Prayer about COVID hospital fire in North Macedonia

Heavenly Father, we grieve with North Macedonia over their COVID hospital fire. We are devastated to learn that at least 14 patients were killed when oxygen cylinders exploded in this makeshift hospital. We pray that remains will be found to identify any other deceased patients so families can have closure. We also pray that the investigation into the cause of the fire will be very clear and efficient. Lord, we know people are frustrated by what they feel was an unsafe temporary facility. We also know that many nations have struggled to keep up with the demands caused by COVID-19. We pray for truth to come out and for people to be gracious toward each other while they await the news. We pray for hope and healing for the grieving. We also pray for a new facility to be quickly, yet safely, built. Finally, we pray for the slowing and cessation of COVID transmission in North Macedonia. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58496405 PC: EPA

Prayer for Indian pastor experiencing ongoing persecution

Almighty God, we pray for Indian Pastor Shelton Vishwanathan, who has been repeatedly attacked by Hindu extremists for his faith and ministry. First, we thank you for his life and work. We are grateful he is alive, despite more than one attempt to kill him. We pray your blessing on the elderly woman who risked her own safety by releasing him from captivity. Please protect and provide for her, and draw her to You. Second, we thank you that his family was restored to him. We are thankful they could be located, despite fleeing the country after believing him dead. Finally, we celebrate that Vishwanathan continues to share the Gospel, despite the persecution he has experienced. Lord, we ask for your protection on him and his family. We pray that they will find transportation, since their last vehicle was stolen by assailants. We pray that the police will pay attention to these incidents, not turning a blind eye to acts of Hindu terrorism. Lord Jesus, we pray that many people will come to know you through Vishwanathan’s family, including some from among his would-be assailants. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen. Source: https://issuu.com/faithandjustice/docs/f_j_14.3_august2021_digital/18 PC: Morning Star News

Prayer about oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

Lord God, we pray about the large oil spill happening in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ida’s destructive visit. We celebrate that it is so far not affecting coastlines and we pray that that continues to be the case. We pray for the ongoing efforts of Clean Gulf Associates and the US Coast Guard, as they seek to find the source of this oil spill as quickly as possible. We pray for the safety of divers and all other personnel working to identify, contain, and clean up this problem. Lord, we are concerned about the damage this pollution is causing within the gulf, including the havoc it is wreaking on wildlife. Again, we pray for the source of the problem to be discovered and repaired as quickly as possible. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://apnews.com/article/business-environment-and-nature-oil-spills-083370b76caf6d4e3099f90eb9ac4a9c PC: Maxar Technologies via AP

Prayer for Philadelphia and the Northeast after Ida-caused flooding

Almighty God, we pray for the rescues still happening in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after remnants of Hurricane Ida flooded the Northeast Wednesday. We are thankful for the more than 100 people who have already been rescued from this city alone—plus the 41 children rescued from a school bus nearby. With over 500 calls made for rescue in Montgomery County, we know volunteers and emergency personnel are still hard at work. Please bless their efforts and protect them. May they reach everyone before dark. Lord, there will be continued rescues and recovery not only in Pennsylvania, but also in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. Please be with the communities of this region as they look ahead to a long recovery. Please be with those who grieve the at least 23 people known to be dead as a result of this storm. Please grant not only housing, but hope, to those who have lost their homes and businesses. Lord, we know you reign--even over the roaring and foaming waters. May people in need turn to you and experience your provision during this time. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/02/weather/ida-northeast-flooding-thursday/index.html

Prayer to find source of Japan's contaminated Moderna vaccines

Lord God, we pray about the contamination issues Japan is having with Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine. Contaminated batches of the vaccine come at a particularly bad time, as Japan deals with a spike in Covid-19 cases and hosts the Paralympics. With millions of doses suspended or eliminated due to contamination, we pray that the source of the problem can be quickly uncovered. We are thankful that Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, came forward with a possible problem that it is investigating. May their investigation be efficient and above reproach. If the problem actually originated elsewhere, may that be quickly uncovered. We also pray that those who received the contaminated doses before the problem was discovered would not have any adverse side effects. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58405210