Saturday, December 28, 2019

Prayer about the death of Petty Officer Beirut Pakbara

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50931695

Lord God, we pray for the loved ones of Petty Officer Beirut Pakbara, the Thai Navy Seal who contracted a blood infection during last year’s rescue at Tham Luang cave. After a year of fighting the infection he acquired while rescuing 12 boys and their football coach, we are grieved that Beirut finally succumbed to his illness. Lord, we also continue to pray for Valeepoan Kunan, whose husband died during the rescue last year. These brave men laid down their lives for these boys. We pray they will be remembered with honor and appreciation. We also pray for the rescued boys, that they will live to honor you. Amen.


Thursday, December 26, 2019

Prayer for the Philippines after Typhoon Phanfone

https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/26/asia/philippines-typhoon-phanfone-damage-intl-hnk/index.html

Almighty God, we pray for the Philippines after Typhoon Phanfone killed at least 16 people there on Christmas Day. First, we pray for rescue efforts that are still underway, including for the five missing fishermen. We pray for efficiency, strength and success for those searching for the missing, as well as those trying to clean up and correct dangerous situations, caused by the typhoon’s damage. Second, we pray for the grieving. To lose a loved one on a major holiday leaves a mark even more unique than the mark left by any grievous loss. Holy Spirit, please comfort the bereft as they begin the long journey toward healing and their “new normal.” Finally, we pray for the recovery process, as homes and tourist areas are repaired and rebuilt. Please grant determination and resources to those who undertake this process. In the midst of the post-storm chaos, may the Christ-child bring special peace and hope. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Monday, December 23, 2019

Prayer for investigation into alleged abuse at the Christian Academy in Japan

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/july/boarding-school-missionary-kids-abuse-investigation-japan.html

Loving Father, we pray for the investigation of the Christian Academy in Japan, as Telios Law investigates at least 66 cases of alleged abuse that occurred at the school between the late 1950s and the 1990s. We are always so deeply grieved to learn of adults entrusted with children abusing their power by abusing their flock. With allegations ranging from sexual and physical abuse by teachers, to ignored harassment and abuse between students, Telios has a lot of work to do. We pray for truth to come to light, for wisdom and love for all involved, and for those who were harmed to have the courage to come forward when they are ready. We pray for the academy as it seeks to best handle their past, marred by some of the ugliest of troubles. May current students learn from this process, rather than be traumatized in any way through this experience. Lord, we pray for perpetrators to be caught and appropriately handled. We pray for survivors to receive some closure and more healing. We pray that you will be glorified as this academy that deeply offended you while bearing your name seeks to make things right. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Friday, December 20, 2019

Prayer about hate crime committed in Iowa, USA

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/iowa-woman-drove-over-teen-because-she-was-latina-police-n1105886

Heavenly Father, we are saddened to learn about the targeted attack on a teenage girl in Des Moines, Iowa, that was predicated by race. We are so thankful that this young woman was not killed when she was intentionally struck by a vehicle. We do ask that you heal her completely from all physical injuries she has sustained. More than that, Lord, we ask that you bring healing to this young girl and her family as they process through the emotional distress caused by this terrible incident. It is difficult for us to imagine how the assailant, Nicole Poole Franklin, made the decision to behave in such a hateful way. But we know, Father, that your mercy extends to all those who call upon the name of your son, Jesus, and that her life story does not have to remain without hope. We pray, Lord, that you will transform her and purge the evil from her heart. Turn her away from a life of illegal activity toward a life of fruitfulness for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

Prayer contributed by 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.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Prayer about bushfire crisis in Australia

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50837025

Heavenly Father, we turn to you and seek your help in combating the over 100 bushfires that are currently spreading in New South Wales, Australia. These fires are causing great devastation to include displacing wildlife, destroying personal property, and claiming lives. We thank you for the heroic efforts of the firefighters who are working tirelessly in unfavorable weather conditions. Lord, we pray that you will provide a great miracle to extinguish these blazes. We pray for rain, for cooler temperatures, and for minimal wind. Father, we ask that you bring relief quickly and that no further lives are lost. We know that you are good in all things and we praise you for being faithful to us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by 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.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Prayer about deadly attack on Army base in Niger


Heavenly Father, today we mourn over the loss of 71 soldiers who were killed on an Army base in Niger, Africa. We think of their families and the great sorrow they must feel. We think of those living in the region who fear for their safety. Father, we know that you are with them in their anxiety and grief. We pray that they will feel your peace despite the chaos around them. Lord, we pray for wisdom for the presidents of the G5 Sahel nations – Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Mauritania – as they work together to combat the increasing violence in their countries. We pray for the counter-insurgency force that has been established to fight against attacks by militant groups. We ask that you equip them to defend themselves and keep their countries secure. God, we pray against the hate that has driven the Islamic State and other militant groups to carry out these attacks. We ask that you intervene and stop them from being successful with future acts of violence. Open their eyes to the truth of your word and your call to love one another. Father, we pray that our neighbors in Africa will feel our love as we pray mightily for their victory against terrorism. We love and trust you with all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by 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.




Thursday, December 12, 2019

Prayer about New Zealand's White Island volcano eruption

https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/11/asia/new-zealand-volcano-eruption-survivor-intl-hnk/index.html

Heavenly Father, we are deeply affected by the story of the White Island volcano eruption earlier this week. We are so thankful the White Island Tours boat had already departed before the eruption, halving the number of victims and instead becoming a rescue vessel. We are thankful for the doctors and first responders who jumped into action as dozens of people were pulled from the sea with severe burns all over their bodies. We are thankful that New Zealand’s four specialist burns units have been able to handle the needs, even though their capacities are maxed. We pray for all of the victims, that they might get the best possible medical care, cling to life with determination, and survive. May loved ones and strangers alike provide encouragement each step along the way, including on the long road to recovery. We particularly pray for Matthew Urey and Lauren Barham, who were celebrating their honeymoon before experiencing this nightmare, and now fight for their lives and health in different New Zealand hospitals. We pray they will not only survive this tragedy, but move forward into a beautiful, rich, deep married life. Finally, we pray for the grieving, knowing that at least eight people are confirmed dead. In Jesus’ merciful name we pray, amen.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Prayer and praise for CURE International's Ugandan work

https://cure.org/2019/12/jinjas-new-mobile-clinic/

Heavenly Father, we take a moment to celebrate good news about CURE International’s work in Uganda. First of all, we thank you for CURE’s work in providing medical care for disabled children who would not otherwise have access to it. We thank you for their ministry to the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Next, we specifically rejoice in Cure’s Ugandan work, which specializes in neurosurgery. We are amazed by Dr. Benjamin Warf’s ground-breaking, minimally-invasive, shuntless treatment for hydrocephalus, which attracts surgeons from all over the world to participate in the CURE Neurosurgeon Fellowship Program. Continue to bless this program, reaching countless surgeons and their current and future patients. Finally, we praise and pray for a recent addition: CURE’s development of a new mobile clinic in the eastern Busoga region, in the town of Jinja. We are thankful this clinic enables more of CURE’s patients to receive crucial follow-up care, because it is easier to access. We pray for your continued blessing on this new clinic and on the team who serves there. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Prayer surrounding child sold for $2000 in Kentucky, USA

https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/04/us/kentucky-baby-sale-arrests/?iid=ob_lockedrail_topeditorial

Lord God, we pray for the situation in Kentucky, USA, in which a woman sold her child to another couple. We do not know the details, but we know that there are layers of great sadness involved. That a woman would be under circumstances that would compel her to sell her child. That a couple would pay $2,000 off the record to buy a child. This limited information tells us that all involved in this situation need prayer, including the authorities, who will be placing judgment on these people. Lord, we pray that all of the adults involved would have adequate and appropriate legal representation. We pray for investigators, lawyers, judges, social workers… we ask wisdom for them all. And, Lord, we pray for not only the baby who was sold, but for the four other children who are in protective custody as a result of this situation. Please be with them, giving them hope in a dark situation. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Prayer about bus accident in far eastern Russia

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/bus-plunges-frozen-river-russia-killing-19-n1093916  PC: AP

Lord, in Russia many families are grieving right now. As they ponder the terrifying death of their loved ones—on a bus plunging from a bridge onto a frozen river—grant them peace in the midst of their despair. Lord, we do not know their exact pain, but we do know pain. And we know that you meet us in our pain. We pray for our brothers and sisters in the far east of Russia, that you would powerfully meet with them in their grief. That you would glorify yourself to them. Lord God, 19 people died, but 25 survived. We rejoice over those who survived. With the majority of the survivors injured, we pray for the best medical care they can receive and for quick recoveries. May these people also draw near to you during this time, even as we know you are drawing near to them. Finally, Lord, we ask that the accident investigation be as effective as possible. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.