Prayer on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/women-antiviolence/women-call-for-end-to-domestic-violence-after-lockdowns-bring-more-attacks-idUSKBN2852W2

Lord God, on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women we particularly pray about the domestic violence that has increased during the pandemic. With shelters around the world at capacity and helplines in some places seeing a five-fold rise in calls, we are very concerned. It’s shocking to hear that so far in 2020 30 women have been murdered in Portugal--half of them victims of domestic violence, and that, statistically, a woman in Germany is attacked by her current or former partner every 45 minutes. Lord, please continue to bring awareness to these issues. Motivate people of influence to act. We pray that Portugal’s video campaign called #ISurvived will effectively get out the word about resources available for those caught in domestic violence. We pray that other nations and communities will come up with creative ways to help those in need. Most of all, we pray for those in unsafe environments. Be with them. Give them courage. Help them to escape or find needed assistance. May those who endanger admit their problems and also seek help. In Jesus’ merciful name we pray, amen.

 

 

Prayer celebrating rescue of 7-year-old Russian boy

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55024974

Lord God, today we celebrate the rescue of a seven-year-old boy by Russian special forces. With thousands of people having searched for this child, who has been missing since September, it is awesome that he was found, saved, and returned to his family. We are thankful that multiple countries and Interpol worked together to rescue this Russian child from a suspected pedophile. Lord, we pray now for his and his family’s full recovery from the trauma they have endured. Please work through the psychologists who have been sent to provide support, and please help this family find healing in you. And, Lord, we pray for the other kidnapped children in Russia and beyond. Meet with them wherever they are. Comfort them. Compel their captors to release them. Lead people to find them. Almighty God, we want as many of these children as possible to return home. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about escalating migrant situation in Bosnia

 

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/winter-finds-thousands-of-migrants-sleeping-rough-in-bosnia-1.4413840 PC: Elvis Barukcic/AFP via Getty Images

Lord God, we pray for the migrant situation escalating in Bosnia as winter approaches. We know you see the thousands of migrants sleeping in parks, forests and empty buildings, trying to survive the approaching winter weather. You also know the fears of locals, especially after a local man was recently stabbed to death. We pray for the government as it navigates an unfolding crisis that involves thousands of human lives. May they assess the situation accurately, well, and compassionately for all parties involved. Grant leaders great wisdom as they discern solutions to the problem of housing those passing through and waylaid in their country. We ask blessing on those organizations and individuals who are helping those in need. May your children bring true hope as they bring needed help. We also pray for the European Commission as it examines border operations. May they do their job with excellence, justice and mercy, bringing inappropriate situations to light and promptly implementing helpful measures. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Prayer about baby black market in Kenya

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54972903

Heavenly Father, we are immeasurably grateful that BBC Africa Eye exposed Kenya’s baby black market and motivated change! We are thankful that the government has begun an investigation with the intent of bringing the full force of the law against both buyers and sellers of black-market babies. Lord God, it’s hard to imagine that a hospital, which we should consider a place of help and safety, might employ people who are secretly selling babies. We pray that these illegal operations will come to light and be stopped. We pray that the vulnerable mothers who are being targeted will find needed help, support and protection. We pray, Heavenly Father, that babies will be returned to rightful parents wherever possible. Finally, we pray that improvement will happen within Kenya's child protection services as needed. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen.

 

 

Prayer about helicopter crash that killed eight peacekeepers

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-egypt-peacekeepers/eight-peacekeepers-including-six-americans-killed-in-sinai-helicopter-crash-idUSKBN27S1Y8

Heavenly Father, please be with those who grieve the loss of the eight peacekeepers who died in a helicopter crash in the Egyptian Sinai. We are grieved that a mechanical problem turned their routine mission into the end of their time on earth. We pray for the loved ones of the six Americans, one French national and one Czech national who died on this mission. May their familial and social circles rally around them to comfort and support them during this dark time. Lord, we pray for the one American who survived and is receiving medical care in Israel. We pray for the best medical treatment possible and a quick recovery not only from physical injury, but from the trauma of being the only survivor. We pray investigators will quickly discern the source of the problem and that this will not happen again. We pray for fellow servicemen and women to find reassurance in each other and primarily in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Prayer for the Seoul Digital Foundation’s efforts to instruct South Korean seniors in technology usage

 

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/11/09/Robots-help-seniors-learn-to-use-technology-in-South-Korea/9271604664045/ PC: Thomas Maresca/UPI

Heavenly Father, today we pray about the Seoul Digital Foundation’s efforts to instruct South Korean seniors in technology usage. Lord, with South Korea on the cutting edge of digital connectedness, we know elders are at risk of falling behind and losing significant contact, especially as the global pandemic has made technology even more essential to daily functioning. We are thankful the Seoul Digital Foundation’s programs are so far proving effective and even pleasant for those who take the lessons from friendly robots like Liku, as well as custom touchscreen educational kiosks. We pray that the programs will be available to those who most need them and that they will be tweaked and improved as appropriate. Lord, we always have concerns with technology as well, and you in your infinite wisdom know more than we can even imagine about these potential issues. Please bring legitimate concerns to light, that they may be addressed. And, Lord, we pray that no one will believe the lie that robots are enough. May human beings look out for the senior adults in their lives, making sure they are receiving the human interaction they need to thrive and have their needs met. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Prayer against terrorism in Mozambique after latest atrocities

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54877202  PC: AFP

Lord God, we pray against the Islamist militancy in Mozambique as we grieve their latest atrocities. To hear of 50 people beheaded and chopped to pieces on a local football pitch is disgusting. To know they also destroyed homes, raided the town, and took women captive reveals the level of their depravity. Lord, please thwart their efforts on every side. Create internal dissension so they are unable to execute their plans. Provide the captive women opportunities to escape. Grant the government of Mozambique great wisdom in finding their hiding places and capturing these criminals. Motivate other nations to help train Mozambique’s military and law enforcement to handle this type of terrorism, if that would help. Lord, we also specifically pray against the group’s exploitation of poverty in recruiting vulnerable young people who see this group as a viable option. May potential recruits see this entity clearly for what it is: a terrorist group bent on destruction and death. And, Lord, we pray for the grieving and the terrified. Grant them the peace that passes understanding. May they find hope in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Prayer about Hurricane Eta damage in Nicaragua and Honduras

 

https://www.npr.org/2020/11/04/931314093/tropical-storm-eta-dumps-massive-rainfall-on-central-america PC: Orlando Sierra/AFP via Getty Images

LORD, we know you are enthroned over the flood; you sit enthroned as king forever. Lord, please give strength to your people in Honduras and Nicaragua! Please bless your people with peace! [See Psalm 29:10-11.] With life-threatening flash floods, tens of thousands of families losing their homes, and whole cities without power, this part of the world is in dire straits as they deal with Hurricane Eta. Lord, we pray about the evacuation of more than 600 inmates in El Progreso, that these prisoners would be treated humanely and that their behavior would be above reproach during this emergency. We pray about the immediate need of getting food and water to northeastern Nicaragua's remote communities, many of which may now be cut off by floodwaters. We pray against disease from the floodwaters and against any further deaths from landslides or flash flooding. And we pray that Nicaragua and Honduras will be able to rebuild even better roads, homes, and buildings to replace those that were damaged or washed away. Lord, please reveal yourself amid these difficult circumstances. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer after earthquake in Turkey

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-quake/aegean-quake-toll-rises-to-116-as-turkey-ends-search-idUSKBN27K0HK PC: Turkish Gendarmerie via AP

Almighty God, we continue to pray for Turkey as they conclude rescue efforts from Friday’s massive earthquake and change to cleanup and rebuilding efforts. Even with Turkey’s earthquake-riddled history, the sadness is very raw and real. We grieve the 116 who died in this frightening way. Please make your presence real to those who mourn. We pray for the 1,035 injured, particularly the 137 still being treated. Please direct them to the best possible medical care, and grant them an efficient recovery. We pray for the massive recovery efforts, asking extra grace and resources for those who lost homes and livelihoods. We pray for generous hearts from neighbor to neighbor, citizen to citizen, and nation to nation. And, Lord, we take a moment to celebrate the dramatic rescues that occurred in the days following the quake, with 106 people pulled alive from the rubble, including a young girl four days later. Heal their hearts, minds and bodies. May they live their lives in meaningful, hopeful ways after being saved from the jaws of death. Amen.