Thursday, January 31, 2019

Prayer against children being killed for witchcraft in Tanzania

https://www.foxnews.com/world/ten-children-in-tanzania-kidnapped-and-killed-for-their-body-parts-authorities-say

Heavenly Father, we are horrified by the witchcraft practices in Tanzania that are leading to the abduction and dismemberment  of children. This is directly from the evil one. For any "religious" practitioners to inspire people to kidnap, maim, torture and kill children for the purpose of supposedly attracting luck and wealth is astounding--as is the fact that anyone would believe them. Heavenly Father, we pray for the scales to fall from eyes and for truth to be revealed to those who are influenced by these dark practices. We pray for educators to creatively, determinedly and successfully reach those who practice witchcraft in Tanzania. We pray for parents to watch their children carefully, options for impoverished families whose children are often unattended, and for children to successfully flee when someone who would harm them approaches. Lord, we fervently pray against this practice. Please show us if there is a way we can help, and certainly remind us to regularly pray. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Prayer about Brazil mining dam burst

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vale-sa-disaster/nine-bodies-found-after-brazil-mining-dam-burst-count-seen-climbing-idUSKCN1PK07L

Heavenly Father, we pray for the rescue operation happening in Brumadinho, Brazil, after a tailings dam burst at an iron ore mine, burying people and buildings nearby. We pray for rescuers as they focus on four points where people are likely to still be alive, including a cafeteria that was buried in sludge at lunchtime. We pray for the survivors in that building to hold onto life, help each other, and be resourceful. We pray for the rescue operation to go as efficiently as possible, and for many people to still be found alive. We rejoice in the 200 people who have been rescued since the catastrophe, and we hope for that number to increase. We join those who await news of loved ones in prayer and hopefulness. At the same time, we pray with those who grieve, knowing that nine bodies have already been found, with that number expected to increase in the days ahead. Again, we pray for the rescuers. Grant them success. And, in your perfect timing, may the facts about why this accident happened come out. Amen.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Prayer for missing Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/search-for-missing-emiliano-sala-and-david-ibbotson-called-off-1.3769152

Heavenly Father, we pray right now for Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson, who disappeared after their small plane most likely crashed into the English Channel. With search efforts called off after 24 hours of searching and hopes of their survival very dim, we pray for some sort of success. If they are still out there alive, may they cling to life and be rescued by boaters or aircrafts going about life as usual in the area. If they have passed from this life, may their plane be discovered, so their families can have closure. Please be with all who grieve, including Sala’s Cardiff football teammates. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.


Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Praise that Japanese convenience stores are eliminating porn prior to Tokyo 2020

https://video.foxnews.com/v/5992480126001/

Lord, today we are encouraged by the good news that convenience stores in Japan plan to stop offering pornography by the time the 2020 Olympic Games begin in Tokyo. We pray that other outlets will also follow suit, and that these businesses will actually benefit from no longer offering such a detrimental product. Heavenly Father, we pray that Japan’s government, businesses and community groups will take additional measures to keep the Olympics an edifying experience. We particularly pray that the nation will be proactive in keeping sex trafficking away from the events as much as possible. May this global event move away from vice and toward its purpose of unifying the world and educating youth through healthy competition. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Prayer against the illegal rupturing of pipelines

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/18/americas/mexico-gasoline-explosion-tlahuelilpan/index.html

Lord, we are again grieved by the massive loss of life caused by people’s selfishness (and perhaps desperation). We are disgusted that people continue to illegally tap gasoline pipelines, while knowing that this type of behavior leads to explosions. Today we pray for central Mexico, where at least 67 people were killed and at least 75 injured Friday, due to a major explosion. Please be with the injured as they fight for their lives and well-being. Please be with the grieving as they process this senseless loss of precious loved ones. We do pray for confirmation of the cause of this explosion. If the suspected illegal rupturing is confirmed, we pray for the thieves to be caught. And, Lord, we pray for effectiveness as the Mexican government tries to prevent the continuation of this behavior, even in the midst of a time when gasoline is not always easy to find. We pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon those tempted to damage the pipelines for their own purposes. Remind them of the loss of lives; help them understand that it one day could be their own loved ones destroyed by this recklessness. We pray against this type of behavior in Jesus’ name. Amen.  



Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Prayer for Portugal as the nation moves to improve laws regarding rape

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-portugal-rights-rape/portugal-parliament-moves-to-widen-definition-of-rape-idUSKCN1P51MQ
Lord, we pray for Portugal as the nation moves to legally expand the definition of rape to cover all sex without consent. With the “wolf pack” rape case in neighboring Spain revealing the flaw in rape laws and definitions, we celebrate that Portugal joins other European nations in seeking to correct this problem. We are thankful that removing the word “violence” from the definition will enable justice for unconscious or coerced victims. We celebrate that lawmakers unanimously voted to submit the amendment to a constitutional committee, and we pray that the 60 required days for discussing the amendment will be productive and candid. We do pray that lawmakers will vote to pass this amendment, so gang rapes like the notorious “wolf pack” one will no longer allow attackers to escape the severe punishment merited by their crimes. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Monday, January 14, 2019

Prayer for toddler who fell into narrow well in southern Spain

https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/desperate-hunt-for-toddler-in-well-grips-spain/news-story/1efe9165362c35b932cdf1d89fb6e440

Heavenly Father, we are devastated as the search continues for a two-year-old who fell into an uncovered borehole in southern Spain Sunday. We are thankful that more than 100 volunteers are searching for this little boy, trying every way they can think of to recover him from this 100-meter drop. Lord, please grant the parents of this young child the peace that passes understanding as they await word of their son. May they sleep when needed, and may they experience your comfort. May their loved ones rally around them during this terribly dark experience. Lord, we pray for the rescuers. Give them clarity of mind and abundant resourcefulness as they attempt this rescue. May they have the necessary diligence and equipment to persevere and ultimately succeed. The hours tick away. Please help the rescuers find this child. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Saturday, January 12, 2019

Prayer for Canada as the nation welcomes 1 million new immigrants

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/01/11/Canada-seeks-to-add-1M-immigrants-by-2021/7061547229851/

Lord God, we pray for Canada as the nation seeks to add 1 million immigrants to its population within the next three years. During a time when migrant crises and immigration complications make headlines every day, this nation is throwing open its doors to welcome people from around the world. Please be with the leadership as these men and women seek to integrate 1 million people representing multiple cultures over a three-year period. With 1 in 5 Canadians already immigrants, this new influx will increase the immigrant ratio and the general population in a significant way. May the people of Canada handle this as well and wisely as possible. May immigrants from around the world find safety and security for their families in this land. May people from different countries flourish and contribute their gifts to their new country of residence. And we again ask for wisdom for the nation’s leaders as they guide their people through this time of hospitality, challenge, and adjustment. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Prayer for Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun's situation

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-saudi/australia-to-consider-taking-in-saudi-teen-who-fled-family-abuse-idUSKCN1P30HJ?utm_source=applenews
Heavenly Father, today we pray about Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun's situation, as the Saudi awaits word regarding whether Australia will accept her as a refugee. Having fled to Thailand to escape what she described as family abuse she thinks will result in death, we desire Qunun to find a safe, secure place. With questions about her situation arising from a variety of quarters, including from her family, we pray for truth to come out about what is best for this 18-year-old woman. Lord, you know more than we do about the plight of women in Saudi Arabia. We pray for progress for women's rights in that nation. If Qunun's situation is helpful in that, so be it. But we do pray for as much transparency as appropriate throughout the entire process. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Friday, January 4, 2019

Prayer surrounding Jamal Khashoggi’s murder trial

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/03/middleeast/khashoggi-murder-trial-starts-intl/index.html

Heavenly Father, we pray for the trial about journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder as it unfolds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We crave truth. This appalling tale of a Saudi royal family insider-turned-critic being killed and dismembered inside a consulate as he sought the papers to marry his fiancĂ© feels too terrible to be true. The political maneuvering, cover-ups, and potential scapegoating feel like they belong in a crime novel, rather than real life. We would love for this trial to reveal truth. But we know truth may leak out over time. We ask for that. May the full story of Khashoggi’s murder come to light, and may the appropriate people be punished for this crime. We do know that absolutely nothing is hidden from you, and that the people responsible for this murder will eventually stand before you in judgment. Give everyone involved either peace or conviction as they become aware of that. Finally, Lord, we pray for Hatice Cengiz as she continues to grieve the loss of her beloved fiancĂ©, who died as he sought the right to marry her. Bring peace and joy back into her life. Give her hope and strength as she faces each day. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Prayer about Danish train crash

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/02/europe/denmark-train-crash-intl/index.html

Lord God, we pray for the nation of Denmark today as they deal with the deadliest rail accident in their nation’s history. We pray for the loved ones of the six people killed, who may not even know yet that their friend or relative is among those lost during this train accident. Prepare them for this news, and grant them deep comfort in the coming days, months and beyond, as they process this great loss in their lives. We pray for those recovering from injuries, rejoicing that none of the injuries are life-threatening. We pray for those traumatized by the experience—both passengers and emergency responders—that they will heal and move forward in life, without fear hindering them. We pray about the financial loss to both companies involved in this incident, and about the disruption to a busy transportation line. May people handle the disruption well, grateful they are safe, rather than focused on the inconvenience. Help them quickly find other means of transportation. Finally, Lord, we pray for investigators as they seek the reason this crash occurred. We are thankful they are committed to a thorough investigation, so similar accidents can be avoided in the future. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.