Months ago, we prayerfully planned our summer series, Love Your Immigrant Neighbor, without knowing what would unfold in our own city. We couldn’t have predicted how much the needs of immigrant and refugee families would be in the spotlight this very week. But God knew. In His kindness and sovereignty, He is inviting us to respond not with fear or debate, but with compassion, prayer, and Christlike love.

At Christ Community Church, we are not looking to make a political statement or argue about legal status. Our desire is to reflect the heart of Jesus, the one who welcomed the stranger, wept with the grieving, and brought healing to the broken. We are called to be a people who see, care, and intercede on behalf of those in need.

That is why we have created a Weekly Prayer Guide for Immigrant Families in Stress, rooted in Scripture, to help you pray intentionally each day for the many layers of need our neighbors face. Here is a glimpse of how you can join us in prayer throughout the week.

Day 1: Prayer for Children and Youth

“Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

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Children are often the most vulnerable in times of transition. Immigrant and refugee kids face new schools, unfamiliar languages, cultural barriers, and the fear of being separated from loved ones. Pray that God would protect them, calm their anxieties, and surround them with teachers, mentors, and classmates who show kindness and understanding.

Day 2: Prayer for Legal and Asylum Cases

“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free.” – Psalm 146:7

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Many families are caught in the complexity of legal systems and asylum proceedings. They face interviews, court hearings, and the possibility of separation. Ask God to bring clarity and justice in every case. Pray for immigration attorneys, translators, and advocates who stand with them to be filled with wisdom and endurance.

Day 3: Prayer for the Church’s Response

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2

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This is a moment for the Church to be the Church. Pray that Christians in Omaha and beyond would respond with hospitality, courage, and grace. Ask God to stir the hearts of His people to become mentors, ESL teachers, support volunteers, and safe communities. Confess where we have been passive or indifferent and invite God to move us into deeper obedience.

Day 4: Prayer for Healing and Restoration

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

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Many have lost more than we can imagine, including homes, family members, language, culture, and a sense of belonging. Others carry wounds from persecution, trafficking, or emotional trauma. Pray for deep emotional and spiritual healing. Ask God to meet people in their pain and begin a process of restoration that only He can complete.

Day 5: Prayer for Advocates and Helpers

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” – Proverbs 31:8–9

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There are many behind the scenes who serve tirelessly, including nonprofit staff, case workers, church leaders, and volunteers. Pray that God would protect their hearts from burnout, renew their strength daily, and fill them with wisdom and love for every person they encounter. Pray that their work would be Spirit led and deeply impactful.

Day 6: Prayer of Hope and Trust

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

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We end this week with hope because God is still writing beautiful stories of redemption. Pray that every immigrant and refugee family in our city would experience the nearness of God and the kindness of His people. Thank Him for what He is already doing and ask for eyes to see and join Him in His work. Declare over each life a future filled with purpose and peace.

Day 7: Prayer for Families in Transition

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

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Every journey begins with upheaval. Pray for families arriving in new places with uncertainty and fear. Ask God to provide safe housing, nourishing food, meaningful relationships, and people of peace to guide them. Pray for parents who are navigating school systems, medical appointments, housing needs, and jobs, often in an unfamiliar language.

This is a time to love not only in words but in prayerful presence. Let us be the kind of people who see, feel, and act with compassion, the kind of Church that reflects the heart of Jesus.

Let us pray with conviction. Let us love with purpose. Let us stand with our neighbors in their time of need.

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