Friday, February 26, 2021

Prayer for hundreds of girls captured in north-western Nigeria

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56188727  PC: SANUSI JANGEBE

Heavenly Father, our hearts break over the more than 300 schoolgirls who were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from a school in north-western Nigeria Friday. Lord, we are so weary of this terrible pattern of girls and boys being taken hostage by terrorists or bandits in order to gain ransom money! We pray that this cycle will be broken! We pray for good plans by the schools, government and communities for how to prevent this from happening. May leaders and parents think creatively and ingeniously about how to prevent this terrible practice. May they find the resources and cooperation from others to implement plans. We pray for powerful working in the hearts of those who resort to this traumatic crime. May they feel convicted of the wickedness of their ways. May they see how hurtful this is to the children. May they choose to take another path in life, finding viable options for providing for themselves and their families. Finally, Lord, we pray for these schoolgirls, who are in the terrifying first hours of their ordeal even now. Guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Protect them. May they escape quickly and safely. We pray for a great work to be done among their captors, which will ultimately lead to the willing release of these captives. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen.

 

 

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Prayer as Covax vaccine-sharing initiative begins delivering doses

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56180161 PC: UNICEF GHANA

Lord God, your Word tell us that those who are generous to the poor lend to you, and that you will repay them (Proverbs 19:17). You exhort us to look out not only for our own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). With this in mind, we pray that the Covax vaccine-sharing initiative would prove effective and efficient. We celebrate that 600,000 doses of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University arrived in Ghana's capital Accra on Wednesday. We pray that the vaccinations beginning next week for the highest-priority recipients in Ghana will go smoothly, and that the vaccinations will have a great impact on this nation’s battle against COVID-19. We consider the words of Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who said, "We will not end the pandemic anywhere unless we end it everywhere.” Lord, may the vaccines be successfully distributed around the globe, to both rich and poor nations. May we overcome this pandemic through your blessing. Amid all of this, may we look to you as our provider, healer and guide. May we glorify you as we help each other during this trying time. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Friday, February 12, 2021

Prayer about confirmation of Ravi Zacharias' sexual misconduct

 

https://www.rzim.org/read/rzim-updates/board-statement

Lord God, we are devastated by the truth that has been confirmed about international apologist Ravi Zacharias. We do rejoice that the truth has been acknowledged after years of victims’ statements being denied. We pray now that Lori Anne Thompson and her husband will begin recovering from the prolonged slander and mockery they endured after Thompson spoke out about Zacharias’ sexual misconduct. We pray that those who need to apologize to the Thompsons and other victims will do so with humility, sincerity and speed. We are grateful that the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministry has not only apologized to Thompson, but has released a public statement about investigation results, and that they have committed to making things right for victims, as well as evaluating the culture and future of the ministry. We pray that these processes will go well for RZIM, and that they and those they have hired for assistance will clearly discern your leading. Lord, we pray for the known and unknown victims. Our hearts are broken for them. Please grant them the peace that passes understanding and the courage they need to make it through each day, taking one step and making one decision after another. We ask for your redemptive power to transform their lives, and that they will become beacons of hope, healing and light in their spheres of influence. Lord God, we also pray for Zacharias’ widow and children. May they feel your presence, receive your comfort, and heed your leading. Finally, we pray for those whose faith may be shaken, that they will lean in to Jesus, who never disappoints. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Prayer about attack on UN peacekeepers in Mali

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-security-un/twenty-u-n-peacekeepers-injured-in-central-mali-attack-idUSKBN2AA1C5    PC: Seyllou, AFP

Heavenly Father, we pray for the twenty wounded UN peacekeepers, who took enemy fire at their base in Mali Wednesday. Please comfort them with your presence and grant them hope during this great trial. We pray for the medical professionals caring for them, that you would bless them, grant them clarity, and help them provide the best medical care possible, especially for the seriously wounded who are fighting for life and limb. Lord, may the truth come out about those who attacked the peacekeepers, and may they face appropriate justice for this violent act. We pray for those are fearful in the aftermath of this attack, that their fear may lead to focus rather than sloppiness, and that they may put their trust in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.


Monday, February 8, 2021

Prayer for journalists detained in China

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-55975542 PC: Getty Images

Lord, we are concerned about journalists being arrested in China. We specifically pray for Australian journalists Cheng Lei and Yang Hengjun, who have been detained since August and for over two years, respectively. We also pray for Bloomberg journalist and Chinese citizen Haze Fan, who was arrested in December. Heavenly Father, we know this world is a complicated, broken place. Nations rise against each other. In these cases, deteriorating relations between China and Australia are involved. These journalists are accused of spying. Lord, we do not know the full circumstances; however, we know that you do (Hebrews 4:13). Our concern is that innocent people not be mistreated. So, Lord, we ask you to comfort and meet with these journalists in their imprisonment. We pray that their true condition will be apparent when people are able to visit or talk with them. We pray that the justice system will be fair and swift for them. We pray for truth to come to light. We place our hope in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Prayer for Myanmar amid military coup

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics/tens-of-thousands-protest-myanmar-coup-despite-internet-ban-idUSKBN2A52DE   Photograph: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters

Almighty God, we are very troubled about the volatile situation in Myanmar. There are so many concerns, it is almost difficult to know where to begin. We are thankful that your Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know how to pray (Romans 8:26). We start where we should always start: with you. Lord, we pray that you will somehow glorify yourself in Myanmar during this time of upheaval. Next, we pray for truth and justice to unfold, and for your peace to descend. May the truth about the election rise to the surface in a way that no one can deny. We pray for justice for and the release of those who have been unfairly detained by the military: elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, ousted President Win Myint, Australian economic adviser Sean Turnell, and anyone else being illegally held. We pray for peace to descend upon the protesters and their opponents, so that protests may be peaceful and effective. Lord, we are also gravely concerned about the military’s interrupting of the Internet and social media, including forcing mobile providers to disrupt services. May global pressure force the junta to cease this censorship and allow people to freely access information and communicate with their loved ones. Lord God, we want peace, hope and democracy for all the people of Myanmar. Please work mightily amid the current chaos in this nation. Amen.