Prayer for journalists after Kabul bombing that targeted them

https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/30/asia/afghanistan-kabul-blasts-intl/index.html  Photo credit: Shah Marai

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the journalism community in Kabul and in other areas that are frequently rocked by terror attacks. We know that today’s double bombing--the first in a high-profile part of the city, followed by a bombing that deliberately targeted the journalists who rushed to the scene to do their jobs--will deeply affect those assigned to bring truth to light and faces to tragedy. We continue to despise terrorism. We are tired of these unceasing bombings intended to bully nations and cultures. We ask you to bring chaos within terror organizations that will lead to inefficiency, questioning their purpose, and ultimately the dismantling of these groups who seek to intentionally maim and kill. We pray that the people drawn to these groups will see truth, feel conviction and choose a different way of life. Lord, we pray for the wife and six children of veteran French photographer Shah Marai as they grieve the loss of their husband and father. May their family and friends rally around them to support and grieve with them, and may this family have clear direction for what to do next. We pray the same for the loved ones of the other seven journalists and 21 citizens killed in these twin attacks. We pray for the wounded, that they would recover physically and emotionally from their wounds. And we return again to praying for the journalists who will now always wonder whether they are being lured to their deaths. It is hard to know how to pray for them as they face this new level of very real danger. May those who should leave this profession or location do so without shame. May those who should remain shore up their courage and conviction. Provide them protection, peace and effectiveness. May their work make a difference, so their risks will be worthwhile each day. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.