Prayer about exploring and eliminating racism in Japan

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53428863 PC: Reuters

Heavenly Father, we celebrate that the Black Lives Matter movement is increasing awareness of racism in Japan. Within this mostly homogeneous nation, we are thankful that this moment in history is raising questions and stimulating helpful conversations among Japanese citizens and residents. We are glad to hear that people are primarily receptive to these conversations and to exploring racism within the nation’s history, including long-held prejudice against Chinese and Koreans. Lord, we know that racism and prejudice are sin. We know you have clearly charged us to do nothing out of favoritism, and that you look at hearts, rather than at outward appearance. Please help the Japanese continue growing in these areas, and may the rest of the world follow suit. May Japan prove to be a fine example of confronting, addressing and working to eliminate racism. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen.

Prayer about large building collapse in India

 

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/08/24/5-story-building-collapses-in-India-dozens-trapped/7091598286228/

Lord God, we pray about the rescue operation happening at the five-story building that collapsed in India Monday. We are thankful for the dozens of people who have already been rescued and pray that they will receive the necessary medical treatment as efficiently as possible. Lord, we pray that any more people who are trapped will be found as quickly as possible. Guide the rescuers. Sharpen their hearing. Show them where to look. We pray also, Lord, for those who grieve the loss of the one life that has been discovered and the loss of homes. Comfort and provide for them. May friends, neighbors and even strangers help the hurting quickly and enthusiastically. Finally, Lord, we pray that the truth of this situation will be uncovered. With this building constructed only nine years ago, it seems likely there are ethical questions. Please guide investigators as they explore these possibilities. May no person or influence of any kind corrupt the investigation. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about mystery and obsession surrounding death of Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53655118 PC: Hindustan Times

Lord God, we pray about the mystery and obsession surrounding the death of Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput. First, Lord, we grieve his untimely demise, most likely by his own hand. It is devastating when anyone is hopeless enough to take his own life. Please be with his loved ones as they grieve, particularly with a media circus pushing countless private details into the public domain. We do pray for his fans, that they can find peace, cherishing his memory and grieving appropriately, but still moving forward. We pray for investigators to diligently complete their work, that truth may rise to the surface and rumors dissipate. We also ask for protection for those who have been accused of bringing about Sushant’s demise. We again ask for truth to come to light. Finally, we pray that this tragedy can bring about some good, including a greater understanding of depression and a more accurate portrayal of it in Bollywood films. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Praise for successful rescue of lost seafarers in Micronesia

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/08/04/3-mariners-rescued-on-Pacific-island-after-writing-SOS-in-sand/1121596532009/ PC: Australia Department of Defense

Lord God, we are warmed by a successful rescue story amid stories of trials around the globe. We are thankful for bright moments to celebrate! Indeed, we celebrate the successful rescue of three mariners who went missing in the Federated States of Micronesia several days ago. We rejoice that U.S. and Australian military service members worked together to locate the missing mariners, and we are so pleased that those mariners not only thought to write “SOS” on the beach of the small island where they found themselves stranded, but that their signal was sighted in the final moments of that day’s search maneuver. Finally, we are thankful that the seafarers are uninjured and have now been returned home. Lord, we pray for your blessing on the Australian and American servicemen and women who helped in this rescue. We pray that this success will encourage and motivate them and their fellow servicemembers as they continue to serve their nations and the communities around them. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for sniffer dog coronavirus detection programs

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-chile-dogs/dont-sweat-it-chilean-dogs-sniff-out-coronavirus-in-early-stages-idUSKCN24W30A  PC: Marcelo Hernandez / Getty Images

Lord God, we are excited about the progress being made in training sniffer dogs to detect early-stage coronavirus in people’s sweat. We pray for the programs in Chile and the UK to move forward with success and efficiency. We pray for wisdom and insight for those who are training the dogs and creating the programs. We ask that it will soon be clear whether this program is truly effective and worth expanding. On a broader level, we pray for continued creativity for researchers, scientists and others, as we seek solutions in this battle against Covid-19. May we use the gifts you’ve given us to protect each other from this harmful disease. We particularly pray for the quick development of a safe and effective vaccine. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

 

Prayer about search for Dylan Esaú Gómez Pérez

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mexican-tourist-city-scandal-widens-over-abducted-children-forced-labor-n1234697
PC: Fernando Llano / AP

Lord God, we pray about the search for Dylan Esaú Gómez Pérez, taking place in Mexico’s southern Chiapas state. Our hearts go out to Juana Pérez, who was selling produce in a market when her two-year-old son was snatched by older children involved with trafficking. Lord, we are thankful for the video evidence that has been uncovered and the other captive children who were discovered in the search for Dylan. We pray that the video will be distributed widely, so that someone will recognize the traffickers and report them to the authorities. We pray for the freed children, that their families will be located, and that they can begin the long recovery from their trauma. Lord, please keep your hand on Dylan. Protect him from lasting harm. May someone around him recognize him and get help. May his captor(s) feel a deep inner conviction that what they are doing is wrong and release Dylan. Please give Juana and her daughter peace as they await word on Dylan and as they steadfastly advocate for him to the authorities. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for immigrant workers who collect the coronavirus dead in Peru

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/20/americas/peru-venezuela-covid-19-bodies-intl/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we pray for Néstor Vargas, Luis José Cerpa, and their colaborers, who collect the bodies of those who die from Covid-19 in Peru. Lord, bless these workers in their determination to provide for their families, taking these jobs that native Peruvians reject, risking their own health and safety. We plead protection for them. We pray that their exhaustion will not dull their sensitivity to precautions. We pray that they will always have the appropriate PPE and the strength they need to make it through another day. We pray that they will not bring home the virus to their families. Lord, we thank you that they embrace the benefits that do come: not only provision for their families, but gratitude for life and health. May they set an example for others in these areas, as well as their hard work and their desire to provide dignity to the dead and to their loved ones. May they draw close to you as they work in these risky jobs. We pray for Peru, particularly the nation’s poor, as they battle this virus. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.