Thursday, October 31, 2019

Prayer for researchers creating antidotes for the killer box jellyfish sting

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/01/health/box-jellyfish-antidote-scn-intl/index.html

Lord God, today we are encouraged about the potential antidote for the sting of the world's most venomous sea creature: the Australian box jellyfish. With the possibility of death within two minutes from this highly venomous creature, the box jellyfish have certainly been long-feared. It is thrilling to know that researchers from the University of Sydney have found ways to combat the sting’s effects. As they continue their research, guide them in creating the most effective topical application for humans, and help them discern whether their efforts can stop the heart attacks caused by the venom. May they stay focused, efficient, funded and encouraged as they press on with their work. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Prayer against sexual exploitation of young people in Japan

https://time.com/5712746/japan-sex-trafficking-prostitution/ PC: Noriko Hayashi

Lord God, it is sickening to learn about the sexual exploitation of young people in Japan. This problem has so many layers within Japan that it is overwhelming to us. We do know it comes back to sin. Without your help, we tend toward wrong paths, and those wrong paths can become increasingly depraved as we feed our appetites for vice. Guard our hearts from sin, and lead us in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Heavenly Father, we pray about the extremely inappropriate sexual media that is legal in Japan. May Japanese citizens rise up to end this disgusting trade. We also pray for more laws to protect children, and we express our outrage that a man could be declared innocent of raping his daughter because the daughter did not show “sufficient resistance.” We pray that the government would prioritize social services for young people of all ages, not giving up on at-risk teens. We also pray for a proper system for victims of human trafficking, as this nation has so far to go in addressing this scourge. We pray that more awareness during the Olympics and pressure from other nations will drive Japan to address these blights within its country and culture. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Prayer for Justin Trudeau post-reelection as he addresses 'Wexit'

https://www.ft.com/content/423bdfb2-f6a9-11e9-a79c-bc9acae3b654 PC: Reuters

Heavenly Father, we pray for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he begins his second term as Canada’s leader. We specifically pray for the ‘Wexit’ separatist issues that surfaced immediately after Trudeau’s reelection. Lord, you see the frustration of citizens in the two western provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. They are concerned about their economy, their livelihood. They are concerned about lack of representation within the federal government. With frustration strong enough to talk about treason and secession, we know the anger is high. Please bring peace between the Liberals and Conservatives, helping them arrive at realistic conclusions that will be true compromises and genuinely beneficial for all involved. We pray specifically about the issues surrounding the Trans Mountain Pipeline, including coming to fair terms with indigenous communities along the route. We also pray for Trudeau to discern how to assemble a balanced cabinet, which includes representatives from this region. Lord God, we pray for your presence and wisdom in Canada as the nation moves forward after this major election season. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.


Thursday, October 24, 2019

Prayer about the tragic situation in which 39 bodies were found in an Essex truck

https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/essex-bodies-truck-container-dle-intl-gbr/index.html
Lord, we ask for your help and mercy regarding the 39 bodies of Chinese nationals found in a truck in Essex, England. This recent incident is causing so much discouragement and grief for so many people, and there are so many concerns! We think of where your Word shares, “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses. He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven.” Lord, this is what we pray for all who are involved in this incident. We pray for the Chinese embassy staff members who are trying to discern identities and uncover information. We pray for the families of those who are wondering what happened to their loved ones. We pray for the British and Belgian officials who are trying to unravel this mystery and bring about justice. We pray for Mo Robinson, who has been accused of murder. Please let the truth come out. Draw him to yourself in this situation. If there are others involved in this tragedy, bring them into the light as well. Lord, we are deeply grieved over this situation. Please bring about resolution, and please provide wisdom to the decision makers who might take steps to prevent similar future events. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Prayer about Nigeria’s abusive “Islamic schools”

https://www.africanews.com/2019/10/21/children-rescued-from-slave-school-in-northern-nigeria/

Heavenly Father, we are slightly overwhelmed by the revelation of Nigeria’s abusive “Islamic schools.” To hear of more than 1,000 young people released from abusive conditions in supposedly religious schools is distressing, to say the least. Lord God, we pray for healing from the trauma these young souls experienced while chained to walls, beaten and sexually molested. We thank you that truth has come to light and that these schools have been exposed. We pray for any other raids that need to happen to occur quickly and effectively. We pray that no similar schools will be able to cover up their unhealthy practices before being exposed. We pray for President Muhammadu Buhari as he evaluates taking action on the loosely regulated Islamic schools called Almajiris that dominate mostly northern Nigeria. Grant him wisdom as he discerns next steps in assuring the safety and education of his nation’s children. Lord, please provide these families healthy alternatives for their children’s education. May your people step in to help however they can. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Prayer for Sierra Leone as the nation focuses on preventing sexual violence


https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2019/09/12/753703876/rape-emergency-declared-in-sierra-leone-then-lifted-did-anything-change  Art by Nicole Xu for NPR
Heavenly Father, we pray for Sierra Leone as it takes a much closer look at sexual violence in its nation. We are thankful that President Julius Maada Bio has done much this year to draw attention to this scourge, but are disappointed the attention faded away so quickly. We pray that non-profit groups, churches, and concerned citizens will keep the issues before people and press for continued change. We pray that Bio will follow through on the promises that will be most useful to his citizens. We pray that the successful prosecution of more rapists than in previous years will encourage more survivors to speak out and go forward with the legal process. We pray for medical care for survivors, the technology of DNA testing to become readily available, and for police officers to be appropriately trained to handle sexual assaults of all kinds. We pray for judges and lawyers to treat victims with dignity and respect, and that the legal system will function fairly for everyone involved. Finally, Lord, we pray for a cultural change. We pray that Sierra Leoneans will recognize inappropriate sexual conduct and fight to make changes within themselves and within their communities. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Prayer for China amid increasing religious persecution

I apologize that you have not received prayers for the past couple weeks. I was overseas and had unforeseen technical difficulties. I trust you continued to pray to change the world. -SZ

PC: Kyodo News via Getty Images

Lord God, we pray for China, which received a strong condemnation from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). While China has been named for 20 years in the USCIRF report of nations highest in persecution, it is noteworthy that this year's report was particularly strong in its criticism of the nation. With China shutting underground churches, jailing pastors and arresting human rights activists, the country seems to be moving backward, rather than forward, toward freedom. Lord God, we pray for Xi Jinping and the rest of the Chinese government. Give them clear eyes to see what is best for their people, their nation. Help them recognize the value of freedom of religion and the support of human rights. May those believers who find themselves persecuted have courage and supernatural strength to not only endure, but to be lights for you. As the psalmist wrote, put their feet on a rock and give them a firm place to stand. Put a new song in their mouths, a hymn of praise to their God. Protect those who need special protection. Reassure those who need extra reassurance. Despite the persecution, may your church thrive under these negative circumstances, as has been the case throughout history time and time again. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Friday, October 4, 2019

Prayer for Hong Kong in the midst of escalating violence

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/hong-kong-brings-back-colonial-era-emergency-powers-to-quell-protests-idUSKBN1WJ05T

Lord, the world grieves along with you as we watch the escalating violence in Hong Kong. After months of protesting and violence, we resonate with the prophet Isaiah’s words, “No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.” We pray toward that end. We pray that voices will be heard and understood, that people on both sides of the conflict will use the most effective, healthiest means possible in accomplishing their purposes. We pray for good answers to tough questions and peace in hearts. Lord, bring clarity and calm to Hong Kong in your perfect timing. Grant Chief Executive Carrie Lam particular wisdom, integrity, courage and understanding as she leads this city through this time of tribulation. May this city become a place of salvation and praise. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.