultures to lift up one sound, one cry, one relentless prayer: “God, have Your way in our nations!”

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/C1_y6nitYfg

Join us in Malta this October. Let’s answer the call to the wall—together.

Click here for details and registration

Enquiries: Maulise Kotze    E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    WhatsApp: ‪+971589853594

An initiative of Jericho Walls International Prayer Network in collaboration with International Prayer Connect and other regional networks

Join the Finishing the Task Breakthrough Prayer Coalition!

“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ…” – Colossians 4:3

As we press on to finish the task of the Great Commission, we know this truth: prayer is the key to every other goal...

It’s how we are led, strengthened, and empowered to do what Jesus has commanded us to do.

That’s why we’re inviting you to become part of the FTT Breakthrough Prayer Coalition—a global prayer force believing God for unprecedented breakthroughs among the unreached.

When you join, you’ll receive monthly invitations to online prayer calls, prayer resources, and praise reports focused on:

• Specific unreached people groups still waiting to hear the Gospel
• Bible translation progress so every language can know God’s Word
• Church planting movements igniting transformation in hard-to-reach places

Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Yet He also promises that “with God all things are possible!” (Matthew 19:26).

Join us as we lift fervent prayers for three key FTT initiatives:

• Pray for Zero: Over 220 million people still lack even a single verse of Scripture. Let’s intercede for translators and their crucial work.
• Pray for All: Imagine praying for every person on earth by name and sharing Jesus with them. Each believer praying for five people can help reach the world!
• Pray 110: Stand with us in prayer for the 110 most unreached cities, asking God to raise up thousands of vibrant, Christ-exalting churches.

Equip yourself with prayer training, resources, and join global prayer moments like Pentecost, One Miracle Night, and the Hindu Day of Prayer.

Be part of a global prayer movement working to fulfill the Great Commission. Join the FTT Breakthrough Prayer Coalition today—and help finish the task through prayer!

More info and sign up