Responding to News With Prayer

Christians shouldn't bury their heads in the sand about the suffering of Christians around the world. 

We should be praying for them.

I believe that following news at least of a certain sort is not something that should be entirely avoided.
I'm concerned for Christians in Ukraine, Afghanistan, China, Indonesia, and other countries as well. Please keep aware of what's going on for the sake of praying for people. 

I remember that Russia does not allow evangelism outside of church which includes fines for evangelicals witnessing.

There are Christians who need prayer beyond your immediate circle of friends.

Also, Christians need to be praying for those who are not Christians to hear the Gospel, repent, and to trust in Christ. 

God uses our prayers and encourages us when we see how He is working, although His plans are eternal.  Our prayers are a part of His plan.  Revelation even mentions golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

When we pray for things He has promised already, we can be certain that it is within His will.  Clearly, we don't know all of His plans that have not been revealed in Scripture.

I also need to continue to pray for sanctification both for myself and for other believers. 

I desire the prayer of other believers, and I want to pray for people as the requests and news stories and people stand out to me to pray for. 

Even if my prayers are simple, I know God cares and is sovereign and can help people in ways I can't even think of. 

He can save people I might think are hopeless for seeming so hardened for so long.  When I don't feel like praying for someone, then that is on me.  Loving one's enemies and praying for them may not always be easy, but it is still right.

While I tend to be fearful when I shouldn't, I don't think we as believers should entirely close our eyes and shut ourselves off from what is going on...though for a time it could be sensible for our sanity and health or to avoid sinful responses.

While we don't know all of the immediate future, the things set in Scripture are certain.  So, my focus should be foremost on God and the Kingdom and not on the storms and waves and looming wars, yet I need to care enough to pray.