Prayer after Lion Air flight JT610 crash

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-crash/indonesia-deploys-divers-pinger-locators-in-hunt-for-doomed-planes-cockpit-recorders-idUSKCN1N4067  Photo credit: AP/Tatan Syuflana

Heavenly Father, we pray for those continuing the search and recovery process after the terrible crash of Lion Air’s flight JT610 in Indonesia Monday. With all 189 people on board killed, divers and rescue workers have been faced with an extremely grim task. Please give them strength and success as they seek to retrieve as many bodies as possible in order to bring closure for those who lost loved ones in this tragedy. We pray for the morbid task of DNA identification that is happening on a large scale surrounding this accident in the Java Sea. Lord, we also pray for success for the “pinger locators” seeking the aircraft’s black boxes. We pray the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder would be found, in order to determine the cause of this disaster and avoid future similar accidents. And, Lord, we continue to pray for those who are grieving the loss of their beloved family members and friends in this sudden, terrible tragedy. Give them supernatural comfort in this dark time. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about those lost during Jordan's flash flooding

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/26/middleeast/jordan-schoolchildren-floods-dead-intl/index.html  Photo: Reuters

Heavenly Father, we grieve with Jordan over the 19 people—including many children—who died in Thursday’s flash flooding near the Dead Sea. First, Lord, we pray for the search-and-rescue mission that is still underway. We pray that all people, whether alive or not, will be found as quickly as possible. Second, we pray for the dozens of people who were treated for injuries. We pray they will physically and emotionally recover from this ordeal. Next, we pray for the truth to come out about whether these children were foolishly endangered, so accidents like this will be less likely to happen in the future. Finally, Heavenly Father, we pray for the grieving. The loss of a loved one is one of the hardest trials we face on this earth. Please bring comfort to the grieving at this very moment. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer celebrating journalist Junpei Yasuda's release from captivity

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/10/24/Kidnapped-Japanese-journalist-freed-after-3-years/5831540369355/  Photo by Everett Kennedy Brown/EPA

Heavenly Father, today we rejoice that Japanese journalist Junpei Yasuda has been released from captivity in Syria and is now in Turkey. After three years of being held hostage by a militant group, we are thankful that Yasuda is alive and free. Lord, we now ask for healing for Yasuda from his emotional, mental and physical trauma. Please guide him to good, long-term care. We celebrate with his parents as they anticipate welcoming their son home. Help this family move forward with joy and not fear. Bring healing, health and hope. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Brazil as run-off presidential election approaches

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-election/chaotic-brazil-presidential-campaign-careens-into-final-week-idUSKCN1MW13C    Photo credit: Victor Moriyama/Getty Images

Lord, we pray for Brazil’s presidential election as campaigning enters its final week. As is common in so many countries, the chaos has been unpleasant for people, but we thank you that violence has not been a key factor. We pray Brazilians will continue to demonstrate peacefully, and that all citizens will confidently and safely cast their ballots on October 28. Heavenly Father, Brazilians are seeking some steadiness after five years of dueling economic and political crises, the deepest recession in decades, and the exposure of stunning levels of political corruption that touched every political party. We pray that Brazil will move toward integrity, national health, and development under the country’s new president. We also pray that both parties will be able to resolve differences and move toward practical solutions that will help the entire land. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about water control situation surrounding the Nile

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/19/africa/ethiopia-new-dam-threatens-egypts-water/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we pray about water access talks taking place between three African nations as Ethiopia continues building its massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, near the border with Sudan. Lord, you look down at the earth and see this river, so small in your eyes, yet a seeming source of life for the people of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. God, you know the nature of humankind even better than we do, so we all know that this could potentially lead to great trouble within these countries. We pray for these nations to employ political wisdom, compromise and goodwill as they seek to resolve conflicts—both present and potential--that are arising as a result of Ethiopia now gaining control of this river. May these nations also be transparent, honest and effective in their data-sharing. We pray against any conflict that would lead to drought and death. May this situation actually lead to these nations developing even better, more generous relationships with each other. And may all those involved acknowledge you as the true source of life. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about mass shooting at Crimean college

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-kerch-explosion/teenager-kills-19-in-crimea-college-shooting-russian-officials-idUSKCN1MR1BB

O Lord, we ask for mercy in Kerch, Russia, after the horrific mass shooting that happened at the college there today. The immediate aftermath of these terrible shooting sprees is overwhelming. First, Lord, we pray for those students fighting for their lives in hospitals right now. We pray for the medical care to be excellent, efficient, and enough. Second, we pray about the severe trauma these students, school staff members, and emergency responders have experienced. Please bring them through this immediate shock and emotional agony. Bring the peace that passes understanding. Bring wise counselors, listening ears, and loving support around them. Walk closely with them in the months and years of continued recovery many will require. Next, we pray for law enforcement as they seek to unravel the mystery surrounding this crime. May they discern what compelled young Vladislav Roslyakov to kill and maim as many innocent people as possible before taking his own life. Be with Roslyakov’s family as they process this as well. Finally, we pray that this mass school shooting would be an isolated incident in Russia. We pray against copycats. Help everyone clearly see that this was an evil, terrible act. In Jesus’ merciful name we pray, amen.

Prayer after Nigerian oil pipeline accident

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-oil/death-toll-reaches-60-in-nigerian-oil-pipeline-fire-idUSKCN1MP25T

Lord, we continue to grieve with Nigeria over the 60 lives lost to the oil pipeline fire Friday. It is devastating to know that so many lives were cut short due to vandals stealing oil from the pipelines and thus causing this accident. Heavenly Father, we pray that those who are tempted to steal in such a way would be thwarted in their efforts, resist temptation, and find healthier ways to meet their needs. We pray for those who are currently searching the pipeline for other leaks, that they would have success so further accidents can be prevented. And, Lord, we pray for the loved ones of those who perished. Please comfort them during this dark time and meet both their material and spiritual needs. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Praise for Pastor Andrew Brunson's release from Turkish imprisonment

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/12/europe/andrew-brunson-turkey-us-released-intl/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we praise you for the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson from imprisonment in Turkey. After serving two years for what many believe was a bogus charge of assisting with a military coup, we rejoice that Brunson can now live as a free man. Please bless those who were involved with his release. We also pray that the process of safely returning Brunson to the United States (after his 23 years in Turkey) will go as smoothly as possible, including his health review in Germany. And, Lord, we pray for the Brunson family as they continue to recover from the trauma of the past two years. Please bring healing, and may their story ultimately bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about rape and murder of Bulgarian journalist Viktoria Marinova

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/10/10/Cops-make-arrest-in-Bulgarian-journalists-murder-rape/9561539174561/   Photo by EPA-EFE/TVN RUSE

Lord God, today we pray about the rape and murder of Bulgarian television journalist Viktoria Marinova. First of all, we pray for those who grieve her violent death. Please bring them the peace that passes understanding during this time of great need. Next, we pray for the truth to come out about her death. We are thankful that a suspect has been apprehended, but we pray for his guilt to be determined without any doubt if he is, indeed, the perpetrator. We would love to see justice for Marinova, closure for her loved ones, and for the suspect’s criminal activity to cease. Lord, if there is anything that has not yet come out about this case, please bring it to light. If Marinova’s journalistic work exposing corruption and fraud within her country has anything to do with her death, may that become clear. We would like the truth to come out whether that is to the immediate advantage or disadvantage of the Bulgarian government. We know that it will ultimately help Marinova’s loved ones, the man in custody, and the nation of Bulgaria. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for family whose father attempted to kill his four children

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/criminal-court/father-pleads-guilty-to-attempted-murder-of-his-four-children-1.3656330

Heavenly Father, we pray for the unnamed family in Ireland that suffered great trauma and whose case was heard in court today. Lord, we thank you that the father of this family confessed to his crime of attempting to murder his four children. We fervently pray that this man will get the help he needs for his severe depression and any other issues that led to this terrible crime. May justice be served, and may this man come to know you. Lord God, we are incredibly thankful that the four children physically survived this attempted murder. We pray that these young people will continue toward complete physical, mental, emotional and spiritual recovery. We pray also for their mother, that you would give her great wisdom and grace as she guides her children through this unspeakable experience. Please glorify yourself somehow through this terrible tragedy. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for man held as slave in the UK for 40 years

This shed is believed to have been the man's housing.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/04/uk/uk-man-shed-intl/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the man who is suspected to have been held as a slave for 40 years at a home in the United Kingdom. First, we are delighted that the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority was able to rescue this man yesterday. We pray you will bless them for their efforts and protect them as they continue to rescue others. Next, we pray for the truth to come out about the situation and for justice to be served as appropriate. Finally, we pray for the survivor’s well-being. We are thankful he was taken by specialist trauma officers for medical tests. May these trauma officers have great wisdom in determining the best course for this man’s long-term healing. Of course, we ask that you be in the midst of all of that. Please bring healing to this man. Motivate a support network of caring people to get involved in his life. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer after earthquake in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/10/01/Death-toll-from-Indonesian-earthquake-tsunami-rises-to-844/5981538388322/   Photo by Adi Weda/EPA-EFE

Lord, the damage in Indonesia from the recent earthquake and accompanying tsunami is staggering. We are grieved about the 850 dead, knowing that number is likely to rise. First, Lord, we pray for rescue efforts, as workers continue to dig through rubble to release the trapped. We pray for the Indonesian Red Cross workers, who have still not even reached the epicenter, found near Donggala. Help them find a way and then rescue survivors. We pray for the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry as they seek to deliver generators and hundreds of workers to Palu City in order to meet the most urgent needs. We are thankful the Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport has been able to reopen. We pray for efficiency and safety for both the aid workers arriving and the evacuees departing. May arriving aid workers bring not only effective practical assistance, but also hope. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.