Prayer about attack on school students in Afghanistan

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-attack-schools/afghan-schools-hit-as-militants-seek-soft-targets-idUSKBN1L10XI

Heavenly Father, today we pray about Wednesday’s suicide bombing at Mawoud Academy in Kabul. We think of the 34 students who were killed and the many other students who were injured. Help the victims’ families and fellow classmates to cope during this difficult time of loss. Lord, we pray against the Islamic militant groups that carry out these acts of violence. May their future attempts be unsuccessful. Open their eyes to see the truth of who you are. Remove all evil and hatred from their hearts. Father, we know the importance of education and the opportunity it provides for a better future. We pray that you will keep all students and teachers safe. Encourage governments and school leaders to work together to increase security. There have been numerous attacks on schools throughout Afghanistan alone, and we know that school violence is becoming more common across the globe. We pray that these senseless attacks will cease. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by guest prayer blogger Brandi South:

Brandi South resides in Chambersburg, PA, with her husband, their daughter, and their two rescue cats. She is employed at Shippensburg University of PA and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree starting in the fall. Brandi is a member of Grand Point Church in Chambersburg where she enjoys serving on the First Impressions Team as a greeter. Some of her favorite scripture passages are Psalm 25 and Ephesians 2.

Prayer about bridge collapse in Genoa, Italy

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/7011626/genoa-bridge-collapse-italy-motorway-morandi-latest-updates/

Lord, today we pray for those affected by Tuesday’s bridge collapse in Genoa, Italy. We are saddened about the 35 people who lost their lives. Be with the victims’ families and bring healing to those who survived yet sustained injury. We are grateful for the over 200 firefighters who continue in their rescue efforts. We pray that more survivors are located. Father, we ask that you work through the Italian government to make infrastructure improvements a priority. Give them the wisdom and resources to make upgrades that will ensure everyone’s safety. With the destruction of this major thoroughfare, there is potential for great economic hardship for this region. We ask that you help those whose homes and businesses were destroyed to rebuild quickly. Father, we do not know when or how our lives will end, but we know that it could happen just as unexpectedly as it was with this tragic accident. Help us to make the most of every opportunity that you give us, that we would choose to live a life that brings you honor and glory. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by guest prayer blogger Brandi South:

Brandi South resides in Chambersburg, PA, with her husband, their daughter, and their two rescue cats. She is employed at Shippensburg University of PA and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree starting in the fall. Brandi is a member of Grand Point Church in Chambersburg where she enjoys serving on the First Impressions Team as a greeter. Some of her favorite scripture passages are Psalm 25 and Ephesians 2.

Prayer about airstrike that hit a school bus in Yemen

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/13/middleeast/yemen-children-school-bus-strike-intl/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we grieve over the loss of life from Thursday's airstrike that hit a school bus in Yemen. This attack has claimed the lives of 51 people, 40 of whom were young boys. We are deeply troubled over the horrific way in which their lives ended. A day that was meant for joy and celebration became a day of great sorrow. We pray for physical healing for the survivors and for emotional healing as they grapple with the reality of what has occurred. This will not be an easy process, but you are our Wonderful Counselor in whom we trust. We pray for all the parents and friends who gathered today to bury their loved ones. Help them to feel your presence in the midst of their devastation. Comfort them and give them supernatural peace that only you can provide. Father, we know that Yemen has been a region of great conflict for several years. Thousands of people have lost their lives and thousands more are suffering and desperately need you. We pray that out of their great need that they find you, cling to you, and commit their lives to you. In Jesus's name, amen.

Prayer contributed by guest prayer blogger Brandi South:

Brandi South resides in Chambersburg, PA, with her husband, their daughter, and their two rescue cats. She is employed at Shippensburg University of PA and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree starting in the fall. Brandi is a member of Grand Point Church in Chambersburg where she enjoys serving on the First Impressions Team as a greeter. Some of her favorite scripture passages are Psalm 25 and Ephesians 2.

International Prisoner Justice Day prayer, featuring Kenya

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/10/africa/kenya-prison-reforms-peter-ouko/index.html
Photo credit: African Prisons Project

Heavenly Father, on International Prisoner Justice Day, we take a moment to rejoice in the positive things happening within the Kenyan justice system. We are inspired by the story of Peter Ouko, who went from being imprisoned for murdering his wife (whether justly or unjustly) to becoming the first-ever inmate in Kenya to earn a law degree while incarcerated, to defending the rights of African prisoners through his prison charity Crime Si Poa. We are thankful for the work of African Prisons Project, which provides healthcare and education within prison systems across the African continent. And we are grateful for the work of former vice president Moody Awori, who began the reforms within the nation that led to re-humanizing prisoners and breaking down (in a healthy way) barriers between prison staff and prisoners. Despite their (sometimes horrific) errors, we know that every single prisoner on earth is made in your image and needs to be connected with not only his/her inherent worth, but your Truth, grace and hope. So, on this day, we not only celebrate the progress that is being made, but we ask for more progress. We pray for renewal, revitalization and revival within prison systems. And we ask you to show us if there is anything we should do personally beyond prayer. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for young woman held captive in cave for 15 years

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/08/asia/indonesia-cave-shaman-intl/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the Indonesian woman who was held captive by a local spiritual healer in a Central Sulawesi cave for 15 years. We are disgusted that this man, who purported to be a religious leader, kidnapped and sexually abused a child. Lord, we ask your blessing on the person who tipped off authorities. We are thankful the kidnapped young woman has been found and can now begin the long road to recovery after almost complete isolation, living in a cave, and repeatedly enduring assault and brain-washing. Please motivate the best medical professionals in her region to step forward to help rehabilitate her. Help her be reunited with her family, and may they receive her back with love and understanding. Grant them wisdom in how they can best support her as she recovers from her unimaginable ordeal. Lord, we also pray that any other victims will have the courage to step forward, and that those around them will support them in sharing the truth. We long to see justice for this young woman and any others who may have been abused. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen.

Prayer for family of Joseph Blankson after he gave his life rescuing others

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/06/africa/nigerian-superhero-accident-rescue/index.html
Photo credit: Joseph Blankson

Lord, today we pray for the widow and two children left behind by Joseph Blankson, who drowned after singlehandedly pulling 13 people from a river after their boat capsized. First, Lord, we are so thankful for the example set by Blankson. We are grateful he used his strong swimming skills to rescue those in danger. We rejoice that there were no fatalities outside of Blankson’s. We pray for the survivors, that they would cherish life and reflect that through how they live. We are devastated for Blankson’s widow and children. Please be very present with them in their grieving. May their loved ones come alongside them to not only grieve with them, but to provide companionship and mentorship to these young children in their father’s absence. We also pray very specifically that Mercy, Blankson’s wife, will be able to find a job that will provide for her family. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about two air crashes

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/04/europe/russia-helicopter-crash-intl/index.html and
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-crash/several-die-after-small-plane-crashes-in-swiss-forest-idUSKBN1KP0H9

Heavenly Father, today we pray about the small airplane crash that took place in Switzerland and the helicopter crash that occurred in Siberia. We pray for investigators to determine the causes of these crashes in a timely fashion. Lord, we know 18 people were killed in the Russian crash and that “several” were killed in the Swiss crash. As the identities of these individuals are revealed and families are notified, we know people will find themselves facing incredible grief and devastation. Lord, please be with the loved ones of those who were lost. Give them peace and grace, day by day. Provide for their needs. Grant them hope for the future. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.