Praying for a Just World: A reflection on Romans 8:20–27
Stories | July 31, 2026
In this reflection, Stevie Willis, poet, speaker, writer and CBM Associate, reflects on what it means to hold onto hope when creation, communities and even our own hearts are burdened by suffering.
Christians believe that God cares deeply for all creation and for every person within it. Yet we also recognise that our world is marked by suffering, injustice and brokenness. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s desire to restore what is broken and renew all things.
In Romans 8, Paul describes creation itself as longing for that restoration.
“For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope.” (Romans 8:20)
Creation, the earth and nature are groaning under the weight of brokenness. As creation suffers, humanity suffers too. Lives, homes and livelihoods can be lost when disasters strike.
For people with disabilities, the impacts of disasters are often felt most deeply. In many low- and middle-income countries, they are more likely to be excluded from disaster planning and response, putting them at greater risk when emergencies occur.
Paul reminds us that creation longs for the day when all things will be made new.
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:22)
And creation is not alone in that groaning.
We, too, long for restoration, healing and freedom.
“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23)
In this shared groaning, we find connection with creation, with one another and with God.
I live with cerebral palsy and have worked with CBM for 17 years. I grieve that many people with disabilities continue to face barriers that deepen their experience of poverty and exclusion. When disasters strike, they are often among the first to be overlooked and the last to receive support.
I think there is groaning in that grief.
When I consider suffering in our world, I often don’t know how to pray. Have you felt that grief too? That sense of longing? Have you ever been at a loss for words before God?
Paul offers reassurance:
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Romans 8:26)
Even when we cannot find the words, the Holy Spirit prays with us.
As we grieve the suffering we see around us and pray for a more just and inclusive world, we are reminded that we do not carry that burden alone. God meets us in our weakness, and through prayer, compassion and action, invites us to stand alongside others in hope.
Through grief and groaning, we find relationship with creation, with one another and with the Holy Spirit, who continues God’s work of restoration in the world.
Pray with us
Hundreds of people pray with us each day through the CBM Prayer Diary. If you’d like to support our work in prayer, you can request a copy here: https://www.cbm.org.au/pray-with-us
Stevie Willis is a poet, speaker, writer and CBM associate who lives with cerebral palsy. Through her writing and advocacy, Stevie shares perspectives on her faith, disability, accessibility and inclusion. Follow Stevie @steviewillsvibrancy on Instagram and Facebook.
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/praying-for-a-just-world
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