Prayer about alleged drug trafficking activities of Brazilian Air Force officer Silva Rodrigues

https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/26/americas/brazil-officer-cocaine-g20-intl/index.html   PC: Pixabay

Heavenly Father, we are thankful that the alleged drug trafficking activities of Brazilian Air Force officer Silva Rodrigues were disrupted Tuesday. It is shocking that this sergeant would use his travels with his president in order to transport inordinate amounts of cocaine. We are thankful he was apprehended in Spain, and we pray for the full story to be revealed as investigators do their work. Lord, your Word tells us that “people are enslaved to whatever defeats them.” We pray for those who were harmed through Rodrigues’ suspected drug activity. We pray this will be a wake-up call for them, and that they would seek the help they need. May they ultimately find freedom in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for terrorist women and children detained in Syria's al-Hol camp

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47867673

Lord God, we pray for the women and children detained in the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. It is so difficult to comprehend what to do with a camp filled with the women and children left behind by ISIS radicals—the women and children who still believe in their hate-fueled cause! It is hard to fathom what the people deal with who are watching over the more than 70,000 people gathered together, with so many of the detainees grieving the loss of husbands through death or separation and still espousing terrorist rhetoric. Lord, we plead for wisdom for those who control the fates of these women and children. What do they do with terrorists and their offspring? How do they determine whether those who claim regret are sincere? Please grant them supernatural insight and superior judgement. Lord, we pray for the innocent children growing up in this toxic environment. Somehow shield their minds from poisonous intake and give them a chance to live lives of hope and freedom. We also pray for medical care for those children who were harmed as a result of being used as shields by their terrorist “protectors.” We are devastated by these children’s circumstances! And, Lord, we pray for those women and children already consumed by terrorist ideology and hatred. We pray that you would remove their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh. Nothing is impossible with you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer celebrating the conviction of the Wolf Pack

https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/21/europe/spain-wolf-pack-rape-verdict-intl/index.html

Lord, we celebrate the conviction of the “Wolf Pack” in Spain’s Supreme Court. After more than a year of protests over the previously lighter conviction of Jose Angel Prenda Martinez, Angel Boza Florido, Jesus Escudero Dominguez, Antonio Manuel Guerrero Escudero and Alfonso Jesus Cabezuelo Entrena, who gang-raped an 18-year-old, we are delighted that the Supreme Court determined that this victim had indeed been coerced into the violent acts committed against her by a group of intimidating men. We pray that Spanish lawmakers will continue assessing the criteria they use for evaluating such cases in order to make sure justice is effectively carried out in the future. We pray that this group of men will use their 15 years in prison to contemplate their entire mentality—a thought process that would allow using a woman in such a way, bragging about it, and then publicizing video footage. This reveals the depravity of humankind. Redeem their minds and souls, Lord. Thank you for hearing our cry for justice, Lord. Thank you for bringing it about in this case. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer as trial concludes for Ana Kriegel's murderers

https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/19/europe/ireland-boys-murder-ana-kriegel-intl/index.html. Image from YouTube.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the family of Ana Kriegel, whose killers today became the youngest in Irish history to be convicted of murder. We are thankful that Ana’s family has closure and that her murderers will be punished. We pray that the long journey toward healing will begin for all of Ana’s loved ones. Lord, we need to acknowledge our pain and grief over this horrifying situation: two 13-year-old boys luring their bullied classmate to a violent, prolonged assault and death. We think of the prophet Isaiah’s words, “Their feet run to evil, and they hasten to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, devastation and destruction are in their highways.” We live in a fallen world! We are grieved to see such wickedness at such a young age. We pray for these two teen boys. We do pray they receive the appropriate punishment for their crimes. We pray that they will repent and recognize the condition of their hearts as they pay their debt to society. And we pray that they will experience lasting change during their time on earth so they do not need to pay for their crimes eternally. In Jesus’ just and merciful name we pray, amen.

Prayer for investigation into Argentina's massive power outage

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48662279 PC: Reuters

Almighty God, we pray for Argentina as the nation investigates what caused a nationwide (and beyond) power outage Sunday. Despite the power loss hitting almost all of Argentina, neighboring Uruguay and some areas of Paraguay, we are deeply grateful that no related deaths have been reported as of now. We know that the power is back on, but if there is anyone still suffering due to the temporary loss, we pray concerned neighbors, relatives and citizens would find and assist those in need as quickly as possible. We particularly think of the sick, elderly and socially isolated. Compel people to check on them. We celebrate people’s resourcefulness, allowing hospitals to continue operating and provincial elections to proceed as scheduled. We do sympathize with those businesses that were greatly affected, particularly those that were counting on the Father’s Day boost to their bottom line. Please provide for them in others way, including perhaps people proceeding with their Father’s Day plans another day. Lord God, we pray for energy minister Gustavo Lopetegui as he leads the 10-15-day process of discerning what went awry with the nation’s "interconnection system." May the results be conclusive so further incidents can be prevented. And, Lord, we pray for hearts of gratitude today throughout these nations, focusing on the positive that things did not go worse, and appreciating the benefits generally reliable electricity brings to their lives. May those in nations unaffected also appreciate the great blessings we have in our own daily lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Gilbert Mfitundinda and fiancee Julia's selfless wedding dream

https://blog.compassion.com/how-to-make-gilberts-big-wedding-dream-come-true/

Heavenly Father, today we pray for Gilbert Mfitundinda and his fiancée Julia, who will become husband and wife June 15. We are touched and delighted by their desire for people to sponsor children through Compassion International rather than buying them wedding presents. Lord, we pray that more than 100 people would respond to this wedding desire and sponsor children in honor of this couple. We pray that 100+ lives would be absolutely transformed through sponsorship, just as Gilbert himself experienced growing up in Uganda. We also pray for Gilbert and Julia’s big day tomorrow. May their wedding be absolutely honoring to you in every way. Even more significant, may their marriage and lives honor you, and may countless children continue to be impacted through their wedding “registry” and their ongoing ministry. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

If you have ever considered sponsoring a child, let today be the day: https://www.actforcompassion.com/gilbert-and-julia?_ga=2.24578234.1024498809.1560550761-894459086.1542886264. If you have not considered it previously, let today be the day. :)

Prayer for cocoa farmers and other stakeholders in Ghana and Ivory Coast

https://www.africanews.com/2019/06/12/ghana-ivory-coast-demand-fair-price-suspend-sale-of-cocoa-beans/

Heavenly Father, we know that work is a good thing. Even before the fall of humankind in the garden, Adam was given noble work to do. We instinctively desire to contribute value to the world around us. So today we pray for those working in the cocoa industry in Ghana and Ivory Coast as they seek what they feel is a fair price for their produce. With these two nations the largest producers of cocoa in the world, we know this is a significant issue not only for the farmers, but for all stakeholders in the cocoa value chain. We pray that as hundreds of farmers and other stakeholders meet together this week that they will be able to debate this issue with dignity, wisdom, civility and respect. May all parties involved come to reasonable agreements that will benefit everyone and be fair for farmers. May the decisions be carefully and peacefully implemented and lead to further success in the industry. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer for Jack Phillips and Autumn Scardina as Masterpiece Cakeshop faces third lawsuit

https://www.christianpost.com/news/jack-phillips-faces-third-lawsuit-over-refusal-make-lgbt-gender-transition-cake.html

Lord God, today we pray for Christian baker Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Denver, Colorado, USA. We are wearied as we learn that Phillips is facing a third lawsuit regarding freedom of religion as it pertains to his work. We cannot imagine the stress and weariness Phillips deals with as he seeks to make a living while also adhering to religious convictions, yet facing obstacle after obstacle. Lord, we thank you that Phillips’ religious freedom has so far been upheld by his state’s and his nation’s high courts. We pray that his religious freedom will be upheld yet again through this third lawsuit. In the midst of this trying stretch, Lord, we ask you to shield and care for Phillips, and to guard him as the apple of your eye. Grant him deep reservoirs of joy, perseverance and hope. Continue to provide for the financial needs of his family, business and employees. Lord, we also pray for Autumn Scardina, the transgender woman who filed this third suit (her second) against Phillips and his business. Heavenly Father, we grieve with her, and we know you do too. We grieve over her pain, anger, fear and sadness. We pray that she will find peace in you. We pray that she will find peace in life. We pray for Scardina to be able to live her life with dignity, without harassment, and surrounded by people who love her. We pray that you will speak to both her and Phillips as they navigate this legal situation, and that both Scardina and Phillips will be above reproach in how they treat others, including each other. May they understand each other’s perspectives and behave accordingly. Lord, we know that religious freedom is under attack in the state of Colorado, nation of the USA, and all around the world—and that Christianity is not the only religion under attack. We pray for strength of soul for those directly in these battles, and we pray for the faithful to pray regularly for those under attack. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

Prayer as Poland deals with anti-Semitic act and greater issues

https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Jewish-community-and-local-Poles-shocked-at-desecration-of-grave-591875

Lord God, we pray for the community of Karminowice, Poland, as they process Thursday’s anti-Semitic defacement of a local memorial for Jewish victims of the WW2 German occupation of Poland. We also pray about the greater issues behind this act of vandalism, starting with anti-Semitism in Poland. We know that targeting a specific group of people based on their religion stems from our sinful nature. We pray for the hearts of those who felt the need to destroy a memorial lovingly and intentionally created by Jews and Catholics together—a memorial partially intended to prevent such acts of hatred from recurring in this nation. We pray for conviction of the vandals’ sin of hatred, and that they will both confess this act and offer restitution. Heavenly Father, we also pray for the public discourse happening in Poland that showcases opposing ideas: with some citizens seeking to highlight the Jewish history of the nation and others insisting that Jewish history is overshadowing general Polish history and minimizing the pain non-Jewish residents suffered during WW2. Lord, you saw the suffering of both Jewish and non-Jewish Polish citizens during the occupation. It grieved your heart. Please bring peace to those who continue to stir up dissension about a war that ended long ago. May Jews and non-Jews work together to prevent atrocities from happening in their nation in the future. May they honor each other, remember both the good and bad in their history, and--above all--may they honor you. We ask your blessing on the nation of Poland today. Amen.

Prayer about abuse uncovered at La Luz Del Mundo evangelical church

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/06/05/Leader-of-Mexicos-Light-of-the-World-church-arrested-in-LA-on-trafficking-sex-charges/6701559741843/

Heavenly Father, today we grieve the information that is coming out about spiritual leader Naason Joaquin Garcia. We are deeply disturbed that Garcia misused his leadership of La Luz Del Mundo evangelical church in Guadalajara, Mexico, in order to sexually abuse minors. The fact that he did this in your name is absolutely appalling. We pray that Garcia and co-defendants Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca will repent of their crimes. Remove the scales from their eyes, so they may humble themselves before you. While we desire them to repent, we also desire justice for the many who were mistreated under their care and direction. We pray for the truth to come out about all charges. We pray for other victims to come forward so they may also receive justice and the help they need. We pray for the California justice system to do an impeccable job as they move forward with this case. And, Lord, we plead for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing for the victims of this church—including those harmed by following a leader who has devastated them. Please bring in godly leaders who will shepherd this flock with integrity, truth and hope in the midst of a terrible time for this church. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer and praise for high school graduates

https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/03/health/iyw-pizza-grad-trnd/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we lift up the graduating class of 2019. We are excited for the future that you have planned for these young lives. We thank you for the training and experiences they have had to this point and for all those who have supported and nurtured them along the way. Father, we ask that you continue to guide each young person to make wise decisions and to use their gifts and talents for the benefit of your kingdom. We praise you for Leanne Carrasco who is one such example of selflessness and service. We thank you that she made the most of an opportunity, using her graduation as a chance to shift the focus from herself to a group of people truly in need. Lord, we are grateful for Leanne’s example and for the impact she has made. We are refreshed and encouraged, and we desire to be humble servants who can lead people to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by regular 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.

Prayer about shooting in Virginia Beach (USA)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/breakingnews/12-people-killed-in-virginia-beach-shooting-suspect-dead/ar-AACd61y?ocid=spartanntp#image=AACd61y_1|1

Father God, today we turn to you in grief and in great distress as we learn of another workplace shooting in the USA. We pray for the employees of the Virginia Beach Municipal Center who experienced this violence. Lord, we know that their lives are forever changed by this incident and we ask that you give them hope in this very dark time. We think of the families of the 12 victims who are still processing the news that their loved ones have been killed. Be close to them, Father, as they weep and show them abundant grace as they wrestle through the many emotions associated with grief. Thank you for the bravery of the police and their quick response which undoubtedly minimized further loss of life. We pray that the Virginia Beach community will come together and support each person affected by this event. Lord, we do not know the motive and we may never know as the gunman has also been killed. We are vulnerable and our safety in this world is not guaranteed, yet we can remain unshaken in our faith knowing that you have claimed victory once for all time. We thank you that we can claim your promises when our day-to-day lives are uncertain. Thank you for being our firm foundation and our forever hope. We trust in you and we love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by regular 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.