Friday, July 10, 2020

Prayer about the death of Seoul mayor Park Won-soon

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/09/asia/seoul-mayor-missing-intl/index.html PC: Reuters

Lord God, we pray for the residents of Seoul and citizens of South Korea as they grieve the death of mayor Park Won-soon. Having deployed hundreds of searchers, it was a sad ending to find Park’s body on Bukak mountain. We are at least thankful for closure, as well as for the major mark he made on his community and country. Now his loved ones and nation grieve not only the loss of this person, but this loss of a champion on whom they pinned even their presidential hopes. We pray for a respectful period of mourning and for the city and nation to move forward in healthy timing. Lord, we do not know much about the sexual misconduct claim recently filed against him that will now amount to nothing, due to current laws. We pray for peace and closure for all involved with that. If this is something that needs further investigation, we ask you to make a way for that. Again, Lord, we pray for Seoul and for greater South Korea during this time of mourning and confusion. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Prayer about Senegal's Freedom and Human Dignity Square

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/moved-george-floyd-s-death-senegal-slave-island-renames-europe-n1233146
PC: Zohra Bensemra / Reuters

Lord, we are touched by the renaming of a major square on Senegal’s Goree Island to Freedom and Human Dignity Square. We pray that all who visit and hear of this place will be reminded of the dignity borne by each human being, and that they will work toward freedom for the oppressed. This renaming is, indeed, poignant on an island that once served as a waystation for the Transatlantic slave trade. May we not forget that people are still enslaved around our world today: some literally and some by systems of oppression. Show us what we can do to make a difference. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Prayer about Dutch torture chamber situation

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53325388?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world&link_location=live-reporting-story PC: POLITIE.NL

Lord God, we are absolutely shocked by the torture chambers discovered in the Netherlands. To know that people intentionally created these places for the purpose of torturing fellow human beings is mind-boggling. We pray against this evil; we pray for your Light to gain access to these networks. We thank and praise you that these were discovered and many of the criminals apprehended before the converted chambers were put to use. We celebrate the Franco-Dutch operation that infiltrated the EncroChat encrypted phone system and led to the arrest of more than 800 people across Europe. Bless investigators with further success and the police with further arrests. May the potential victims who are now in hiding receive the help they need and eventually be able to return to normal lives. Heal their hearts, minds, bodies and souls. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Prayer about massive, deadly landslide in Myanmar

https://www.npr.org/2020/07/02/886963705/landslide-at-myanmar-jade-mine-kills-at-least-162

Merciful Father, hundreds of families in Myanmar are grieving the loss of loved ones after Thursday’s colossal landslide at a jade mine in Kachin state. At least 162 people died the horrible death of being smothered by mud. Fifty-four have been taken to hospitals for their injuries. Lord, all survivors and witnesses have a lot to process, having experienced something so traumatic. Please grant them peace as they come to terms with their inability to help during this rapid, massive catastrophe. Be with those who grieve the deaths of loved ones. Grant them supernatural grace as they attempt to sleep at night; keep them from the images that so often plague those who mourn terrible deaths of loved ones. May all involved successfully seek you for comfort and hope. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.



Friday, July 3, 2020

Prayer about fatal accident and Pakistan's railway system

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53278578   PC: AFP

Heavenly Father, we grieve Friday’s tragic railway accident in northeastern Pakistan, and we pray for the injured and mourning. With 21 people from one vehicle killed and 10 recovering from injuries, this was quite an accident! We do give thanks that no one from the train itself was injured. Lord we pray for the overall railway system in Pakistan, as they reckon with more than 100 railway-related incidents in 2019 alone--including one involving 70 fatalities. Lord, we thank you for promising wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5). May those who lead this part of the infrastructure ask for wisdom in order to soberly analyze and improve the system. If they need motivation, may others provide that catalyst. We pray for fresh ideas in how to improve safety for those who travel on or near railways in Pakistan. We humbly pray, amen.

Monday, June 29, 2020

Prayer for Amish woman missing from Pennsylvania, USA, community

https://www.publicopiniononline.com/story/news/2020/06/28/missing-lancaster-amish-teen-we-have-no-answers/3275104001/?fbclid=IwAR32jE3C8s1cY0kVbKRhPMTStcxwTuuPvBug8CAtN2uOqPv4hAsRPhl1rcY

Heavenly Father, your Word tells us your eye is on the sparrow (Matthew 10:29). We know you see where missing Linda Stoltzfoos is. We find peace in that. Yet we seek your help in locating this 18-year-old Amish woman, who seemingly disappeared without a trace June 21. With no indication she desired to leave the Amish community, it does not seem likely she ran away. However, there are no clues about foul play either. Please reveal truth in this situation as quickly as possible. May clues be found, people step forward, and/or information come to light. If Stoltzfoos is held captive somewhere, please provide a clear way of escape. Lord, amid the fear and concern, we rejoice in the togetherness shown by both Amish and non-Amish citizens in Stoltzfoos’ community as they seek their missing member. May they find Stoltzfoos soon. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.  

Friday, June 26, 2020

Prayer about foster children being placed with pedophiles in Berlin

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/berlin-paedophile-foster-parent-hermut-kentler-a9573026.html?fbclid=IwAR2Wr5O1I_HHDDWjzdXEN5QZE_SjyaT3Q1kMe0FRNUUUIvQDs_hXLo0cxCE

Lord God, we know the search for loving foster homes is never-ending. First, we pray for that need. Lord, please compel families even this very moment to consider foster care. May they take seriously your promise that “if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42). Next, we pray about the truth coming to light in Berlin regarding children being placed with pedophile men as foster parents for decades. To say we are grieved is an understatement as we realize the significance of this terrible trend, inspired by Dr. Helmut Kentler’s work. It is baffling that people went along with Kentler’s theory at all, let alone for more than 30 years. We are thankful the truth is now coming to light and pray that all who were harmed will find emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing. We are thankful that the city-state of Berlin is taking responsibility and seeking to help those who were abused. May this public admission of grievous error ultimately result in great improvements to Berlin’s foster care system and many local families stepping up to care for children. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.