Praying for the Nations in Ohio
“…and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me.”
— Genesis 22:18 (NIV)
Dear Praying Friends,
Our prayer focus for the month of July is reaching the nations. From God’s covenant with Abraham to the vision in Revelation of every tribe and tongue worshiping Jesus, Scripture reveals the heart of God for all peoples. We rejoice that the promised Messiah has come—and in Him, every nation on earth is blessed.
As followers of Jesus, we are all invited into the Great Commission: to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19–20). While some are sent to go across the globe, many of us are called to love, welcome, and disciple the nations that God has brought right to our neighborhoods—right here in Ohio.
● As of 2023, over 47.8 million immigrants live in the United States—nearly 1 in 7 people.
● In Ohio, more than 622,000 foreign-born residents now call this state home—over 5% of our population, and growing.
● Immigrants in Ohio come from across the globe, including Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, and they contribute deeply to our communities, workforce, and churches.
Meanwhile, the global refugee crisis has reached unprecedented levels. As of late 2024, more than 123 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced due to war, persecution, or natural disaster—including nearly 38 million refugees. In the United States, refugee resettlement continues steadily, with tens of thousands arriving each year, some of whom find safety and new life in cities and towns across Ohio.
As we pray for the nations this month, we remember God’s command from Leviticus 19:
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (vv. 33–34)
This month, let’s take time to meditate on these Scriptures. Ask God to shape your heart to reflect His. Let’s pray for immigrant families, international students, and refugees across Ohio to encounter the love of Christ through His people—and let’s ask God to use His Church to disciple every nation He has brought to our doorstep.
Click the link for our PDF prayer guide on this topic.
Blessings to you this July!
Ursula Kemp
Pray for Ohio
As you pray into this topic, click here for our monthly PDF prayer guide
