Prayer against the illegal rupturing of pipelines

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/18/americas/mexico-gasoline-explosion-tlahuelilpan/index.html

Lord, we are again grieved by the massive loss of life caused by people’s selfishness (and perhaps desperation). We are disgusted that people continue to illegally tap gasoline pipelines, while knowing that this type of behavior leads to explosions. Today we pray for central Mexico, where at least 67 people were killed and at least 75 injured Friday, due to a major explosion. Please be with the injured as they fight for their lives and well-being. Please be with the grieving as they process this senseless loss of precious loved ones. We do pray for confirmation of the cause of this explosion. If the suspected illegal rupturing is confirmed, we pray for the thieves to be caught. And, Lord, we pray for effectiveness as the Mexican government tries to prevent the continuation of this behavior, even in the midst of a time when gasoline is not always easy to find. We pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon those tempted to damage the pipelines for their own purposes. Remind them of the loss of lives; help them understand that it one day could be their own loved ones destroyed by this recklessness. We pray against this type of behavior in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Prayer for Portugal as the nation moves to improve laws regarding rape

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-portugal-rights-rape/portugal-parliament-moves-to-widen-definition-of-rape-idUSKCN1P51MQ

Lord, we pray for Portugal as the nation moves to legally expand the definition of rape to cover all sex without consent. With the “wolf pack” rape case in neighboring Spain revealing the flaw in rape laws and definitions, we celebrate that Portugal joins other European nations in seeking to correct this problem. We are thankful that removing the word “violence” from the definition will enable justice for unconscious or coerced victims. We celebrate that lawmakers unanimously voted to submit the amendment to a constitutional committee, and we pray that the 60 required days for discussing the amendment will be productive and candid. We do pray that lawmakers will vote to pass this amendment, so gang rapes like the notorious “wolf pack” one will no longer allow attackers to escape the severe punishment merited by their crimes. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for toddler who fell into narrow well in southern Spain

https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/desperate-hunt-for-toddler-in-well-grips-spain/news-story/1efe9165362c35b932cdf1d89fb6e440

Heavenly Father, we are devastated as the search continues for a two-year-old who fell into an uncovered borehole in southern Spain Sunday. We are thankful that more than 100 volunteers are searching for this little boy, trying every way they can think of to recover him from this 100-meter drop. Lord, please grant the parents of this young child the peace that passes understanding as they await word of their son. May they sleep when needed, and may they experience your comfort. May their loved ones rally around them during this terribly dark experience. Lord, we pray for the rescuers. Give them clarity of mind and abundant resourcefulness as they attempt this rescue. May they have the necessary diligence and equipment to persevere and ultimately succeed. The hours tick away. Please help the rescuers find this child. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Canada as the nation welcomes 1 million new immigrants

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/01/11/Canada-seeks-to-add-1M-immigrants-by-2021/7061547229851/

Lord God, we pray for Canada as the nation seeks to add 1 million immigrants to its population within the next three years. During a time when migrant crises and immigration complications make headlines every day, this nation is throwing open its doors to welcome people from around the world. Please be with the leadership as these men and women seek to integrate 1 million people representing multiple cultures over a three-year period. With 1 in 5 Canadians already immigrants, this new influx will increase the immigrant ratio and the general population in a significant way. May the people of Canada handle this as well and wisely as possible. May immigrants from around the world find safety and security for their families in this land. May people from different countries flourish and contribute their gifts to their new country of residence. And we again ask for wisdom for the nation’s leaders as they guide their people through this time of hospitality, challenge, and adjustment. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun's situation

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-saudi/australia-to-consider-taking-in-saudi-teen-who-fled-family-abuse-idUSKCN1P30HJ?utm_source=applenews

Heavenly Father, today we pray about Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun's situation, as the Saudi awaits word regarding whether Australia will accept her as a refugee. Having fled to Thailand to escape what she described as family abuse she thinks will result in death, we desire Qunun to find a safe, secure place. With questions about her situation arising from a variety of quarters, including from her family, we pray for truth to come out about what is best for this 18-year-old woman. Lord, you know more than we do about the plight of women in Saudi Arabia. We pray for progress for women's rights in that nation. If Qunun's situation is helpful in that, so be it. But we do pray for as much transparency as appropriate throughout the entire process. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Prayer surrounding Jamal Khashoggi’s murder trial

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/03/middleeast/khashoggi-murder-trial-starts-intl/index.html

Heavenly Father, we pray for the trial about journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder as it unfolds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We crave truth. This appalling tale of a Saudi royal family insider-turned-critic being killed and dismembered inside a consulate as he sought the papers to marry his fiancé feels too terrible to be true. The political maneuvering, cover-ups, and potential scapegoating feel like they belong in a crime novel, rather than real life. We would love for this trial to reveal truth. But we know truth may leak out over time. We ask for that. May the full story of Khashoggi’s murder come to light, and may the appropriate people be punished for this crime. We do know that absolutely nothing is hidden from you, and that the people responsible for this murder will eventually stand before you in judgment. Give everyone involved either peace or conviction as they become aware of that. Finally, Lord, we pray for Hatice Cengiz as she continues to grieve the loss of her beloved fiancé, who died as he sought the right to marry her. Bring peace and joy back into her life. Give her hope and strength as she faces each day. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about Danish train crash

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/02/europe/denmark-train-crash-intl/index.html

Lord God, we pray for the nation of Denmark today as they deal with the deadliest rail accident in their nation’s history. We pray for the loved ones of the six people killed, who may not even know yet that their friend or relative is among those lost during this train accident. Prepare them for this news, and grant them deep comfort in the coming days, months and beyond, as they process this great loss in their lives. We pray for those recovering from injuries, rejoicing that none of the injuries are life-threatening. We pray for those traumatized by the experience—both passengers and emergency responders—that they will heal and move forward in life, without fear hindering them. We pray about the financial loss to both companies involved in this incident, and about the disruption to a busy transportation line. May people handle the disruption well, grateful they are safe, rather than focused on the inconvenience. Help them quickly find other means of transportation. Finally, Lord, we pray for investigators as they seek the reason this crash occurred. We are thankful they are committed to a thorough investigation, so similar accidents can be avoided in the future. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.