Prayer after Lion Air flight JT610 crash

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-crash/indonesia-deploys-divers-pinger-locators-in-hunt-for-doomed-planes-cockpit-recorders-idUSKCN1N4067  Photo credit: AP/Tatan Syuflana

Heavenly Father, we pray for those continuing the search and recovery process after the terrible crash of Lion Air’s flight JT610 in Indonesia Monday. With all 189 people on board killed, divers and rescue workers have been faced with an extremely grim task. Please give them strength and success as they seek to retrieve as many bodies as possible in order to bring closure for those who lost loved ones in this tragedy. We pray for the morbid task of DNA identification that is happening on a large scale surrounding this accident in the Java Sea. Lord, we also pray for success for the “pinger locators” seeking the aircraft’s black boxes. We pray the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder would be found, in order to determine the cause of this disaster and avoid future similar accidents. And, Lord, we continue to pray for those who are grieving the loss of their beloved family members and friends in this sudden, terrible tragedy. Give them supernatural comfort in this dark time. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about those lost during Jordan's flash flooding

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/26/middleeast/jordan-schoolchildren-floods-dead-intl/index.html  Photo: Reuters

Heavenly Father, we grieve with Jordan over the 19 people—including many children—who died in Thursday’s flash flooding near the Dead Sea. First, Lord, we pray for the search-and-rescue mission that is still underway. We pray that all people, whether alive or not, will be found as quickly as possible. Second, we pray for the dozens of people who were treated for injuries. We pray they will physically and emotionally recover from this ordeal. Next, we pray for the truth to come out about whether these children were foolishly endangered, so accidents like this will be less likely to happen in the future. Finally, Heavenly Father, we pray for the grieving. The loss of a loved one is one of the hardest trials we face on this earth. Please bring comfort to the grieving at this very moment. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer celebrating journalist Junpei Yasuda's release from captivity

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/10/24/Kidnapped-Japanese-journalist-freed-after-3-years/5831540369355/  Photo by Everett Kennedy Brown/EPA

Heavenly Father, today we rejoice that Japanese journalist Junpei Yasuda has been released from captivity in Syria and is now in Turkey. After three years of being held hostage by a militant group, we are thankful that Yasuda is alive and free. Lord, we now ask for healing for Yasuda from his emotional, mental and physical trauma. Please guide him to good, long-term care. We celebrate with his parents as they anticipate welcoming their son home. Help this family move forward with joy and not fear. Bring healing, health and hope. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Brazil as run-off presidential election approaches

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-election/chaotic-brazil-presidential-campaign-careens-into-final-week-idUSKCN1MW13C    Photo credit: Victor Moriyama/Getty Images

Lord, we pray for Brazil’s presidential election as campaigning enters its final week. As is common in so many countries, the chaos has been unpleasant for people, but we thank you that violence has not been a key factor. We pray Brazilians will continue to demonstrate peacefully, and that all citizens will confidently and safely cast their ballots on October 28. Heavenly Father, Brazilians are seeking some steadiness after five years of dueling economic and political crises, the deepest recession in decades, and the exposure of stunning levels of political corruption that touched every political party. We pray that Brazil will move toward integrity, national health, and development under the country’s new president. We also pray that both parties will be able to resolve differences and move toward practical solutions that will help the entire land. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about water control situation surrounding the Nile

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/19/africa/ethiopia-new-dam-threatens-egypts-water/index.html

Heavenly Father, today we pray about water access talks taking place between three African nations as Ethiopia continues building its massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, near the border with Sudan. Lord, you look down at the earth and see this river, so small in your eyes, yet a seeming source of life for the people of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. God, you know the nature of humankind even better than we do, so we all know that this could potentially lead to great trouble within these countries. We pray for these nations to employ political wisdom, compromise and goodwill as they seek to resolve conflicts—both present and potential--that are arising as a result of Ethiopia now gaining control of this river. May these nations also be transparent, honest and effective in their data-sharing. We pray against any conflict that would lead to drought and death. May this situation actually lead to these nations developing even better, more generous relationships with each other. And may all those involved acknowledge you as the true source of life. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about mass shooting at Crimean college

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-kerch-explosion/teenager-kills-19-in-crimea-college-shooting-russian-officials-idUSKCN1MR1BB

O Lord, we ask for mercy in Kerch, Russia, after the horrific mass shooting that happened at the college there today. The immediate aftermath of these terrible shooting sprees is overwhelming. First, Lord, we pray for those students fighting for their lives in hospitals right now. We pray for the medical care to be excellent, efficient, and enough. Second, we pray about the severe trauma these students, school staff members, and emergency responders have experienced. Please bring them through this immediate shock and emotional agony. Bring the peace that passes understanding. Bring wise counselors, listening ears, and loving support around them. Walk closely with them in the months and years of continued recovery many will require. Next, we pray for law enforcement as they seek to unravel the mystery surrounding this crime. May they discern what compelled young Vladislav Roslyakov to kill and maim as many innocent people as possible before taking his own life. Be with Roslyakov’s family as they process this as well. Finally, we pray that this mass school shooting would be an isolated incident in Russia. We pray against copycats. Help everyone clearly see that this was an evil, terrible act. In Jesus’ merciful name we pray, amen.

Prayer after Nigerian oil pipeline accident

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-oil/death-toll-reaches-60-in-nigerian-oil-pipeline-fire-idUSKCN1MP25T

Lord, we continue to grieve with Nigeria over the 60 lives lost to the oil pipeline fire Friday. It is devastating to know that so many lives were cut short due to vandals stealing oil from the pipelines and thus causing this accident. Heavenly Father, we pray that those who are tempted to steal in such a way would be thwarted in their efforts, resist temptation, and find healthier ways to meet their needs. We pray for those who are currently searching the pipeline for other leaks, that they would have success so further accidents can be prevented. And, Lord, we pray for the loved ones of those who perished. Please comfort them during this dark time and meet both their material and spiritual needs. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.