Saturday, May 29, 2021

Prayer about mass grave discovered on former British Columbia residential school grounds

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/28/canada-remains-indigenous-children-mass-graves?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1  Photograph: Blair Gable/Reuters

Heavenly Father, knowing the truth can both help and hurt, bringing both peace and sorrow. That is how we feel about the discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of a former residential school in southern British Columbia. The Tk’emlups te Secwépemc people have suspected for a very long time that hundreds of their children were hidden on those grounds; now their “knowing” has been confirmed. Lord, we know that 150,000 children attended such residential schools that were intended to assimilate Indigenous children into a different culture. We now know that abuse of all kinds was common within this educational network. We pray for the recovering adults who once attended these schools to find peace in the knowing, to receive some sort of closure, to be able to move forward in the healing process. We pray that more of the suspected 3201 deaths can be uncovered and accounted for, so more families and communities may find peace. We pray that we will learn from this sorrowful history and avoid making the same mistakes. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Prayer about cable car crash in Italy and surrounding concerns

 

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/05/26/italy-cable-car-crash-emergency-brake-deactivated/3051622023863/ PC: Italian Fire and Rescue

Lord, we grieve last weekend’s cable car crash in Italy that killed 14 people. Now we grieve what has come to light. Lord, we are thankful to understand more about what caused the tragedy, but so disappointed to learn that these deaths occurred in large part because of the deadly misjudgment of three of the cable car company’s top officers. They allegedly believed that the cable would not break, so they consciously deactivated the emergency brake that could have saved these 14 lives. We pray for these three people as they go through the justice system, that truth would come out, that they would remain humble, and that they would speak honestly. We pray for not only this company, but for all who hear of this to take safety measures seriously in their spheres of influence. We pray for all who grieve these deaths and who live in fear as a result of the accident. Please comfort and support them. Finally, Lord, we pray for the one survivor of the cable car crash: the five-year-old boy whose parents, great-grandparents and sibling died during the crash. We pray for him to recover from this terrible accident. May he receive top care in his hospital. May any therapy he needs for the long run go as well as possible. We pray for his heart and mind as he hears the news of those who have been lost and as he adjusts to a new life with a new family. Please heal this little boy on every level, Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Monday, May 24, 2021

Prayer for Arab woman who received kidney from Jewish man killed in Middle Eastern clashes

 

https://apnews.com/article/israel-middle-east-religion-race-and-ethnicity-health-5c53376a1bb1de69bb8120b8d9f5f71e 
PC: Maya Alleruzzo, AP

Almighty God, we pray for Randa Aweis, as she recovers from a kidney transplant that should inspire us all. Lord, we see the irony in Aweis’ story: that a Jewish man killed amid clashes between Arabs and Jews in Israel’s mixed city of Lod would donate his kidney to an Arab woman. As the conflict in the Middle East continues to unfold, we pray that this story would become symbolic to those who rage. We pray that people would choose peace and sacrifice, hope and reconciliation. We pray that the ceasefire would hold. And, Lord, we pray for the loved ones of Yigal Yehoshua, the Jewish man who lost his life amid the chaos and conflict. May those he leaves behind trust you. May they experience the peace that passes understanding. May they serve as beacons of light within their communities. We also pray that Aweis would fully recover from the transplant and develop a meaningful relationship with Yehoshua’s widow. Give her a fruitful life, adding immeasurable value to her family, community and beyond. We humbly pray, amen.

Friday, May 21, 2021

Prayer for unaccompanied minors caught up in Moroccan-Spanish migration crisis

 

https://apnews.com/article/morocco-europe-spain-africa-migration-80180bf9ec520904302b3407a0fa8b76 PC: Bernat Armangue/AP

Heavenly Father, we pray for the current migration crisis unfolding between Morocco and Spain. We are particularly concerned for the unaccompanied minors whose parents are trying to find them. Knowing that authorities have already confirmed the presence of 439 unaccompanied minors in Spain and that 4400 calls have been made by anxious relatives since Thursday, we believe there are hundreds more. Lord, you see them. You know their situations. Please direct them in the way they should go. Send godly and true protectors to guard, guide and comfort them. For those who need to return home, please connect them with the proper assistance and get them home as quickly as possible. Lord, we pray for anxious parents and loved ones, wondering what has happened to these children and youths. Please give them clarity and tenacity in finding those for whom they search. Grant them peace. We pray for Spanish and Moroccan authorities to resolve their differences as quickly and effectively as possible, and to take a good look at immigration practices—both official and unofficial—on both sides of the border. May they enact helpful changes. We pray for your children to bring help and hope to those caught in this stressful, complex situation. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Prayer for dangerous manhunt happening in Belgian national forest

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57183188 PC: Reuters

Lord God, we pray for the hundreds of Belgian officers and soldiers, as well as Dutch and German police, who are currently searching for a military extremist named Jurgen Conings. Please lead them to this military shooting instructor, who has made threats against a top Belgian virologist and declared his society no longer bearable, before he causes anyone harm. We know the Hoge Kempen National Park’s 46 square miles are a good place to hide, but we also know your “eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). Lord God, we are thankful Conings has already abandoned his anti-tank rocket-launchers and ammunition, but we are concerned about the other intense weaponry in his possession. We pray it will fail him or that he will also choose to leave it behind. Heavenly Father, our ideal situation is that Conings will realize the error of his ways before anyone gets hurt. May he find peace within his mind and heart, may he seek peace with you, and may he turn himself in. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.   

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Prayer about two different attempted abductions in Florida and Ohio

https://people.com/pets/ohio-girl-12-saved-by-her-dog-after-man-chases-her/ and https://abcnews.go.com/US/suspect-custody-alleged-kidnapping-attempt-11-year-girl/story?id=77768011

Lord, our heads are spinning as we hear of two similar, frightening incidents happening in the last week. Two men attempted to kidnap two different preteen girls in two different American states, both reported Tuesday. Fortunately, both girls escaped and one suspected kidnapper has been captured. We pray for the other attempted kidnapper to be arrested as soon as possible. We celebrate the Escambia County deputies who worked quickly to identify and apprehend the Florida suspect. We celebrate the dog that protected the girl from her attempted abductor in Ohio. We pray specifically that the man who attempted to kidnap the Columbiana girl from his 1970s model red Ford pickup would be apprehended or turn himself in. May those who know his vehicle get in touch with law enforcement. Lord, we pray for the preteen girls who experienced this trauma. We are thankful for their clarity of mind and strength of body, which enabled them to react quickly and strongly enough to escape their would-be captors. We know that this is not always the case—even for the quick and strong. May these girls and their loved ones process and recover from this terrifying occurrence. May the incidents compel others to train their children in what to do when a stranger approaches. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Prayer for China's Hubei and Jiangsu provinces after tornadoes cause death and destruction

 

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/asia-pacific/tornadoes-hit-two-chinese-provinces-killing-12-injuring-hundreds-1.4566388

Almighty God, we pray for Hubei and Jiangsu provinces in China as they recover from the death and destruction of Saturday’s tornadoes. First, Lord, we pray for the hundreds of people who sustained injuries during these storms. We pray for quality medical care whenever needed. We pray for medical personnel to not be overwhelmed and to have clear thinking and efficient work amid the post-storm chaos and concerns. Next, Lord, we pray for those who grieve the 12 who died. Give them strength to carry on and rebuild while recovering from these huge losses in their lives. Lord, we do pray for the almost 200 families who need to repair or rebuild their homes, and the businesses, including large factories, that lost their buildings. Help them rebuild as quickly as possible. Direct them to and provide the right resources. Lord God, we pray for these communities to recover. May they seek strength and hope from you as they walk the road to restoration. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

 

Friday, May 14, 2021

Prayer as Israeli and Palestinian conflict escalates

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57110368 PC:AFP

Almighty God, how do we begin to pray for the latest trouble between Israel and Gaza? We start with peace. With Israelis and Palestinians in conflict for generations, we are always concerned for these people groups. Now that armed conflict is underway again, our hearts break. Lord, we all know this situation is complex. We are thankful that you see and know all, and that we can put our trust in you. We also know this: people—including children—are dying and the conflict is escalating. We pray for clear minds, calm spirits, discerning leadership, and hope. We pray for your glorious goodness to unfold before our very eyes amid this conflict. May those involved follow your commands to love you fully and to love their neighbors as themselves. As always, Lord, we pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Again, we ask for peace, and we place our trust in you. Amen.

 

 

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Prayer about apprehension of "East Valley Rapist" in Arizona, USA

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/05/05/border-patrol-agent-serial-rapist-arizona-arrested-suspected-john-daly/4965259001/

Lord God, we celebrate that authorities have apprehended whom they believe to be Arizona’s "East Valley Rapist." With no previous leads on eight cases of sexual assault in the area between July 1999 and October 2001, we are grateful funding from the Justice Department’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative led investigators to John Daly III. With circumstances and DNA pointing to Daly, three of the cases are moving toward closure and one is also making good progress. We pray for the justice system to be swift, accurate and fair in these cases. We pray for final investigations to go smoothly and for people with additional information to come forward quickly and courageously. Lord, we pray for the survivors of these attacks to benefit from the arrest. We pray against flashbacks and fear, but rather for hope and valor. May all who need to testify be safe, secure and clear. Lord, we pray for Daly to repent from any wrongdoing and speak the truth. Lord God, we entrust this entire situation to you in Jesus’ name, amen.  

Monday, May 3, 2021

Prayer for peace and truth in Colombia amid violent protests

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombia-blames-armed-groups-protest-violence-death-toll-still-unclear-2021-05-03/  PC: Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters

Almighty God, we pray for peace, order and truth in Colombia after five days of demonstrations, protests, looting and vandalism. We are thankful the government retracted the controversial tax reform that began the demonstrations, but are saddened that the violence and destruction continued and that more protests are planned for the near future. Lord, we pray for the mass transit system to be repaired and running as soon as possible, so people can return to work and daily travel. We pray for the injured to receive quality medical care. We pray about the approximately 20 people who were killed in the chaos, that their deaths would be investigated and people held responsible as appropriate. We pray for truth to come out about whether criminal organizations were behind the violence, as well as whether there was any police brutality. Lord, we pray for your peace to descend upon Colombia during this tumultuous time. Glorify yourself in Colombia, Lord. Draw people to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Continued prayer for Myanmar amid oppression by military junta

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-protesters-march-three-months-after-coup-un-warns-standstill-2021-05-01/

Almighty God, three months after the military coup, the people of Myanmar continue to struggle for justice. We continue to knock on the door of heaven (Luke 11:5-8), pleading on their behalf. Lord, we pray for democracy in Myanmar. We pray for the safety and release of democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the thousands of others who have been arrested during protests against the military junta. Lord, we grieve the 759 protesters who have been killed and dread the spilling of any more blood. We pray for peace. We pray for the junta to do the right thing for its people and relinquish power. We pray for international pressure to make a difference. We pray for Dr. Sasa as he continues to keep the world informed about what is happening in Myanmar. Lord, magnify yourself in Myanmar. May people come to know you during this tumultuous time. May people see your mighty hand at work against oppression. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.