Pray for Syria

About Syria

The capital is Damascus. People speak Arabic. The largest faith is Islam.

Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.

Prayer briefing for Syria

Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.

Current events

On 28 October Syria hosted Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Damascus on his first visit, and the leaders discussed trade, energy and security. Violence has not ended: on 26 October Syrian authorities said Jordanian airstrikes aimed at Islamic State positions in the south killed seven civilians, and the two countries agreed to investigate together. In the north, Kurds returning to an area near Tel Abyad were attacked, while 229 displaced families left camps in Idlib to go home.

We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.

Leadership and politics

Syria is led by a transitional government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, after the fall of the former government in December 2024. In October he appointed new heads of the national petroleum company and a sovereign fund. In September UN experts urged the government to suspend old laws that took property from displaced families and to replace them through the People's Assembly.

We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.

Economic health

Years of war left the economy shattered. The UN says nearly 90% of Syrians live in poverty, and aid agencies report that about two in three live in extreme poverty, compared with about one in ten before 2011. About 15.6 million people need humanitarian help, and the UN appeal for 2026 seeks about 2.9 billion US dollars.

We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.

Social and cultural issues

Syria is home to Sunni Arabs, Kurds, Alawites, Druze, Christians and others. In March 2025 about 1,400 people, mainly Alawite civilians, were killed on the coast, and a UN inquiry found that war crimes were likely committed by fighters on more than one side. Deadly clashes in Sweida in July 2025 involved Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes and government forces. About 5.5 million Syrians are still displaced inside the country. About 438,000 Palestine refugees remain in Syria, according to UNRWA (2025).

We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.

Spiritual landscape

About 87% of Syrians are Muslim, with Sunnis about 74% of the population and Alawi, Ismaili and Shia Muslims together about 13%. Druze are about 3%. The number of Christians is unclear because so many have been displaced or have left the country, and Christian communities remain in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama and other places.

We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.

Religious freedom

The new authorities have pledged to protect minorities, but the US Commission on International Religious Freedom reports a gap between those pledges and abuses on the ground, including land taken from Christian and Yazidi families. In June 2025 a suicide bomber killed 22 people at Mar Elias Church in Damascus during worship, and church leaders called on the authorities to protect places of worship. USCIRF recommends that Syria be named a Country of Particular Concern.

We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.

Historical wounds

Since 2011 the war has driven about 11 million people from their homes inside Syria, and more than 5.4 million Syrians are refugees abroad, the largest refugee crisis in the world. The former government declared a chemical weapons programme, and in September 2026 inspectors verified the destruction of 42 declared chemical bombs, the first such confirmation since 2014. Since December 2024 more than 1.5 million refugees have come home.

We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.

Let us pray together

Our Father, we come to You together for Syria. Stop the violence, protect the displaced as they return home, and comfort every grieving family. Give President al-Sharaa and all who lead wisdom, integrity and justice for every community. Provide homes, work and daily bread as the nation rebuilds. Bring reconciliation between Sunni, Alawite, Druze, Kurdish and Christian neighbours, care for the Palestinians who live here, and protect the displaced and the vulnerable. Let the hope of Jesus be known in every city and village. Keep believers safe and free to worship, and heal the deep wounds of war, exile and loss. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sources

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