Prayer against increased domestic violence under quarantine in France

https://www.foxnews.com/world/france-domestic-abuse-coronavirus-lockdown PC:Reuters

Lord, we pray with the French against the growing domestic violence they are seeing under quarantine. Increases of 36% in Paris and 32% around the country are incredibly disturbing—and we know this is happening in other countries around the world as well. We are thankful the French government is addressing the concerns by setting up pop-up counseling centers in grocery stores so women can seek help when leaving the house to go shopping. May these centers be effective, and may the alert system at pharmacies be set up quickly so that victims can discreetly ask pharmacists for help. We pray that word about these resources will get out to those who need it, as well as the news that the government will provide hotel stays for those who need safe shelter. Again, we pray against further domestic violence in France. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer for Heshima Children's Center in Kenya - during this time of crisis and beyond

http://www.heshima.org/

Almighty God, today we pray for Heshima, a ministry providing dignity for children with disabilities in Kenya. We celebrate how you are mightily working through this organization, caring for disabled children, as well as providing income for their mothers, clean water for the surrounding community, and construction jobs for others within the community. Lord, we pray for Heshima’s greatly intensified ministry during this global pandemic and locust infestation. We rejoice that the ministry is able to provide washing stations in the area, and that the water they regularly provide is even more helpful (and in demand) than usual. We are thankful Heshima was able to quickly build shelter for those waiting in the long water lines. We are thankful they have been able to provide emergency housing for those who need it. We mourn with them for those in the outlying areas who are dying alone because they cannot obtain medical care. Lord God, we pray for divine stamina and protection for Heshima staff members and families. We ask your most generous blessing on them as they provide emergency housing in these uncertain, anxious days. May donors give generously to their work right now and in the future. May the peace that passes understanding guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May they be strong and not fear; knowing that you come--that you save. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen.

Prayer about 64 migrants dying in container en route to South Africa

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/24/africa/mozambique-migrants-found-dead-intl/index.html

Lord God, we are sickened to learn of 64 men dying in a shipping container as they attempted to migrate to South Africa. We cannot imagine the trauma the 14 survivors endured as the people around them died off, one by one, in stifling heat. First, we rejoice that the 14 did survive, and that they are receiving care at a local Mozambican hospital. We pray for excellent care: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Next, we pray for the person(s) who facilitated this terrible trip to be found and brought to justice. We pray for the truck driver and his assistant to also receive appropriate punishment and to repent from this incredibly poor judgment that cost dozens of lives. Lord, we pray for the families of the deceased men, that they will be able to learn of their loved ones’ fate in due time. Grant the United Nation’s International Organization for Migration wisdom as they seek to identify these men. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer as life slowly returns to normal in China

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/now-we-are-not-in-a-state-of-fear-life-slowly-returns-to-normal-in-china-1.4209010

Lord God, we are thankful that life is slowly returning to normal in China. After more than 80,000 citizens were infected by Covid-19 and more than 3,000 died, people are eager to reconnect with others and proceed with their previous routines. We celebrate that the country has recorded zero new infections in several days, and that restrictions are being comfortably lifted. We pray for leaders as they seek to restore their nation’s economy and social order. We know that so many people have been taxed beyond measure during this time: medical professionals, janitorial workers, those providing “life-supporting” services, etc. We ask that you restore them. May they find peace and renewal in you. We also pray that medical professionals and researchers will continue learning about this terrible virus so that the entire world can benefit from this knowledge. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

St. Patrick's Day prayer amid the global pandemic

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/st-patrick-reclaiming-the-great-missionary/

Our dear Heavenly Father, today is St. Patrick’s Day. In the midst of our global pandemic, people are missing parades and parties, fun and festivities. Lord, help us redeem this moment by recalling the true origin of this holiday. Patrick found you in lonely and desperate circumstances. He experienced your miraculous guidance and provision. He willingly left comfortable circumstances to share your hope in a dark and dangerous place. Rather than lamenting our circumstances, may we follow Patrick’s lead on this day—and every day. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Praise that couple held hostage for two years was released

https://africatimes.com/2020/03/14/reports-travelers-held-hostage-in-mali-since-2018-are-released/

Almighty God, in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, we are thankful for the good news that a couple held hostage in Mali since 2018 has been released! We celebrate Edith Blais’s and Luca Tacchetto’s freedom! We pray for Blais and Tacchetto as they recuperate in Bamako, Mali, and wait for transport to Italy. We know how complicated these steps are amid the coronavirus pandemic. Give them peace and rest as they await next steps. May they ultimately arrive in a safe, supportive environment. May they begin the healing process after the trauma they have endured. Lord, there are so many unanswered questions. May their mystery be unraveled in your perfect timing. We would love to see justice unfold in this situation. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Praise that Savanna's Act on behalf of Native American women was approved

https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/House-Judiciary-Committee-unanimously-approves-Savannas-Act-568710341.html?fbclid=IwAR02TowaeBTGyZMHgEIKbS1h3J89kAKcGnvgKAS6rWN6ej5mnlCGKjIEBBc

Heavenly Father, we rejoice that Savanna's Act was unanimously approved by the United States’ House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. With the murder rate of Native American women almost 10 times higher than the national average on some reservations, we are thankful the federal government wants to do a better job protecting these women and gaining justice for them. We pray that the Justice Department will do an exceptional job developing protocols to address missing and murdered Native Americans, training law enforcement to handle these cases, and learning how to better share information. We thank you for this legacy in memory of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind. Most of all, we pray for the murder rate to go down among Native American women. We pray for significant progress in the very near future. Amen.  

Praise for successful arrests within "fast and furious" European crime ring

https://www.stltoday.com/news/world/police-arrest-fast-furious-theft-suspects-in-romania/article_2f3560ed-2b6e-51ee-acce-b6a7f51dad69.html

Lord God, we are thankful for Romanian and French police’s successful arrest of 37 members of a crime ring that has stolen at least 10 million euros’ worth of merchandise across Europe. With four years of effort and five countries’ help, we are delighted that investigators successfully apprehended over one-third of the ring members. We pray they will successfully apprehend the remaining thieves, and that this group will achieve no additional highway robberies. We pray for truck drivers to be vigilant, and that they will alert authorities as soon as anything suspicious occurs. We pray for the apprehended suspects as they go through the criminal justice system, that they will confess truth and experience fair treatment, including appropriate punishments. May they come to know you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.  

Prayer about missing Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow

https://www.annielytics.com/blog/personal/fbi-looking-yellowstone-pics-search-missing-idaho-kids/

Heavenly Father, the search for Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow continues. People across the United States and beyond are bewildered by the saga surrounding these two missing children: a mother whose personality seemed to completely change, suspicious deaths of spouses and relatives, a lightning-fast remarriage, religious zealotry, callous reactions to tragedy, disappearances, precious baby albums left as trash… this is not made-for-television crime, but real life for these families. Lord, we ask for answers; we ask for leads. We desire to find out what happened to these precious young people. We pray for breaks in the case, keen insights for all involved, and for anyone with information to come forward. Today, Lord, we also pray about the FBI’s most recent call-out for help from the public. We pray for the word to spread widely to all who were in Yellowstone National Park on Sep 8, 2019. May that day’s visitors hear of the need and take the time to look through all their photos and videos from that day. May people find clues that will assist in finding these children. Most of all, Lord God, we pray for the children’s mother, Lori Vallow Daybell, who refuses to cooperate with the authorities. We pray for deep conviction on her that compels her to do the right thing. May she speak truth, and may she do it very soon. We fervently pray, amen.

The FBI press release: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/saltlakecity/news/press-releases/fbi-rexburg-police-seek-images-in-missing-childrens-case

Learn more here: https://www.nbc.com/dateline/video/where-are-the-children/4114704

Prayer celebrating the work of Bikers Against Child Abuse

https://tanksgoodnews.com/2020/03/02/these-bikers-escort-child-victims-to-court-to-confront-their-abusers-and-give-the-kids-cool-nicknames/?fbclid=IwAR25sJ10-3_LFhqg8TEfaXNOXDEHwapqEFqJnEqL_RRUK7kmrgkV7a9bjGE

Lord God, today we take a moment to celebrate Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and their work in 15 countries around the world. It is very heart-warming to hear of these members using their tough image to provide abused children with protection and a sense of security. We pray that they will indeed provide protection and security when needed, and that children accompanied by them into court will feel empowered to share everything they need to share. We pray that the connections made between BACA members and abuse survivors will last longer than the length of a trial, but that lifelong friendships will be made, creating a solid support system for everyone involved. We pray for ongoing funding for this organization, and that their screening and training processes will continue to be effective. We pray for divine connections between children and bikers who will be a good fit for encouraging each other. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Thanksgiving for strides against global poverty

https://www.worldvision.org/sponsorship-news-stories/global-poverty-facts  PC: World Vision/Jon Warren

Heavenly Father, today we take a moment to celebrate the strides made in recent history to eradicate global poverty. It is elating to hear that, since 1990, a quarter of the world’s population has risen out of extreme poverty—1 in 4 people! We are delighted that less than 10% of the world’s population now lives in extreme poverty. We know that moving out of poverty helps children around the world—with their overall well-being, health, education, opportunities and more. They have solid hope for the future, and they aren’t as likely to succumb to preventable diseases. While celebrating this good news, we now ask you to help us with further progress. We pray with World Vision and the United Nations to move this final impoverished 10% into more stable living by 2030. We know this will require a team effort of not just global leaders, but global citizens, to make this happen, especially in parts of the world like the Middle East and North Africa, where life is so fragile right now. Show us what to do, Lord. Please show each of us what we can do today. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.