Prayer for Pema Khandu as he seeks to repeal anti-conversion law in his Indian state

Lord, today we pray for Pema Khandu, who heads the Hindu nationalist-led government of Arunachal Pradesh in India. We are thankful for his promise to repeal his state’s 1978 Freedom of Religion Act that prevents religious conversions and which he feels is likely targeted toward Christians. We pray for Khandu to remember this promise and to have the courage and determination to pursue this in the next lawmaking session. We pray he is effective in communicating, researching, presenting, gathering support, and whatever else needs to be done in order to repeal this law. We do pray against the work of radical Hindu nationalists who seek to hinder religious freedom in India. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Continued prayer for Leah Sharibu, held captive by Boko Haram for refusing to renounce her faith

https://freebeacon.com/national-security/christian-schoolgirl-abducted-boko-haram-still-alive/

Heavenly Father, today we pray again for your precious daughter Leah Sharibu, who has been held captive by Boko Haram since February. We are so thankful the world was able to hear her voice Monday on an audio recording released by the terrorists. We rejoice with her family that Leah appears to still be alive. Lord, please continue to sustain this courageous 15-year-old, who refused to renounce her Christian faith, even when doing so would have enabled her release from captivity. We do not know what she is experiencing at the hands of these terrorists, but we intercede for her mind, soul, body and spirit. Give her supernatural fortitude as she perseveres. Heavenly Father, we also pray for the Nigerian government and specifically the president as they seek wisdom in how to rescue Leah. We pray that Leah would not be a victim of the political maneuvering that tends to happen during election seasons. And, Lord, we continue to pray for those Chibok girls who have not yet been rescued. We remember them, and we pray for their release. In Jesus’ merciful name we pray, amen.

Prayer about protests and immigration tensions in Chemnitz, Germany

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-chemnitz/german-far-right-protesters-clash-with-leftists-after-chemnitz-stabbing-idUSKCN1LC1DD
Photo: Jan Woitas / dpa 

Almighty God, today we pray for the German city of Chemnitz, where emotions are high and protesters have been out enmasse in response to the fatal stabbing of a German man by two immigrants. First, Lord, we pray for peace to descend upon this city. May your Spirit move within the hearts of your children in Chemnitz. May men and women serve as lights during this hard time by demonstrating peace, reconciliation and love in the midst of chaos and fear. We pray for physical protection for both protesters and police, and we pray that those who are already injured receive quick, effective medical care. Lord, we know that tensions are extremely high in German politics as citizens continue to adjust to the massive influx of one million asylum seekers in 2015. We pray for Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany’s other political leaders as they lead through this tumultuous time. Grant them divine wisdom as they navigate this unrest among the people and try to seek the best for their nation. We do pray for relations between German nationals and immigrants, that they would learn to accept and understand one another. We pray all people who live in Germany will desire the best for the nation and add value to the land they (now) call home. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.  

Praise that the missing Pantelena has safely docked in Togo

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gabon-tanker/missing-tanker-docks-in-togo-after-suspected-hijacking-idUSKCN1L91VY

Heavenly Father, today we are thankful that the Panama-based Pantelena has safely docked in Togo after having been missing for a week. With hijacking suspected but not confirmed, we await answers, but we primarily rejoice that the ship and its complete crew of 19 have been found. We pray for this crew as it goes through the process of reconnecting with its agencies and managers, and then crew members’ families. We pray for truth to come out, for healing where necessary, and for any other action steps that need to be implemented. Lord, we pray against the upsurge of piracy off the coast of West Africa. Bless and guide the International Maritime Bureau as they seek to curtail this increase in violent crime on the high seas. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer regarding Mollie Tibbetts' death and surrounding issues

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/21/us/mollie-tibbetts-missing-iowa-student/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we grieve with the loved ones of Mollie Tibbetts. We pray for her family, boyfriend, friends, and all who knew her, as they process the news that her body has been found in an Iowa cornfield. Give them great peace as they deal with unanswered questions and anticipate experiencing the justice system as it moves forward with suspected killer Cristhian Bahena Rivera. Lord, we also grieve that this terrible tragedy was almost immediately politicized, due to Rivera’s status as an illegal immigrant. We pray for those who are frustrated by this broken system, that you would give them peace, hope and grace. We also request wisdom for Iowa and America’s leaders, as they continue to grapple with heated immigration issues.  And, Lord, we pray for Latino immigrants in Iowa, both legal and illegal, as they anticipate and possibly experience the backlash from this man representing them so dramatically poorly. May all Iowans—including immigrants--view each other as human beings, made in your image and of great worth. Finally, we pray for justice for the Tibbetts family--justice for Mollie. May Mollie’s memory bring out the good in people far more than bringing out bad. In Jesus’ gracious name we pray, amen.

Prayer about ongoing rescue efforts in flood-ravaged Kerala, India

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/19/asia/india-kerala-flood-rescue-team/index.html

Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for the rescue teams who have committed to helping victims of the massive flooding in Kerala, India. In the past two weeks, there have already been over 300 fatalities and thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed. We ask that you sustain these workers as they persist in reaching those who are stranded and in need of food and water. We pray that supplies will continue to arrive to accommodate for everyone’s needs. Lord, we thank you for the sacrifice that these workers have made to leave the comfort of home and their families behind. We can only imagine the severity of the conditions in which they are working. We see the humility of Christ in them and we pray that you bless them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by 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 attack on school students in Afghanistan

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-attack-schools/afghan-schools-hit-as-militants-seek-soft-targets-idUSKBN1L10XI

Heavenly Father, today we pray about Wednesday’s suicide bombing at Mawoud Academy in Kabul. We think of the 34 students who were killed and the many other students who were injured. Help the victims’ families and fellow classmates to cope during this difficult time of loss. Lord, we pray against the Islamic militant groups that carry out these acts of violence. May their future attempts be unsuccessful. Open their eyes to see the truth of who you are. Remove all evil and hatred from their hearts. Father, we know the importance of education and the opportunity it provides for a better future. We pray that you will keep all students and teachers safe. Encourage governments and school leaders to work together to increase security. There have been numerous attacks on schools throughout Afghanistan alone, and we know that school violence is becoming more common across the globe. We pray that these senseless attacks will cease. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer contributed by 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.