Prayer for teenaged refugees in Greece

http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/29/europe/refugees-prostitution-teenagers-athens-greece/index.html

Lord, today we pray for the teenaged refugees who are trying to survive in Greece. Lord, it is so hard to hear about their plight. It breaks our hearts to read of teenaged boys having to turn prostitution in order to survive. What a web they are caught in! Lord, we are concerned about the root issues here, though they seem almost overwhelming. We pray about the concerns that drove these boys from their home countries. We pray for resolution of these issues, and for the boys to be able to go home. We pray for the men who seek out these boys. Convict them of their sin. Meet their needs in healthy ways so they do not have to exploit children or teens. We pray for the Greek government to be able to find solutions for its refugee problems. May leaders and thinkers determine ways to care for these people who have chosen their nation as their home or temporary stop on a longer journey. May the Greek church rise up to serve the least of these. May the refugees find solutions as they seek a better way of life, and may they contribute value to their host countries. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about Brazilian football team's airplane crash

We grieve the loss of these lives. Photo: Twitter

Lord, our hearts cry out in grief today as we learn of the tragic airplane crash in Colombia that killed at least 75 of its 81 passengers. Lord, what a loss! These football players were headed to fulfill a dream as they advanced in a regional tournament. Instead, they met with untimely deaths. Lord, be with all who grieve: spouses, children, teammates, friends—Lord, we know the entire Chapecoense community grieves. We know all of Brazil grieves, and that the other teams in the tournament grieve. Lord, thank you for being with us in our grief. Bring the comfort only you can provide. Lord, we also pray for the survivors. We pray for healing, consolation, top-quality medical care, recovery from trauma, emotional and financial support, and anything else they need. We pray that their loved ones will quickly reach their sides. Please meet with them all in this devastating time. Draw them close to you. Lord, we pray for the rescue workers sorting through the dead, sifting through the wreckage. We ask you to guard their hearts and their minds in Christ Jesus. May the jubilation of having found survivors give them deep encouragement as they deal with such a horrific situation. Finally, Lord, we pray for the truth to come out about what caused this plane to crash. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.

More information: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-38140981 or http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/11/29/plane-carrying-brazilian-soccer-team-crashes-in-colombia-killing-at-least-75.html.

Prayer about drug-related violence in Guerrero

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2016/11/23/mexican-officials-find-camp-with-kidnapped-man-mass-graves-cooler-full-heads/  Photo credit: REUTERS/Jorge Dan Lopez. 

Lord, today we pray about the drug-related violence happening in the Mexican state of Guerrero. We are so thankful that a kidnapping victim was rescued on Monday. We are saddened that the remains of several previous victims were discovered, but thankful that some families will now have closure. Lord, we pray against these criminal gangs as they operate rural camps where they hold, torture and kill kidnap victims. Lord, convict them of their sin. Awaken their consciences so they will recognize their victims as fathers, husbands, sons and friends. Give them the desire to earn an honest living. We pray for the police and the military as they attempt to increase security in this rural area, where violence is climbing to records heights. And, Lord, reach the hearts of these people who are drawn to violence. Draw them to you instead. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about North Carolina wildfires

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/wind-gusts-bone-dry-conditions-have-mountain-residents-on-edge/468376114
Photo credit: AP

Lord, today we pray about the uncontrolled wildfires raging in North Carolina, USA, and for the thousands of people who are fighting them. Lord, thank you for the success the firefighters have had thus far, preventing loss of life. Thank you for the generosity within the dozens of affected communities, evidenced by people’s helping, hosting and providing food for each other. Thanks for the creative support shown to firefighters through people arriving at ranger stations to do laundry, ask about needs, and pray. Lord, with almost 50 days without rain, this area is so vulnerable. With roaring winds coming in from the west, we know one leaf could spread a barely contained wildfire into a whole new area. Lord, please redirect the wind from that area. Please send rain. Please give the firefighters clear minds, clean lungs and keen strength as they continue to labor against this natural disaster. We pray for truth to eventually come out about who started these fires. We pray for the people who have not yet evacuated to be wise and alert, and to know when it is time to go. And, Lord, thank you for inviting us to ask boldly within your presence. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen.

Prayer about fuel truck explosion in Mozambique

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/18/502576734/fuel-tanker-blast-in-mozambique-kills-dozens-of-people  Photo: AP.

Lord, we are grieved today by the terrible fuel truck explosion in Mozambique. We pray for the dozens killed and dozens more injured. We pray for all the lost to be found and identified, including those who may be in the woods, having sought water to alleviate their injuries. We pray for the injured to be treated quickly and effectively. Help them find the best possible medical care available. Help them to find healthy environments where they can be protected and strong in the fight against infection. Lord, bless those who rose to their aid. We pray that you would calm their hearts and minds as they deal with the trauma of being involved in such an incident. Remove the images of such horrific injuries from their minds. Give them peaceful, restorative sleep. Lord, we pray for the truth to come out about what caused this truck to explode. If there was illegal, risky behavior involved, may future drivers avoid the temptation to endanger themselves and others. We pray for the loved ones of those who passed. Surround them with people who love and care for them. Give them your peace in the midst of tragedy. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer of protection against mines in the Mosul area

http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/15/middleeast/mosul-isis-mines-boobytraps/index.html

Lord, today we pray for Salaam Muhammed and his work with the Mines Advisory Group. Please protect him and his team as they do the very significant and dangerous work of discovering mines planted by ISIS in Iraq. Help them to find, clearly mark, and ultimately disable these mines. Lord, we pray for the children of the Mosul area, that you would protect them from the thousands of mines that are suspected to be planted in their home region. We thank you for the teachers who are instructing them in how to avoid mines and other booby traps. May the children be vigilant, attentive and careful as they go about their days. Lord, it’s sad for us to pray these things, because we want them to be carefree children at play, but we know their reality is different than this. We also pray for all the families who are returning to their homes while there are still so many active mines. Delay as many families as possible until it is safe for them to return. May all be careful as they reenter their homes, so they may first disable the traps set for them. Lord, please give the ISIS fighters who commit such atrocious acts keen consciences so they will no longer endanger so many innocent civilian and children. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer for Kaikoura after the earthquake

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/11/14/nearly-1000-tourists-stranded-after-deadly-new-zealand-quake.html
Photo courtesty Marlborough Emergency

Lord, today we pray for the rescue operation happening in Kaikoura, New Zealand. It’s hard to imagine having your town suddenly become a coastal “island,” completely cut off from the mainland. We pray for the estimated 1,000 tourists and hundreds of residents who are now isolated and without infrastructure, such as water supplies and sewage systems. Lord, we pray for the military as they bring supplies in and people out, using their four NH90 helicopters and a large ship. Please give both the rescuers and the rescued safety, holding off bad weather conditions. Grant people ingenuity, patience, courage and hope as they wait up to several days to be rescued. And please give leaders wisdom as they consider what to do about their city, which now lies in ruins. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen. 

Prayer for Mosul under siege

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/iraq-isis-killed-crucified-40-people-mosul-helping-iraqi-forces-says-un-703589

Lord, today our hearts and prayers go out to the citizens of Mosul, stuck in the midst of the Iraqi security forces' attempts to retake their city, which has been controlled by ISIS for over two years. Lord, gird their hearts and minds. Give them courage. Lord, we are devastated to hear about the 40 citizens who were shot for "treason" and whose bodies were hung from electrical poles around the city today. We are mortified to hear of people being shot on sight for using cell phones in public. Lord, we know the people of Mosul are living in fear and disgust. Please give them hope in the midst of all of this. Protect them. Give them great wisdom and cunning, so they are not trapped or executed by ISIS operatives. Bind families together; may neighbor help neighbor and friend help friend. Even compel stranger to help stranger as they seek to survive this siege. And may your people spread hope day by day as they represent you in this war-torn place. In Jesus' powerful name we pray, amen.

Prayer before the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church

http://www.christianpost.com/news/persecuted-christians-lifted-up-in-prayer-by-churches-worldwide-this-sunday-171345/  Photo: Lifeway Films

Lord, today we pray in anticipation of this Sunday’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Yes, we are praying for a day of prayer, because we believe it is important for the worldwide church to acknowledge our suffering brothers and sisters around the world. We should not forget those who are being persecuted for their faith. May we join hands and hearts on Sunday to consider those whose lives, families, homes and jobs are at risk because of their faith. May we not simply go through the motions, but truly intercede on behalf of the suffering. May prayer services be powerful. May people be changed. Lay it on hearts to regularly pray—and act—on behalf of the persecuted church. And, of course, we pray against the persecution that necessitates this day. Finally, we pray that you may be glorified by your precious children that suffer in your name. In the worthy name of Jesus we pray, amen.

(FYI - The IDOP for the Persecuted Church was also marked Sunday, November 6.)

Prayer for United States presidential election

Major party candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. File photo.

Lord, today we humbly approach you regarding the United States presidential election. Heavenly Father, as you well know, this has been an election like most Americans have never seen. The anxiety, frustration, anger and fear have been very real for so many. Countless citizens have been astounded by the major-party candidates put forward. So many of us have reflected on Romans 1, and how you give us over to our depraved minds. Lord, we rejoice that our citizenship is in heaven. We praise you as the King of kings and Lord of lords. We are thankful that you are sovereign over all of this. So, as Election Day approaches for Americans tomorrow, we pray these things: that any final relevant information may come out regarding any of the candidates; for people to prayerfully research their options, not just for president, but for every election in which they have a vote; that Christians—and all people—would treat each other with kindness and respect, not tearing each other down or criticizing each other’s choices; for voting precincts to run smoothly, honestly and fairly; that both winners and losers would behave with dignity, kindness and humility; and for your people to be lights in the midst of this process. Above all these things, we pray for people to trust you and put their hope in you alone. And, Lord, we pray these timeless words, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven… For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Third party candidates Gary Johnson and Jill Stein. 

This unique election even has an independent candidate, specifically Evan McMullin, entering the conversation in significant ways: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/evan-mcmullin-tip-2016-election/story?id=43306776.
Photo: Getty Images. 

Prayer surrounding trial of Willie Kimani's alleged killers

Read regular prayer updates during this week's trial here:
http://freedomcommons.ijm.org/news/live-blog-seeking-justice-in-kenya

Lord, today we pray for the family and friends of International Justice Mission investigator and human rights lawyer Willie Kimani. Not only have his loved ones been grieving his murder, but they are now facing the trial of the five alleged perpetrators. As you know, Kimani’s family is not the only family going through this literal and emotional trial, but so are the families of the friends killed with him: Joseph Muiruri and Josephat Mwenda. Lord, please bring comfort, peace and hope to all these grieving loved ones. Lord, it is also our fervent prayer that justice be done during this trial. We want truth to come out, your name to be glorified, and justice to be meted. Lord, please be with the IJM legal team that is representing these families. Protect them on every level. Guard their hearts and their minds in Christ Jesus. May their talents shine for you. May they be remarkably effective. May the judge see clearly. May people come to know you through this entire process. And, Lord, thank you for welcoming your beloved Kimani, Muiruri and Mwenda with open arms and special rewards. We are so thankful a beautiful eternity awaits all your children, where a glorious reunion will occur in the midst of our worship of you. Amen!