Prayer about "Black Pete" conflict in the Netherlands

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-netherlands-black-pete/black-pete-protests-planned-as-dutch-children-hail-st-nicholas-idUSKBN1XQ0CY
PC: PETER DEJONG / AP

Lord, we pray for peace and unity in the Netherlands as the nation debates a beloved, yet racist, holiday tradition. To begin, we pray for your peace and protection during today’s protests. May people on both sides of the debate treat each other with dignity, respect and kindness, so they can hear each other more effectively. Beyond this particular day, we pray about the overall debate. We know how deeply traditions can be ingrained into our cultures. We know this is not an easy thing for this nation. We pray for everyone involved to be able to step back and evaluate the situation with wisdom and objectivity. May people err on the side of love. Jesus, this holiday is primarily about you—not St. Nicholas, nor “Black Pete.” May we all return to that focus, and may “Black Pete” be recognized as a hurtful distraction from the true meaning of Christmas. We pray that this intense debate would bring about renewed commitment to you in the Netherlands. In your gracious yet mighty name we pray, Lord Jesus, amen.

Prayer for French authorities as they seek possible Jeffrey Epstein sexual assault victims

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/11/15/French-authorities-ask-again-for-Epstein-victims-to-come-forward/7911573828207/?sl=9

Lord God, we pray for French authorities as they seek witnesses and possible sexual assault victims of the late Jeffrey Epstein. What a sad, difficult situation! Epstein left a legacy of damage and selfishness. Now survivors, families and associates are trying to pick up the pieces and move forward. Heavenly Father, we pray for any possible victims in France. If it will benefit them to come forward and not cause them further harm, please give them the courage and peace to do so. We know justice will be a good thing for all involved. If there are witnesses to Epstein’s bad behavior—even unsure ones—we ask you to compel them to come forward. May they feel a strong conviction that telling the truth and seeking justice for the oppressed is their responsibility. We also ask that the French authorities will do an exceptional job handling the entire situation, treating victims with dignity and wisdom, and using meticulous investigative practices. We ask for truth to come out in this situation in your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer of thanksgiving for Thai police's confiscation of 390 pounds of crystal meth

https://www.foxnews.com/world/thai-police-seize-crystal-meth-japan-treadmills
PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM THAICH8/FACEBOOK

Lord God, we know that “a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Peter 2:19). We have all seen the destructive effects of drugs on people we know and love. We pray against this scourge within our lands. Today we also celebrate a small victory in this battle against drug addiction. We rejoice that Thai police were able to confiscate 80 pounds of crystal methamphetamine that were hidden in treadmills that were to be shipped to Japan. We ask your blessing on those who tipped off police. We also commend the police officers who had the courage to pursue the leads to not only the treadmills, but also to the warehouse, discovering another 310 pounds. We pray for this particular drug ring to be shut down. And we pray for Thai police to have many more successes as they strive to eliminate illegal drugs from the market. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer celebrating dramatic train rescue in California

https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/04/us/bart-worker-rescues-man-trnd/index.html

Almighty God, we rejoice today in John O'Connor’s quick actions, which saved the life of an unidentified man who fell on the train tracks as a train was approaching. Watching the video is astounding—that the man paid such little attention, and that he was pulled from the tracks just in time to avoid a violent death. Even though O’Connor does not consider himself a hero, we celebrate his commitment to doing good work at the Bay Area Rapid Transit station, his quick thinking, and the physical strength that enabled him to snatch the citizen from the jaws of death. May all involved, including the train operator and bystanders, recover from the drama of the event. May they focus on celebrating the rescue, rather than being overcome with fear. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about women and children burned alive in Mexico

https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/05/americas/mormons-attacked-us-mexico-border/index.html

Heavenly Father, we request comfort for those who grieve the murders of the three women, four small children and two infants burned alive near La Mora, Mexico, Monday evening. We are distraught about the three vehicles traveling between the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua being ambushed by criminal groups—shot up and burned without provocation. We are thankful for Sonora state Gov. Claudia Pavlovich Arellano’s strong condemnation of the attack and commitment to track down the perpetrators of this crime. We pray for continued protection and resolve for her as she pursues resolution and continues to lead in a region marred by violence. We pray that the American FBI's offer for assistance will aid in the process of tracking down the murderers, and that these criminals can be quickly apprehended. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Maranhao and the Guajajara tribe as they protect reservation land from illegal loggers

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-indigenous/brazilian-state-creates-task-force-to-protect-amazon-tribe-from-loggers-idUSKBN1XE20O

Lord God, we pray for the Brazilian state of Maranhao and the Guajajara tribe as they seek answers in protecting reservation land from illegal loggers. First, we pray for the loved ones of Paulo Paulino “Lobo” Guajajara, who was killed by loggers while hunting within his reservation. We pray for his companion, Laercio, who was also injured, but managed to escape. Comfort the Guajajara as they process Lobo’s loss, and we pray that his death will bring about action to deal with this neglected concern. May Laercio fully recover from his wounds and return to a normal life. We are thankful for those who want to assist in providing security on reservation land, including through training policemen to serve with the tribe and to train the tribe in defense practices. Of course, Lord, we really want to see peace in the area. We pray that illegal loggers would cease their practices and operate within legal, harmless guidelines. We fervently pray that they would not attack the tribal members they encounter. We ask for your help in decreasing violence and leading us to solutions. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about children killed by Taliban anti-personnel mines

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-blast/nine-children-killed-in-afghanistan-mine-blast-idUSKBN1XC06U

Heavenly Father, wrap your arms of peace around the families in Afghanistan who lost their children today. These families, some part of the Taliban and some not, are dealing with one of the most devastating blows possible—with the Taliban families aware that their own movement caused these deaths. May the loss of these nine young lives cause the Taliban to stop planting anti-personnel mines, which are a risk for everyone, both now and into the future. We pray against other children being killed by these mines. Lord, we long for peace in this area. We pray your blessing on America’s attempted peace talks with the Taliban. With more than 8000 civilian deaths recorded since the beginning of the year, we are weary of this madness. Bring peace, Lord; bring peace among humankind and peace with you among hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.