Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Prayer about cease-fire between India and Pakistan

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pakistan-india-agree-stop-exchanging-fire-kashmir-n878476 
Photo credit: Danish Ismail / Reuters

Lord, today we rejoice that India and Pakistan have agreed to stop trading artillery fire in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. We are thankful both nations have also agreed to reinstate a 2003 cease-fire. Heavenly Father, we pray for your peace to descend upon those involved in making these decisions. Reassure them of their wise choice. Give them inner resolve to follow through with this agreement, in order to save lives and bring harmony to lands that have long craved it. We pray these governments will be able to resolve their disagreement about control of this disputed region while in this season of calm. We desire lasting peace between these lands. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Prayer about dramatic rescue of four-year-old by Malian "Spider-Man" immigrant

Links to footage of the incident found here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/28/world/europe/paris-migrant-hero-spiderman.html   Pool photo by Thibault Camus

Heavenly Father, our hearts are warmed and we rejoice over good news today as we consider Mamoudou Gassama’s dramatic rescue of a four-year-old in Paris this weekend. In a world fraught with tension about immigration issues, we are delighted to witness a story with a happy ending for so many people. Lord, we are thankful for Gassama’s courage and the physical prowess that enabled him to scale four balconies to save this dangling child. We are so grateful that timing worked out perfectly to prevent a catastrophe for the family of this little boy. We are warmed by Gassama’s meeting with the president of France, his promised citizenship, the offer of a job with local firefighters. There is so much good news in this situation! And now we pray for this little boy. May he bounce back from this terrifying experience. We request wisdom for the law enforcement officials determining what to do about the fact that this child was left alone while his father distractedly prolonged his grocery outing. We pray for both parents to navigate this terrible situation well, as the mother was not even in the country and is not only deeply affected by her child’s near-death experience, but also has to deal with the press surrounding it and with her husband’s investigation. Lord, draw this family close to you during this time, and may they grow in all ways needed. Finally, Lord, we pray briefly for a situation that requires long-term prayer: the immigration situation in France. Be with those migrants without home and country; be with the government as it seeks to do what is best and right for its citizens. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Friday, May 25, 2018

Prayer about Harvey Weinstein's arrest

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/25/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-to-surrender/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we pray about Harvey Weinstein’s arrest. First, we thank you that truth is coming out about possibly decades of sexually abusing women. Second, we thank you that Weinstein turned himself in. Now we pause to reflect on all that has happened in this absolutely overwhelming situation. Thank you that we can trust you in the midst of all of this. We rejoice that victims can continue to heal. We do pray they will find healing, ultimately in you. As the wheels of justice begin to turn for Harvey Weinstein, we pray for truth to shine, and for people to operate with both grace and justice. We pray for Weinstein, that he would be compelled to face the ugliness within himself. May he humble himself before you and before his victims. May he seek his own healing and salvation after facing his own sin. And, again, Lord, we pray for Weinstein’s victims. Bring them peace, hope, celebration and light. Comfort and sustain them. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Prayer for 13-year-old boy held hostage in South Africa

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/23/africa/south-africa-bitcoin-ransom/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we fervently pray for 13-year-old Katlego Marite, who has been held captive by kidnappers since Sunday. Lord, we pray for your peace that transcends understanding to descend on the boy known as Nkandla as he endures this harrowing situation. We pray for his parents, who do not have enough money to pay the 15-bitcoin ransom. Give them peace, wisdom, courage, and support from their loved ones. We pray for law enforcement officials as they seek to solve this case and bring this boy home. Lord, we pray for the kidnappers right now. We pray they will recognize the foolishness and wickedness of what they have done. May they realize that this situation cannot end well. Ideally, we would like to see them surrender themselves and safely return this young man to his family. If they are not ready to do that, give them the resourcefulness and creativity to return Nkandla without anyone coming to harm. Jesus, we are asking for a happy ending to this story. Please glorify yourself in this sad situation. Amen.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Prayer about world-class athletes seeking asylum in Australia

Cameroon's Olivier Heracles Matam Matam went missing before he was due to compete
Cameroon's Olivier Heracles Matam Matam is among those who "disappeared" in Australia. Photo: AFP
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/05/21/More-than-200-athletes-seek-asylum-after-Australia-games/2371526915440/?utm_source=fp&utm_campaign=mp&utm_medium=2

Lord, today we pray for the 250 athletes and sporting members seeking asylum in Australia after April’s Commonwealth Games. First, we pray for the best situation for everyone involved. We pray for the Australian government as they sift through the hundreds of new cases, seeking the truth about these asylum-seekers’ needs. We pray for urgent cases to be very clear, and for those who most need it to find safe refuge and new opportunities in Australia as quickly as possible. We pray for those who have simply “disappeared” after the Games. We know that living illegally in a country is very controversial and difficult. We do not know these people’s circumstances, but pray that they would also end up in the healthiest and most appropriate situations possible. We pray for Refugee Advice and Casework service and other non-profits working with refugees, that they would have great wisdom in placing and assisting these refugees. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.


Friday, May 18, 2018

Prayer about plane crash in Havana, Cuba

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/18/americas/cuba-airliner-crash/index.html
Lord, we are heartbroken over today’s plane crash in Havana, Cuba, that appears to have claimed the lives of 100 people. We pray for those families who have lost their loved ones so suddenly and unexpectedly. Comfort them in this time of great uncertainty and fear. So many questions remain unanswered about the circumstances surrounding this crash. We ask you to guide the authorities throughout their investigation. Give them clear direction and answers about how this occurred. May they take that knowledge and use it when considering the safety of future flights. We pray for the few known survivors who are in critical condition. We are praying in faith that they will survive, and we are asking that they make a complete recovery from all injuries they’ve sustained. Lord, we never know what challenges each day will bring us. Help us to continue to put our trust in you and to find joy, even in the most tragic circumstances. We need you every day and we are so grateful for your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Prayer contributed by guest prayer blogger Brandi South:

Brandi South resides in Chambersburg, PA, with her husband, their daughter, and their two rescue cats. She is employed at Shippensburg University of PA and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree starting in the fall. Brandi is a member of Grand Point Church in Chambersburg where she enjoys serving on the First Impressions Team as a greeter. Some of her favorite scripture passages are Psalm 25 and Ephesians 2.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Prayer for 10 children removed from abusive home in Fairfield, CA, USA

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/05/16/ten-children-removed-from-filthy-california-home-were-waterboarded-hit-with-crossbows-and-bbs-prosecutors-say.html
Heavenly Father, we pray for the children of Ina Rogers and Jonathan Allen. We are saddened as we learn about the long-term abuse that these 10 young children have experienced. We are thankful for the discovery of their living situation and the relocation of these children to a safe environment. Father, these children have endured physical mistreatment from people they should have been able to trust. We ask that you help each child to process through this situation and to heal. Fill each of their hearts with hope and the knowledge that their Heavenly Father will never forsake them. Lord, we ask that you impact the hearts of Ina Rogers and Jonathan Allen. They are in denial over what has occurred. Father, we want their hearts to yearn for you. Help them to realize that you are the only one who can heal them. Bring them to the point of confession and repentance. Forgiveness is theirs for the taking. Lord, we remember a very similar situation from January with the Turpin family. We continue to pray for that family as well.


Prayer contributed by guest prayer blogger Brandi South:



Brandi South resides in Chambersburg, PA, with her husband, their daughter, and their two rescue cats. She is employed at Shippensburg University of PA and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree starting in the fall. Brandi is a member of Grand Point Church in Chambersburg where she enjoys serving on the First Impressions Team as a greeter. Some of her favorite scripture passages are Psalm 25 and Ephesians 2.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Prayer about suicide bombings in Indonesia

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/13/asia/indonesia-attacks-surabaya-intl/index.html?no-st=1526305201
Heavenly Father, we are saddened by the recent suicide bombings in Surabaya, Indonesia. Our hearts ache for the young children who were used to carry out these attacks. We pray that all attacks by ISIS and other Muslim extremist groups will cease. Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters who lost their lives as they were worshiping you in church on Sunday. We ask for boldness for them as they continue to profess their faith in you. May they live in peace knowing that their true citizenship is in heaven. We also pray for those injured during Monday's attack at the police headquarters. We pray for complete healing for those injured. We are grateful for the police officers who commit to protect Surabaya, and we pray that the injured officers will soon be able to return to duty. Help us all to take heart and to remain faithful in prayer, knowing that you have already claimed the victory. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Prayer contributed by guest prayer blogger Brandi South:


Brandi South resides in Chambersburg, PA, with her husband, their daughter, and their two rescue cats. She is employed at Shippensburg University of PA and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree starting in the fall. Brandi is a member of Grand Point Church in Chambersburg where she enjoys serving on the First Impressions Team as a greeter. Some of her favorite scripture passages are Psalm 25 and Ephesians 2.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Prayer about dam collapse in Kenya

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-44082423
Heavenly Father, we pray for the residents of Solai, Kenya, who were affected by Wednesday night’s Patel Dam collapse. This burst has caused massive destruction to a region that has already experienced torrential rain for the past two months. We grieve over the loss of life and pray for the families of the victims, many of which were children. Bless them as they mourn and sustain them with your strength. We pray for the residents who have been evacuated and displaced from their homes. May they soon be able to return and start the process of rebuilding. We pray for the schools that were swept away in the floodwaters and the effect this will have on educating the children of Solai. We pray for the overall economic impact to the region, for the farm whose crops were destroyed and for the many workers who are now unemployed. Give them hope for the future. Lord, we ask for wisdom for Governor Lee Kinyanjui as he makes decisions and allocates resources to rebuild infrastructure and provide for the people of Solai. May he act with compassion and love. We are grateful for the Kenya Red Cross. Guide them as they continue their search for those who are missing. We know the challenging conditions they face and we pray that they are successful in their rescue efforts. Father, we remember your covenant with Noah and we cling to your promises. We thank you for all the ways that you provide for us and show us mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Prayer contributed by guest prayer blogger Brandi South:

Brandi South resides in Chambersburg, PA, with her husband, their daughter, and their two rescue cats. She is employed at Shippensburg University of PA and plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree starting in the fall. Brandi is a member of Grand Point Church in Chambersburg where she enjoys serving on the First Impressions Team as a greeter. Some of her favorite scripture passages are Psalm 25 and Ephesians 2.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Prayer about Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/05/08/Democratic-Republic-of-Congo-declares-new-Ebola-outbreak/4671525817353/?utm_source=sec&utm_campaign=sl&utm_medium=1
Lord, today we plead with you alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo as this nation battles a new Ebola outbreak. We pray for the town of Bikoro as cases of this dreaded disease have been confirmed within its community, and 17 lives have already been lost. We are thankful for what the World Health Organization has already learned about fighting this rapidly spreading, deadly virus, and we pray for the WHO and the DRC government to partner with excellence as they seek to contain and eradicate this virus. Lord, we pray for everyone involved to follow guidelines as close to exactly as possible. We pray against carelessness and for courage. We ask for special protection for those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way in order to save lives. Keep them well-rested, so they may continue to function with efficiency, clarity of mind, and compassion. May promptly implemented measures to fight this disease be extremely effective so this outbreak will be wiped out as quickly as possible. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.


Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Prayer for Venezuelan immigration situation in Colombia

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colombia-venezuela/over-200000-undocumented-venezuelan-migrants-register-in-colombia-idUSKBN1I8207  AP Photo/Fernando Vergara

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the immigrant situation in Colombia--the nation where hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans are seeking better lives as their own nation implodes. As the Colombian government asks undocumented Venezuelans to register, may leaders stand by their word to not use this information against those who register, but for their nation’s good in serving these refugees. We know the situation is complex, but we appreciate integrity within leadership. We do pray for the leaders who are seeking solutions for integrating these people into their communities, schools, infrastructure. Give them wisdom, creativity, compassion and insight. We pray for those seeking food, jobs, shelter and normalcy after living in crisis in Venezuela: may they find what they need, including you. May their hearts be filled with gratitude, so that they desire to bring value to the nations who welcome them. And, Lord, we do continue to pray for Venezuela, that solutions may be found for its root issues. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Prayer about migrant shelter chaos in Ellwangen, Germany

https://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2018/05/03/german-police-raid-migrant-shelter-after-clashes-to-prevent-deportation

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the migrant shelter in Ellwangen, Germany. We pray for peace in this community, which has experienced such chaos this week. Lord, we do not know the entire story about why 150 migrants would swarm the police and prevent them from deporting one man, but you know all the details. We pray for the truth to come out about this man, and for him to end up wherever is the most suitable place for him. We pray for protection for the police officers who are trying to do their jobs. We pray for healing for those who have been injured. And, Lord, we pray for the residents of this shelter who want nothing to do with the drama but who have been caught in the chaos. Protect and watch over them, particularly the children, as they deal with these issues. We pray for the migrant residents of this shelter in general, that they would find permanent housing, productive work, self-worth, and a healthy community experience. Of course, most of all, we want them to find lasting hope—the kind found in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.