Monday, July 30, 2018

Prayer for hikers trapped on Mount Rinjani in Indonesia

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/30/asia/lombok-earthquake-indonesia-emergency-intl/index.html
Photo credit: Anuwat Kongko

Heavenly Father, we pray for the rescue operation happening on Lombok’s Mount Rinjani in Indonesia. We pray for the hundreds of hikers representing at least 26 nations who are trapped on this active volcano after yesterday’s earthquake. We are so thankful for how many have already been rescued. Please be with the rescued hikers as they recover from their trauma and seek medical care as needed. Lord, we pray that those hikers who are still trapped be rescued as quickly and safely as possible. Please protect and guide those who search in the midst of the challenging, post-earthquake conditions. Lord, we pray for those who are trapped in hidden places. Give them the strength and ability to make themselves accessible and/or known. May your Holy Spirit guide rescuers specifically to places where they would not typically search if there is someone there to be found. We pray for those whose injuries make it difficult for them to be removed from the mountain. Give rescuers creativity in getting them to medical care in a timely fashion. We pray for peace among those who wait. May a spirit of generosity and selflessness reign, rather than any sense of competitiveness or conflict. Please glorify yourself in the midst of this difficult situation. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Saturday, July 28, 2018

Prayer for midwife training center under attack in Afghanistan

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44991470

Heavenly Father, we pray for the midwife training center that is under attack by militants in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, right now. Lord, we are so thankful for those who have escaped, upset about those who have perished, and deeply concerned for those still trapped inside. Lord, please protect those who are hiding. Give them peace of mind and clarity of thought as they watch for a chance to escape. Lord, we pray for Afghan security forces as they seek to stop the terrorist attack. Give them courage, protection and wisdom. With Afghanistan having one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, we are so thankful these courageous women are being trained as midwives. May midwives (both practicing and aspiring) across this nation continue assisting and even saving the lives of women and infants, despite the threat of these terrorists. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Prayer about Somalia's first-ever lawsuit against female genital mutilation

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/26/africa/somali-prosecutes-young-girl-fgm-death/index.html
and https://www.facebook.com/gmcendfgm/
Lord, today we rejoice that the Somali government is taking a stern step toward eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM) within its nation by prosecuting its first-ever FGM case. Lord, we know cultures are worth preserving. We know it is vital to respect people’s religious beliefs. But we also know that FGM is the brutal maiming of young girls, and that it is actually life-threatening, as evidenced by the tragic death of 10-year-old Deeqa Dahir Nuur last week. We are thankful that Somalia's deputy prime minister Mahdi Mohamed Guuled was bold enough to declare that FGM is not a part of the nation’s religion and that it will soon be eliminated from the nation’s culture. We pray that other political, religious and community leaders will courageously speak out against this practice. We pray against the social pressure for parents to force their children into this torture. We pray for eyes to be opened to the brutality and senselessness of this practice. We do pray for this legal action, that it would ultimately lead to the creation of laws against FGM in Somalia. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Prayer for southeastern Laos after dam collapse floods region

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/07/24/several-dead-hundreds-missing-after-collapse-hydroelectric-dam-in-laos.html
Photo credit: JohnPaulJose

Lord, we pray on behalf of southeastern Laos after the collapse of a hydroelectric dam released five billion cubic meters of water in the San Sai district. We know only a handful of people are counted as dead, but that hundreds are still missing. Our primary concern right now is the rescue efforts that are underway to snatch people from rooftops and trees, and to discover others who may be trapped anywhere else around the area. We pray for fortitude for those looking into the face of death, that they will hang on until rescuers reach them. We pray for resourcefulness for those who are alive and physically well but have not yet found escape from surrounding floodwaters. We pray for rescuers to be extremely effective in saving as many people as they can as quickly as possible. We pray for an outpouring of generosity toward the thousands who are now homeless. May they find immediate shelter, food, medical assistance, and whatever else is urgently needed. May they find comfort, kindness and hope from those who reach out to them in this time of need. And, Lord, we pray that the truth will come out in your perfect timing about this dam, which was not yet complete. We pray for the resources—both material and human—to rebuild the communities that have been devastated by this unexpected flood. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Prayer for life-change at Joy El Camps & Retreats during biggest summer camp week

https://joyelcamps.org/summer-camps/start-here/

Lord, today we pray for Joy El Camps & Retreats in south-central Pennsylvania, USA, as they enter into their busiest week of summer camp ministry. We know this ministry will have hundreds of children, from kindergarten through recent high school graduates, experiencing Jesus through their programs this week. We ask your blessing on Joy El as the organization seeks to ignite a generation to seek you, and as staff and volunteers help people experience life-change through personal encounters with you. First, please prepare the hearts of campers, who will begin their camp experience Sunday or Monday, depending on the program. May their hearts be fertile for whatever you have for them this week. May every camper in every program (from the senior high Leadership Experience to the Adventure Village to the community day camps and beyond) be positively impacted this week. Next, we pray for the staff, ranging from those who serve full-time year-round to those who have selflessly committed their summers to serving you and youth, to those who have stepped in to volunteer for just this week. May these disciples serve well; protect their health and physical well-being; grant them effectiveness and joy. We pray that the facilities that host these programs, including the camp property and those churches that are offering programs, will be safe, joyful places for young people to thrive and grow on every level this week. May the weather forecast of heavy rain not dampen spirits as campers and staff members seek your best plan for them this week. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Prayer about young man who walked 20 miles during the night to get to his new job

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44854370   Photo: Pelham Police Dept.

Lord, today we take a moment to enjoy the heartwarming story that unfolded in Alabama, USA, late last week. We rejoice in the example of perseverance and determination set by the young man, Walter Carr, who walked 20 miles during the night to arrive at his new job on time the following morning. Lord, we thank you for protecting him during that walk, connecting him with a friendly police officer, and blessing him for his efforts. We are delighted that Walter received so much public support for his efforts, including a reliable vehicle, given to him by the CEO at his new place of employment. We pray for Walter, that this affirmation and provision would encourage him for years to come, as he seeks to graduate from college by the end of this year and pursue his goals. We pray he will continue to serve as a stellar employee at Bellhops and in future places of employment. May he become a light for you in this world. And, Lord, we cannot fail today to pray for those around the world who face similar obstacles every day, yet have no one cheering them on or affirming their efforts. Sustain them, provide for them, protect them. Help them continue to overcome obstacles and to trust in you so that they may provide for themselves and their families, while living fulfilling lives that honor you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Monday, July 16, 2018

Prayer for wife of Thai Navy SEAL who died during cave rescue

https://www.news.com.au/world/asia/wife-of-saman-kunan-the-navy-seal-who-died-in-the-thai-cave-rescue-asks-who-will-i-kiss-now/news-story/26d6b3d5122c9c7bf06a6b4dac4cc0b8

Heavenly Father, today we pray for Valeepoan Kunan, the widow of the retired Thai Navy SEAL who died rescuing 12 boys and their coach from a cave in northern Thailand. We rejoice that Saman Kunan, aged 38, was the only casualty, but one casualty was too many. We know his widow’s life will never be the same. Please be with Valeepoan during her time of loss and severe grief. We pray people will not quickly forget her after the cave story fades away, but that she would continue to have a healthy support network for years to come. Grant her peace in her heart and a purposeful life. We also pray for the boys, who recently learned of Saman’s death. Please help them process this tragedy and live lives that honor Saman's sacrifice. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Saturday, July 14, 2018

Prayer for Pakistan in the midst of election-related terrorism

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/13/asia/pakistan-suicide-attack-balochistan-intl/index.html

Lord, we are sickened by what is happening in Pakistan prior to its July 25 general election. We are so weary of terror, so tired of people destroying innocent lives in order to make a political point. We pray for the people of Pakistan today as they recover from at least three bombings this week alone—with more than 150 people killed and over 300 people injured. We know that these are not just numbers. These are real people who leave behind grieving loved ones. The injured will need immediate and long-term medical care, they will miss work, their lives will be changed. Heavenly Father, we pray against terrorism in this nation as the election approaches. May those who are tempted to destroy see the vileness of this tactic. May they choose healthier ways of expressing themselves. And may men and women of integrity not fear to stand up and speak. Protect those who would bring good to Pakistan and this world through their election to public office. May this election move forward with minimal violence. May the best people be elected to office in Pakistan for such a time as this. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Prayer for Cafe Momentum's work with juvenile offenders

https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/29/us/cnnheroes-chad-houser-cafe-momentum/index.html

Lord, today we pray for the Dallas non-profit Café Momentum, which gives young people coming out of juvenile detention a new start in life. We are thankful for the visionary, caring leadership of Chad Houser, who decided to use his skills and credentials to help others, rather than focusing solely on his own professional success. Continue to give Houser wisdom and perseverance as he trains struggling young people year after year. Bless him with an excellent staff that shares the vision of changing the trajectory of young people’s lives. We pray for the interns at Café Momentum, that they will find success at each level as they work their way through the Café Momentum program. Bless them for their choice to get involved. May they continue making healthy choices after they graduate from the program, and may these young adults meet needs within the culinary industry, rather than returning to any bad habits. Give them a strong desire to “pay forward” the good they have received, so this good work can be exponentially multiplied. Bring additional positive people into their lives to be lights for you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Sunday, July 8, 2018

Prayer during Chiang Rai cave rescue operation

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/rescue-operation-for-a-thai-soccer-team-trapped-in-a-cave-to-begin-sunday/2018/07/07/f255d00c-825a-11e8-b658-4f4d2a1aeef1_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0ea34bc14df8
HANDOUT/AFP PHOTO/ROYAL THAI NAVY/GETTY IMAGES

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the rescue operation happening in the Chiang Rai province of Thailand. We are deeply concerned for the 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped in the cave for more than two weeks. We are also anxious for the safety of all those involved in the rescue operation, particularly after the selfless death of a retired Thai Navy SEAL Friday. Lord, we pray for every detail of this rescue operation to go as smoothly as possible. We first think of the boys. Please keep them supernaturally calm under all circumstances. It is difficult to imagine diving for hours through murky, dark, cold water—particularly when one does not even know how to swim! Be with these boys throughout their entire journey. Guide them. Protect them. Grant their rescuers heightened awareness in a beneficial sense, helping them discern and address every possible obstacle before problems arise. We pray for bolstered energy and strength for all who are weak. We pray for medical assessments to be accurate, and for a wise order of extraction to be implemented. We ask that oxygen levels remain more than adequate, and that the rains hold off while the water is at its lowest level in two weeks. Be with loved ones as they anxiously await news during the rescue operation. And, Lord, we take time to thank you again for leading searchers to the right place in this network of caves. We celebrate the global resources, efforts and prayers surrounding these 13 young men. We are thankful the boys have survived this long under difficult circumstances. May they make it back to their loved ones. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Friday, July 6, 2018

Prayer for children whose father died protecting them from a polar bear

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/05/canada-nunavut-aaron-gibbons-mauled-polar-bear-kids

Heavenly Father, today we pray for Aaron Gibbons' two children, who witnessed their father being killed by a polar bear as he protected them. Lord, we thank you that the children were able to escape. We also rejoice in a father willing to lay down his life for his children without hesitation, even as we grieve the loss of this man. May Gibbons’ children always know how deeply their father loved them—even unto death. May that sacrifice provide them with a picture of how very much you love them. And, Lord, we ask that you fill the hole in these children's hearts after this loss. We pray that they will be able to process what happened and recover from what they witnessed. We ask you to work in the hearts of godly, loving adults to get involved in these children’s lives, providing them with support and encouragement in the wake of this tragedy, as well as in the years to come. Please work in Gibbons’ community as people grieve his passing. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Prayer about investigation of baby killings in Chester, England

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-44709766 Photo: SWNS

Heavenly Father, today we pray about the probe into the deaths of 17 infants at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester, England. We are thankful someone noticed the higher-than-average infant death rates at this hospital and chose to thoroughly investigate. We are also thankful for the clues that led to the arrest of 28-year-old nurse Lucy Letby. We are asking now for truth to come out. We pray for Miss Letby to fully cooperate with the authorities. We pray for investigators to find all information needed to solve these crimes and prevent any other unnatural baby deaths at Countess of Chester Hospital. Lord, we also ask for comfort for the many families who lost their precious newborns. Please give them the peace that passes understanding. May the investigation and legal process bring some closure for these families. And we ask that you walk closely with these families as they process the killing of their innocent children. Allow them to move forward in life with hope, despite experiencing such a terrible injustice. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Monday, July 2, 2018

Prayer about rioting in Alcacuz prison in northeast Brazil

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/alcacuz-brazil-prison-police-enter-natal-riot-military-prisoners-gangs-a7539801.html Photo: Reuters

Lord, today we pray for Alcacuz prison in northeast Brazil, where inmates have rioted for a week. We are disgusted to hear of not only the violence, but the level of violence, which led to 26 deaths. We are thankful that the complex is now under control, but know this is tentative, especially since so many inmates acquired weapons in the chaos. We ask your protection for the police and prison staff as they seek to maintain control in this place. We also pray for those prisoners who do not want to participate in the gang violence and disruption. Bless their efforts as peacemakers and peacekeepers, and keep them from harm. Lord, we pray for the larger issue of overcrowding and understaffing in Brazilian prisons. We pray for this nation to improve its penal system so these types of riots will become rarer as the months and years pass. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.