Prayer about sexual abuse scandal in Chilean Catholic church

Bishop Charles Scicluna will be listening to Chilean victims.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/01/30/Pope-sends-sex-crimes-expert-to-Chile/7531517344394/?utm_source=sec&utm_campaign=sl&utm_medium=14

Lord, today we pray for truth to come out about sexual misconduct in the Chilean Catholic church. We know people are deeply hurting, and that several victims have come forward to share about abuse from Rev. Fernando Karadima. The Vatican and the Pope’s personal responses have fallen flat for many, causing concern that other victims might be afraid to share their stories. Lord, our desire is for healing to take place. You see how sexual abuse leaves such deep scars and impacts more than the direct victims. May the truth come out as part of the healing process. We are thankful Pope Francis is sending a sex crimes expert to Chile to investigate the situation. We ask your blessing on this expert’s work, in order to help not only victims, but to ensure these crimes will not happen again, and that anything that comes to light in the future will be handled swiftly, graciously, and appropriately. We also pray for Maltese Bishop Charles Scicluna as he listens to victims in Chile. May he demonstrate Christlikeness as he hears from these hurting hearts. May he exercise great wisdom in his responses. Lord, please bring healing to the hurting in Chile as the Catholic church in this nation deals with this scandal. Please bring beauty from ashes. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about Nairobi fire that left thousands homeless

https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/29/africa/fire-outbreak-kenya-four-people-dead/index.html

Lord, today we pray about the fire in the Lang'ata neighborhood of Nairobi that killed four people last night and left approximately 6000 homeless. We are grateful for the firefighters’ prompt and efficient response, but devastated that a lack of water prevented them from containing the fire for about eight hours. Heavenly Father, we first pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Please comfort them in this dark hour. Next, we pray for the thousands who now find themselves homeless. Please provide for their needs. May Nairobi’s citizens and leaders reach out in generosity and wisdom, meeting immediate needs and discerning adequate long-term solutions for these individuals and families who now find themselves in these dire circumstances. Finally, Lord, we pray that fire trucks in Nairobi will never find themselves running out of water again. May city leaders determine how to prevent this from happening. May promises for better trucks and improved service come to fruition. And may any faults in current plans and operations come to light so they can be corrected. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer about massive terror attack in Kabul

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/suicide-blast-in-central-kabul-kills-at-least-10-wounds-scores-officials-say/2018/01/27/4a30fcb6-0344-11e8-9d31-d72cf78dbeee_story.html?utm_term=.20b10f728d64

Lord, we grow weary of terrorists and the destruction and death they crave. But we will not stop praying against their wicked work. Today we express our outrage that Taliban insurgents would use an ambulance as a vehicle of death, detonating a massive bomb on a busy Kabul street. Lord, we pray for those who are wounded, fighting for their lives even now. Please intervene wherever possible, providing the best available medical care, wisdom and efficiency for medical personnel, and stout hearts for those who attempt to hold onto life. Bring healing for the more than 150 people whose wounds vary from minor to major on this day. Bring healing from the psychological trauma. Heavenly Father, we also pray for those who grieve. With at least 63 fatalities, including police personnel, the entire city of Kabul (and beyond) grieves today. We grieve with them over these precious lives taken with total disregard for their value. And, Lord, again we pray against the vile work of these terrorists. Thwart them on every side. May they lose favor with those who help them. Give them a lack of direction, poor leadership, dwindling resources. And open their eyes to see the reality of what they are doing: destroying their own brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ powerful name, we pray, amen.

Update on the World Watch List

Last year I focused on persecuted believers around the world by committing Fridays to the World Watch List. Because Open Doors (creator of the list) offers World Watch List prayers via email, I am going to cease that practice. I do, however, urge you to pray for persecuted nations faithfully. Please sign up for Open Doors' email updates here: https://www.opendoors.org.za/christian-persecution/world-watch-list-2018/. Thank you.

Prayer about Cape Town's water crisis

https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/24/africa/cape-town-water-crisis-trnd/index.html

Lord, today we pray for the city of Cape Town, South Africa, which may soon be completely out of water. Heavenly Father, it is very difficult to imagine a city of four million people without water. First, we pray for those residents who are still operating without restraint in their water usage. Please convict them of their need to play a responsible part in this calamity. We pray for the governing authorities, that they might have divine wisdom in how to handle this crisis. We pray for those directly involved in the distribution of water and enforcement of limitations: for protection from those who are upset, and for exceeding grace and peace as they carry out their responsibilities. We are thankful that many people are able to find refuge in other areas that still have water. Bless those who extend hospitality during this time, and may houseguests and hosts have extra patience with each other as they weather this crisis together. We pray for mercy and provision for the most vulnerable: the impoverished, the elderly and the disabled, who have limited to no alternatives. Motivate responsible citizens and Christ-followers to look out for those in need. We pray for all the people of Cape Town to learn through this crisis--about gratitude, responsibility, selflessness, priorities, faith, and much more. Most of all, Almighty God, we pray for rain. We ask you to send rain to Cape Town and surrounding areas. Show your power and provision through sending rain. We humbly ask, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer about increased violent crime in Jamaica

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/01/22/Jamaica-issues-state-of-emergency-as-violent-crime-soars/3221516600453/?utm_source=fp&utm_campaign=tt&utm_medium=6

Heavenly Father, today we pray for Jamaica, particularly the parish of St. James. We are thankful the Jamaican authorities have acknowledged the rapid increase in violent crime there, and that they are taking aggressive measures to address the concern. We pray the state of emergency will bring about concerted effort in decreasing the murder rate. We pray for the security forces as they search for gang members, scammers, wanted individuals, persons of interest, and other criminals, as well as guns and ammunition. We pray for effectiveness and yet discretion as they implement these searches. We ask that those who harm will be apprehended and that the innocent will not be caught up in the dragnet. Of course, we pray for the root problems of sin, greed and desperation that rule the hearts of those who perpetrate violent crimes. May your light and hope permeate the parish of St. James. May your children in that area effectively spread your love in these communities. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for under-resourced pastors in Nicaragua

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKxY95DlcK0

Lord, today we pray for the nation of Nicaragua and the pastors who seek to feed your sheep there. We know this nation struggles with poverty, and that this struggle leads to high drug and alcohol abuse. We also know that many people are in bondage to witchcraft as the answer to their problems. We pray for the pastor-shepherds in Nicaragua, who seek to nurture and disciple your children. We know many of them are untrained and lack support. Today we thank you for the work of Walk Thru the Bible in this land. We pray you will continue providing for the needs of that ministry, so they can support and equip pastors, who will in turn support and equip their congregations. We do ask for the provision of a national director of Walk Thru the Bible in Nicaragua, in order to lessen the load of the regional director, who cannot meet all the needs of the nation Nicaragua. We pray for the removal of obstacles in getting pastors to attend training events. Help them get there, learn deeply and quickly, and be effective in passing on their training to others under their care. Please support and sustain these pastors and their families. Protect them from violence and protect them spiritually. May they thrive in you in ways that overflow into reaching the communities around them. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about kidnappings in Nigeria

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/updated-four-expatriates-kidnapped-kaduna/

Lord, today we pray for the four North Americans who have been kidnapped in Kaduna, Nigeria. We know kidnappings are incredibly complicated, with lives being at stake, but the desire to not increase the practice through caving to ransom demands. We pray for great wisdom for those handling this kidnapping, that they may rescue the four kidnapped individuals very quickly. We do pray against the increased kidnappings in this area, and specifically along the Kagarko-Jere road. We pray that those who are tempted to kidnap will realize the incredibly high risks and harm involved in this crime are not worthwhile, and that this practice is not the answer to desperate situations or greed. And, Lord, we pray for the families of the security guards who were killed during this terrible incident. Please bring comfort and peace. Please provide for those families. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for 13 children tortured and held prisoner by their parents in Southern California

http://fox6now.com/2018/01/15/a-dozen-siblings-found-starving-some-chained-inside-california-home-after-teen-escapes-sheriff/

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the 13 children and young adults who were held prisoner by their parents in Southern California. We do not know how one of them escaped, but we are so thankful this brave 17-year-old girl was able to flee her home and find help for her 12 siblings. We ask your blessing on the police officers and deputies who investigated her story and freed the remaining captives. We now ask for healing for these officials as they process the horrifying circumstances they witnessed. Lord, we are absolutely bewildered by the behavior of David Allen Turpin and Louise Anna Turpin toward their own offspring. We are sickened when we see such evil spring from human hearts. Lord, please bring out the truth and bring about justice for these young people. Most urgent: bring healing. Help these malnourished and abused bodies to carefully adjust to regular nutrition and healthy treatment. Be with foster families who take in these children. Lavish extra grace and wisdom on them as they care for young people who have been so horribly mistreated. May these children learn to function normally, to receive love, to trust. May they meet you, the Healer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer for North Korea - #1 on the World Watch List for persecution

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/902661/open-doors-watch-list-2018-christian-persecution-north-korea

Lord, today we pray for North Korea, which tops the World Watch List for persecution yet again. Our hearts are heavy for Christians languishing in prisons and labor camps, enduring torture and starvation, wondering about the well-being of their families. Their loads are so heavy, yet we know you see them. We thank you for your Holy Spirit, who cries out on their behalf from both our hearts and theirs. We pray for those believers who are “free” in North Korea, yet living under relentless pressure in every facet of life: home, work, community, church. May they experience your joy and hope, despite feeling under constant surveillance. Heavenly Father, we pray for the nation of North Korea to be freed from tyranny. May North Koreans be able to think, act and worship as they deem best. And, Lord, we pray that the extra exposure provided by the Olympics in neighboring South Korea will prompt people around the world to pray and act on behalf of the oppressed in North Korea. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen. 

Prayer about anti-Semitic arson attack in Paris

https://www.timesofisrael.com/muslim-owner-of-torched-paris-kosher-shop-i-just-feel-sick/  AFP Photo/Alain Jocard

Lord, today we pray about the suspected anti-Semitic attack that happened in the southern Paris suburb of Creteil yesterday. One destroyed grocery store may not seem like much in this wide world, but one man’s world has been completely upended. And what the attack represents is a big deal, indeed. Lord, we are sickened by the anti-Semitic vandalism that has targeted the kosher grocery stores in this neighborhood. We are disgusted that it would escalate to actual destruction. And of course we cannot forget the anti-Semitic violence that has happened in this area, including murder. Please work in hearts in this neighborhood. May this destruction actually bring to light the ugliness of anti-Semitism. May those who have teetered toward prejudice be snatched from its grip when they see the fruit of hate. And, Heavenly Father, we pray for the Muslim owner of this Jewish shop. We are refreshed that he does not feel his Muslim faith prevents him from serving his Jewish neighbors. We are saddened that people of his own religion would feel the need to punish him in such a violent way. Please work in this man’s heart to bring peace and Hope. Give him courage to move forward again in life, so he does not need to live in fear. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. 

Prayer for diphtheria treatment center in Bangladesh

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/diphtheria-treatment-center-in-bangladesh/

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the diphtheria treatment center that Samaritan’s Purse has opened in Bangladesh in order to serve Rohingya refugees. First, we pray about the diphtheria outbreak. Lord, we know this highly contagious disease can spread like wildfire through a refugee camp such as Kutupalong. We pray for the 800,000 people finding refuge there. We know the conditions are cramped, but we pray they can make the absolute best of the situation and practice the best hygiene possible. We pray for containment of this infection. We also pray specifically for the vulnerable children, that they would receive vaccines in order to avoid contracting this dangerous disease. Next, we pray for the treatment center. We thank you for providing this. Bless those who are serving and those who are funding this medical center. May the funds continue to come in and the staff continue to be available. Protect the staff as they serve, so they can help as many people as possible. We celebrate the healing that has already taken place, due to the center’s services. We pray that all those who arrive at the treatment center would receive the medication and treatment they need so they may recover quickly. We pray for the medical professionals to have great insight into how to treat those who are in critical condition. We ask for your healing hand to work mightily, not only to provide physical healing, but to heal hearts and souls as well. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Thanksgiving for a rescue and continued prayer for the Chibok girls' plight

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/01/05/Kidnapped-Chibok-schoolgirl-rescued-in-Nigeria/6541515169598/?utm_source=sec&utm_campaign=sl&utm_medium=8 and https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2017/08/28/Boko-Haram-leader-confesses-to-Chibok-abductions-surrenders/1451503945363/?st_rec=6541515169598

Lord, we rejoice today that another of the Chibok girls abducted in 2014 by Boko Haram has been rescued! Even with more than 100 still missing, we rejoice over this one daughter, friend, sister, who will soon be restored to her family. We also give thanks for the two other girls located with her. Please bring healing to these girls, and provide kind, loyal and insightful people to walk alongside them on the long journey to restoration. Heavenly Father, we know you have not lost sight of these girls’ plight. You are sovereign. We marvel over what we human beings have chosen to do with the autonomy you have given us: both beautiful works beyond description and the most horrific evil--such as Boko Haram routinely includes in its operations. We do not lose hope for the terrorists who participate in Boko Haram’s activities. We think of Auwal Ismaeela, a former top commander in Boko Haram who turned himself in to authorities in August. May others from this group recognize that the terrorists’ practices do not align with their supposed mission. May they recognize evil for what it is. May they turn themselves in and help return captives to their families. We continue to pray for the Chibok girls in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer for Ethiopia as political prisoners are released

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/01/03/Ethiopia-to-release-all-political-prisoners/1831514982808/?utm_source=sec&utm_campaign=sl&utm_medium=11

Heavenly Father, we pray for Ethiopia, where officials announced today that all political prisoners will be released and Maekelawi, a prison ward at the center of torture allegations, will be closed. Lord, we are so thankful the Ethiopian government desires to bring about healthier political dialog within their land. We are thankful that many who are unjustly imprisoned will now be free. We pray for the adjustment of these individuals back to their regular lives, that the process would go smoothly, and that the released prisoners would reconnect with loved ones in healthy ways. We pray that any released prisoners who are perhaps actual threats to choose to contribute value to their communities, rather than causing damage—to make the most of this extra grace bestowed upon them. We pray for truth to come out where needed regarding the Ethiopian political and justice systems. We do pray that the Maekelawi prison-turned-museum will become a place of learning and remembering, and a center for hope rather than hurt. We ask your blessing on Ethiopia, and that 2018 will be a year for this country to move forward into health, expectancy and growth. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about impending crash of Tiangong-1 space station

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2018/01/01/rogue-chinese-space-station-expected-to-hurtle-toward-earth-in-2018-researchers-say.html

Lord, today we pray about the Chinese space station Tiangong-1, that it would cause absolutely minimal damage when it crashes to earth in the near future. We ask for your blessing on researchers as they seek to further narrow down the anticipated time and location of its crash, so that affected people will be able to prepare as well as possible. We are thankful the space station seems likely to re-enter in an area that will not harm people or property. We do pray that debris will, indeed, avoid all people. We also pray about the potential presence of the highly toxic and corrosive substance called hydrazine that could survive re-entry. We pray that the hydrazine would not survive re-entry and thus not cause any harm. We also pray for better management of space stations in the future, so this type of situation can be avoided. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.