Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Prayer for Mozambique and the city of Palma as they deal with terrorist attacks

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/mar/29/rebels-leave-beheaded-bodies-in-streets-of-mozambi/ PC: Getty


Lord God, we pray for Mozambique, specifically the northern city of Palma. We know that Mozambique is considered by many to be a neglected humanitarian crisis, but we are thankful that you see all that is happening there—including the thousands who have been killed by terrorists and the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes. We are grieved about Monday’s brutal attack on Palma and the ongoing fighting there. It’s disturbing to hear of the Mozambican army troops, Christians and foreigners who were killed that day, many beheaded, their bodies strewn about the streets. The terroristic practices of the Islamic State Central Africa Province disgust us. Almighty God, we pray that the Islamic State group would be thwarted on every side. Lord, we pray for the efforts of the Dyck Advisory Group, which has already saved at least 220 civilians. We pray for more safe rescues. We pray for the tens of thousands of Palma residents who have fled their homes, that they would find safety and provision. Please bless Doctors without Borders’ work with displaced citizens. We pray for the Mozambican government to regain control of the city, and we ask your blessing on the American military specialists sent to help with training. Lord God, we pray for resolution to the root issues in Mozambique, that the nation may regain order and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Saturday, March 27, 2021

Prayer for peace and justice in Myanmar

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56546920     Photos: Reuters

O Lord God, we continue to cry out to you on behalf of Myanmar. With Saturday the deadliest day since the coup began, we lament the 90 unarmed protesters shot down by the military in just one day. We lament the 400 who have been killed since this coup began! We deeply grieve the children shot in their homes and yards, dying in their mother’s arms or fighting for their lives in hospitals. Lord, let us not stand by while this injustice occurs! May the military takeover somehow be suppressed. May Aung San Suu Kyi, who was democratically elected, be released from military custody and allowed to lead this nation out of this disaster. May global leaders discern how to stop this tragedy. May the truth come out and compel change. We pray for continued courage, hope and perseverance for those who righteously act on behalf of their people. May your children shine brightly during this time, pointing people to lasting hope as they live in this terrifying situation. We pray for peace in Myanmar. We pray for justice in Myanmar. In Jesus’ powerful name, amen.



Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Prayer about grounded container ship blocking Suez Canal traffic

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56505413
 

Lord God, we ask for your help with the large container ship currently blocking Egypt’s Suez Canal. Knowing that traffic is currently backed up and that lines will only get longer, we are eager for the Ever Given to be refloated and on its way. While a stuck vessel may seem insignificant to some, we are concerned about global trading being delayed and the fact that international oil prices are already rising in response to this situation. We pray for the safety and effectiveness of the eight tug boats that are working to refloat the ship and for the diggers on the ground that are removing sand from where the ship is wedged into the side of the canal bank. We are thankful that no one has been hurt so far and we pray that continues to be the case. We pray for traffic to return to normal on the Suez Canal as quickly as possible. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Monday, March 22, 2021

Prayer for New South Wales amid severe flooding

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-weather-idUSKBN2BE011

Almighty God, we pray for Australia, as thousands more people are evacuated from suburbs in Sydney’s west. As they deal with their worst flooding in decades, we remind ourselves that “the Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever” (Psalm 29:10). You still reign, even when we are overwhelmed by torrential rain. We pray that the evacuations will go smoothly and that no lives will be lost. We pray for people to behave wisely, following solid safety practices. We ask that rescues play out as effectively and as injury-free as possible. We grieve with those whose homes, vehicles and businesses have flooded. Help these people trust you and rebuild/repair in good timing. Lord, it has been an excruciating year for Australians, dealing with drought and wildfires, then the pandemic, and now this flooding. Please gird their hearts, encourage them, and woo people to you amid these trials. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Prayer for the Uighur Muslim minority in China

 

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/03/19/China-Uighur-family-separation-Amnesty-China/7941616160641/ or https://www.pbs.org/newshour/features/uighurs/ PC: Getty Images

Heavenly Father, we pray for the Uighur Muslim minority in China. It is hard to comprehend that people groups would still be targeted and confined to internment camps. Yet, sin still thrives in the world. Sin leads to prejudice, fear and hostility. Sin leads nation to rise against nation and people group to rise against people group. We pray against this. We pray that we would guard our own hearts from such sin. Specifically regarding the Uighurs, we pray for the truth to come out. We pray that Amnesty International’s report about Uighur children being taken from their parents and sent to state-run orphanages would cause the world to take a good look at what is happening. We pray for separated families to find the help they need, and that their cries would not fall on deaf ears. We pray for special measures of comfort for the children in these orphanages, Lord. Please meet with them there. Lord God, we pray for religious freedom in China. Amen.

Friday, March 19, 2021

Prayer for Libya under new prime minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security/libya-to-investigate-discovery-of-bodies-in-benghazi-idUSKBN2BB2CN

Lord God, we pray for Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh as he seeks to lead Libya’s new unity government. After a decade of chaos and violence, we are thankful that the main western and eastern factions that split apart in 2014 have publicly accepted Dbeibeh’s government. May these factions cooperate and unite so their nation can move forward under new leadership. Lord, we pray specifically for Dbeibeh’s instruction of the attorney general to open an investigation into the discovery of bodies in Benghazi. After the Security Headquarters in Benghazi initially denied the existence of these bodies, we are thankful Dbeibeh has brought the truth of their discovery to light and now wants to uncover who they are and how they died. We pray that the investigation will be successful and that loved ones can eventually have closure. Again, Lord, we pray for Libya to work toward peace and truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Praise and prayer for newly discovered Dead Sea Scrolls

 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/israeli-experts-announce-discovery-of-new-dead-sea-scrolls PC: Associated Press

Lord God, we are grateful and excited to learn that dozens of new Dead Sea Scroll fragments bearing a biblical text have been found in Qumran, Israel. We are delighted to know that these fragments contain Greek text from the books of Zechariah and Nahum and have been radiocarbon-dated to the second century A.D. We pray that this find will be well-used in helping the world better understand the historicity and accuracy of the Holy Bible. May the discovery inspire people to read these books of the Bible and your Word in general. We pray these scrolls will be handled, cared for and utilized by those who are the best fit for the tasks. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but your Word stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Amen.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Prayer against more suicides within the Korea Land and Housing Corp scandal

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-property/another-south-korean-state-housing-official-found-dead-amid-property-scandal-idUSKBN2B505U

Almighty God, we pray that no more Korea Land and Housing Corp officials will commit suicide as their insider property speculation scandal is uncovered. With two officials already dead by their own hand, we pray that no more will find or take this opportunity. Send people to care for and watch over those who might be at risk. May those feeling guilty for inappropriate activity find another way to cope with the error of their ways, starting by turning to you for forgiveness. Lord, we do want the truth to come out about this scandal. We do want people to face justice. However, we do not want deaths. Again, Lord, we pray those involved would choose to courageously face the consequences for their choices, rather than bereaving their loved ones and preventing justice from being carried out. May they find hope in you as they experience the legal process. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Prayer about revelations of abuse and neglect at Circle of Hope Girls' Ranch in Missouri, USA

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56357828

Heavenly Father, we pray for all people connected with Circle of Hope Girls' Ranch, as more than 100 criminal charges have been made against its proprietors, Boyd and Stephanie Householder. Lord, as the Householders face charges ranging from statutory rape and repeated statutory sodomy to neglect and abuse, may truth come to light. We pray that the state of Missouri’s legal system will execute justice accurately, swiftly and appropriately. We pray that the Householders will genuinely repent of sin and cruelty as needed, and that they will humbly face the consequences for their actions. Heavenly Father, we are deeply grieved to hear that the Missouri Attorney General said officials had identified 16 victims "so far" and described the case as "one of the most widespread... against young girls and women in Missouri history." We pray for these 16 victims to find healing and hope, and we pray that any other victims will come forward when the time is right for them. Uphold them with your strength and grace as they process their experiences and attempt to speak out within the justice system. Finally, Lord, we pray for legal loopholes that allow no oversight to some faith-based and private schools in Missouri to be closed if that is what is best for everyone involved with these schools. Grant decision-makers supernatural insight into what is best for the children of Missouri. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Prayer for Equatorial Guinea after massive explosion that killed almost 100

 

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/09/africa/equatorial-guinea-blasts-death-toll-intl/index.html

Lord God, we pray for Equatorial Guinea as this small nation recovers from Sunday’s massive explosion in one of its largest cities. First, Lord, we pray for those who still need to be rescued, that they would be found as quickly and safely as possible. We pray for those receiving medical care, that it would be effective and efficient. Knowing that almost 100 people are confirmed dead so far, we pray for the grieving, both in this immediate aftermath and along the long journey called grief. Lord God, we pray for blood donations and medical volunteers to quickly arrive where needed—both from within Equatorial Guinea and without. We pray that, when the time is right, there will be answers about why explosives were so carelessly handled that a nearby fire set by farmers could cause such massive devastation. We pray for the president and vice president, who have not always been known to look out for their people more than their own interests, to handle this crushing event within their nation in an above-reproach, prompt, effective manner. We pray for your great mercy to be generously poured upon Equatorial Guinea both now and through the coming months needed for emotional, economic, structural and spiritual recovery. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Saturday, March 6, 2021

Prayer for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe to be released from her Iranian detention

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56301683 PC: Free Nazanin Campaign

Lord God, we pray for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who is due to be released from detention in Iran Sunday. After five longs years of unjust imprisonment, she is eager to be home, and her husband and daughter are just as anxious to see her. Lord, there are doubts that she will actually be released. There are concerns that she is being used as a bargaining chip by the Iranian government. We pray, Lord God, that these concerns will not come to fruition and that Zaghari-Ratcliffe will simply walk free March 7. We pray that both the UK and the Iranian government will be just, true and wise with all aspects of this situation. We pray for the truth to come out about Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s arrest and that justice will be done. We pray that this family will have a joyful reunion and be able to reconnect well. Finally, we pray that Zaghari-Ratcliffe, her husband and daughter will fully recover from this ordeal. Please glorify yourself in this situation. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Prayer about earthquakes and volcanic activity in Iceland

 

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/03/world/iceland-volcano-eruption-keilir-intl-latam/index.html

Almighty God, we pray for Iceland, where people are concerned about a likely volcanic eruption. We pray for peace, and for people to place their trust in you. We are thankful for technological advances that allow for modeling and the mapping of potential lava flows. We are thankful it appears no towns will be impacted by lava. We do pray for scientists to have wisdom in how they monitor the excessive earthquake activity and anticipate scenarios. May they prepare the people of Iceland well for any impending hazards. Lord, after more than 17,000 earthquakes over the past week, we thank you that no one has been hurt, and we pray that no one will be harmed in any upcoming earthquakes. We pray that the earthquakes would remain minimal. Finally, we pray against emissions of dangerous gases. We know you have set the pillars of the earth (Psalm 75:3). Glorify yourself in Iceland we pray, amen.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Prayer surrounding the killing of three female journalists in Jalalabad, Afghanistan

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-attack-media/three-female-media-workers-killed-on-way-home-from-work-in-eastern-afghanistan-idUSKCN2AU1Q5 PC: Sadaqat Ghorzang/AP Photo

Lord God, we pray against the terrorist intimidation and murder happening in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad. With the Tuesday shooting of four female television workers, we see clear terrorization at work. We pray for the loved ones left behind by the three women who died after being shot in the head. We pray that the fourth woman, who is now fighting for her life, will get the best possible care and survive. We are thankful that the suspected leader of the assailants has been apprehended. We pray that he will confess his crimes and confirm the connection to the Taliban if that is the truth that needs to be uncovered. We pray that the other gunmen will also be caught and that all will face justice through a fair legal system. Finally, we pray that the terrorism will fail. May journalists continue to tell the truth in helpful ways, and may freedom of speech flourish in Afghanistan. Most of all, we pray that spiritual freedom will flourish in this nation. Amen.