Prayer about shooting in Virginia Beach (USA)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/breakingnews/12-people-killed-in-virginia-beach-shooting-suspect-dead/ar-AACd61y?ocid=spartanntp#image=AACd61y_1|1

Father God, today we turn to you in grief and in great distress as we learn of another workplace shooting in the USA. We pray for the employees of the Virginia Beach Municipal Center who experienced this violence. Lord, we know that their lives are forever changed by this incident and we ask that you give them hope in this very dark time. We think of the families of the 12 victims who are still processing the news that their loved ones have been killed. Be close to them, Father, as they weep and show them abundant grace as they wrestle through the many emotions associated with grief. Thank you for the bravery of the police and their quick response which undoubtedly minimized further loss of life. We pray that the Virginia Beach community will come together and support each person affected by this event. Lord, we do not know the motive and we may never know as the gunman has also been killed. We are vulnerable and our safety in this world is not guaranteed, yet we can remain unshaken in our faith knowing that you have claimed victory once for all time. We thank you that we can claim your promises when our day-to-day lives are uncertain. Thank you for being our firm foundation and our forever hope. We trust in you and we love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by regular 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 murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi in Bangladesh

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48441604

Heavenly Father, we are saddened by the murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi and the horrific way she was killed. We thank you that this beautiful young woman had the courage to speak out when she was sexually violated, and she remained committed to speaking out even after the ruthless attack against her. We thank you that Nusrat’s parents supported her and we ask that you continue to be with them as they grieve. We pray that Prime Minister Hasina will follow through on her commitment to justice against the sixteen people who have been charged, which includes students, the headmaster, and local politicians. Lord, although this was a truly heinous crime, we are grateful for the attention it has received and the discussion it has prompted. We pray that this will spark a significant culture shift in the way women are regarded in Bangladesh. We pray that victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault can come forward without fear of retaliation, and that all claims will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. We pray that women can continue pursuing their education in a safe environment. We are grateful, Father, that you are available to all those who seek you. May this tragedy turn many hearts to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by regular 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 boat accident in Democratic Republic of Congo

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-48421344

Heavenly Father, we pray for all passengers who were on the boat that sank Saturday in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are saddened by the nearly 50 people who died, including young children. We pray with hope for the almost 200 people who are still missing that there are a high number of survivors. Please aid the rescue efforts in the coming weeks by providing the necessary resources, workers, and conditions to make for a successful mission. Lord, we thank you with deep gratitude for the remaining passengers who survived. We pray that you bless their lives, ease their struggles, and keep them safe. We pray that the country’s leaders will work hard to improve the living conditions for all people. Guide them in making wise decisions, such as investing in infrastructure, with a focus on safety and sustainability. We pray that you will intercede and prevent any further loss of life due to poorly maintained and overcrowded boats. We praise you for being our refuge and redeemer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by regular 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 bombing in Lyon, France

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/24/europe/lyon-blast-intl/index.html

Father God, today we pray for those affected by the parcel bomb that detonated Friday in Lyon, France. We praise you that there were no casualties. We pray for the 13 people injured, for their physical wounds to heal fully and for their hearts and minds to find peace in you. We pray for the damage to local businesses, that the repairs are minimal and do not cause financial hardship. Lord, we thank you for the French police and for their commitment to pursuing the perpetrator. We pray that investigators can quickly identify and apprehend him. We pray that this person is cooperative and forthcoming with information as the investigators seek to gain insight into this attack. We pray that this is an isolated incident and not linked to a larger terrorist plot. God, we live in a broken world and struggle to comprehend the violence that occurs. We are reminded of our absolute need to put our trust in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by regular 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 for malaria prevention efforts in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/23/health/malaria-africa-worlds-first-vaccine-intl/index.html

Lord God, we pray for malaria vaccination programs moving forward in Malawi, Kenya and Ghana. Though Mosquirix is not 100% effective, we are thankful for the 40% more children who will likely be saved from this deadly disease through the use of this vaccine. To hear the World Health Organization’s claim that one child dies from malaria every two minutes is deeply distressing. We pray for continued success in the fight against this disease, including early identification and treatment. We also pray that parents will follow the vaccination procedure properly, ensuring their children get all four doses according to schedule. We also pray for continued success with bed nets and other prevention measures, and that researchers will have continued creativity as they find additional effective solutions. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for the success of Cairo police in tracking down terrorists

https://www.foxnews.com/world/egypt-says-security-forces-kill-16-militants-in-sinai
Image: @EgyptDefReview/Twitter

Lord, we pray for Cairo police as they continue to battle insurgents in the Sinai Peninsula. We condemn the consistent terrorist attacks in this region, including the roadside bomb that struck a tourist bus near the Giza Pyramids Monday, wounding 17. We are thankful the police are making progress, having killed 16 militants in raids Tuesday--without any casualties among their own forces. We are also thankful for the success the police forces had in tracking down militants on Monday after the roadside bombing. Lord, we never like to hear of gunfights or deaths, but we also know these terrorists are intentional in killing innocent civilians whenever they can. We pray against their harmful work, and we pray that the police will continue to uncover Islamic militant rings in the Sinai Peninsula. Amen.

Prayer about French doctor charged with suspicious deaths

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/french-doctor-charged-with-killing-nine-patients-1.3895447
File photograph: Sebastien Bozon/AFP/Getty

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the mystery surrounding Dr. Frederic Pechier and his clinical work in the French eastern city of Besancon. It is quite disturbing to learn that investigators have found evidence linking Pechier to 24 out of 66 suspicious surgical incidents that have occurred at the clinic where he works. It is also distressing to learn that Pechier may have deliberately poisoned patients in order to heroically snatch them from the claws of death—and that nine patients have so far been determined to have died in the process. We pray for the truth to be clearly revealed in this situation so that Pechier’s guilt can be more firmly determined or so he can be exonerated. As this investigation unfolds, please provide clarity to investigators, conviction to those who need to come forward with more information, and comfort to those who grieve. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.