Prayer for recovery efforts for Hurricane Laura victims

https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2020-hurricane-laura-facts-how-help and

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2020/08/29/Hurricane-Laura-Trump-visits-areas-hit-death-toll-rises-to-15/6611598702198/

Dear Lord,

We lift up our prayers for the residents of the Gulf Coast area that were impacted by Hurricane Laura. We pray for the 500,000 people of this region who were ordered to evacuate their homes and ask for your provision for their immediate needs. We pray for the families of the 15 people who died, for your comfort and strength for them. Father, we lift up the disaster relief crews that are flowing into the region to bring aid and comfort, that you will bless the work of their hands. Lord, we ask that you will provide wisdom for these relief workers as they seek to help residents restore power, rebuild their homes and lives, and that you will help them while they are doing all of this in the midst of the COVID crisis. Father, we pray for shelter, clean water, clothing, medicines, food and finances for those who have suffered loss of property and provision. Help those in need to get connected to the organizations that can meet their needs. Finally, we pray for the wisdom of federal, state and local government officials as they work in cooperation to meet the immediate needs of the people. In Jesus' name, amen.

This prayer contributed by guest prayer blogger Jeanette Biesecker. Jeanette is a daughter of the King of kings, the wife of Kevin, the mom of Gerry, in that order. She’s spent numerous years working as a marketing professional and writer in Christian ministries and businesses. Recently she heard God’s call to “walk on water” and follow Him into a new adventure and desires to encourage others to do the same.  

 

Prayer about exploring and eliminating racism in Japan

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53428863 PC: Reuters

Heavenly Father, we celebrate that the Black Lives Matter movement is increasing awareness of racism in Japan. Within this mostly homogeneous nation, we are thankful that this moment in history is raising questions and stimulating helpful conversations among Japanese citizens and residents. We are glad to hear that people are primarily receptive to these conversations and to exploring racism within the nation’s history, including long-held prejudice against Chinese and Koreans. Lord, we know that racism and prejudice are sin. We know you have clearly charged us to do nothing out of favoritism, and that you look at hearts, rather than at outward appearance. Please help the Japanese continue growing in these areas, and may the rest of the world follow suit. May Japan prove to be a fine example of confronting, addressing and working to eliminate racism. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen.

Prayer about large building collapse in India

 

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/08/24/5-story-building-collapses-in-India-dozens-trapped/7091598286228/

Lord God, we pray about the rescue operation happening at the five-story building that collapsed in India Monday. We are thankful for the dozens of people who have already been rescued and pray that they will receive the necessary medical treatment as efficiently as possible. Lord, we pray that any more people who are trapped will be found as quickly as possible. Guide the rescuers. Sharpen their hearing. Show them where to look. We pray also, Lord, for those who grieve the loss of the one life that has been discovered and the loss of homes. Comfort and provide for them. May friends, neighbors and even strangers help the hurting quickly and enthusiastically. Finally, Lord, we pray that the truth of this situation will be uncovered. With this building constructed only nine years ago, it seems likely there are ethical questions. Please guide investigators as they explore these possibilities. May no person or influence of any kind corrupt the investigation. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about mystery and obsession surrounding death of Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53655118 PC: Hindustan Times

Lord God, we pray about the mystery and obsession surrounding the death of Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput. First, Lord, we grieve his untimely demise, most likely by his own hand. It is devastating when anyone is hopeless enough to take his own life. Please be with his loved ones as they grieve, particularly with a media circus pushing countless private details into the public domain. We do pray for his fans, that they can find peace, cherishing his memory and grieving appropriately, but still moving forward. We pray for investigators to diligently complete their work, that truth may rise to the surface and rumors dissipate. We also ask for protection for those who have been accused of bringing about Sushant’s demise. We again ask for truth to come to light. Finally, we pray that this tragedy can bring about some good, including a greater understanding of depression and a more accurate portrayal of it in Bollywood films. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Praise for successful rescue of lost seafarers in Micronesia

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/08/04/3-mariners-rescued-on-Pacific-island-after-writing-SOS-in-sand/1121596532009/ PC: Australia Department of Defense

Lord God, we are warmed by a successful rescue story amid stories of trials around the globe. We are thankful for bright moments to celebrate! Indeed, we celebrate the successful rescue of three mariners who went missing in the Federated States of Micronesia several days ago. We rejoice that U.S. and Australian military service members worked together to locate the missing mariners, and we are so pleased that those mariners not only thought to write “SOS” on the beach of the small island where they found themselves stranded, but that their signal was sighted in the final moments of that day’s search maneuver. Finally, we are thankful that the seafarers are uninjured and have now been returned home. Lord, we pray for your blessing on the Australian and American servicemen and women who helped in this rescue. We pray that this success will encourage and motivate them and their fellow servicemembers as they continue to serve their nations and the communities around them. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.