Prayer for Indian pastor experiencing ongoing persecution

Almighty God, we pray for Indian Pastor Shelton Vishwanathan, who has been repeatedly attacked by Hindu extremists for his faith and ministry. First, we thank you for his life and work. We are grateful he is alive, despite more than one attempt to kill him. We pray your blessing on the elderly woman who risked her own safety by releasing him from captivity. Please protect and provide for her, and draw her to You. Second, we thank you that his family was restored to him. We are thankful they could be located, despite fleeing the country after believing him dead. Finally, we celebrate that Vishwanathan continues to share the Gospel, despite the persecution he has experienced. Lord, we ask for your protection on him and his family. We pray that they will find transportation, since their last vehicle was stolen by assailants. We pray that the police will pay attention to these incidents, not turning a blind eye to acts of Hindu terrorism. Lord Jesus, we pray that many people will come to know you through Vishwanathan’s family, including some from among his would-be assailants. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen. Source: https://issuu.com/faithandjustice/docs/f_j_14.3_august2021_digital/18 PC: Morning Star News

Prayer about oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

Lord God, we pray about the large oil spill happening in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ida’s destructive visit. We celebrate that it is so far not affecting coastlines and we pray that that continues to be the case. We pray for the ongoing efforts of Clean Gulf Associates and the US Coast Guard, as they seek to find the source of this oil spill as quickly as possible. We pray for the safety of divers and all other personnel working to identify, contain, and clean up this problem. Lord, we are concerned about the damage this pollution is causing within the gulf, including the havoc it is wreaking on wildlife. Again, we pray for the source of the problem to be discovered and repaired as quickly as possible. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://apnews.com/article/business-environment-and-nature-oil-spills-083370b76caf6d4e3099f90eb9ac4a9c PC: Maxar Technologies via AP

Prayer for Philadelphia and the Northeast after Ida-caused flooding

Almighty God, we pray for the rescues still happening in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after remnants of Hurricane Ida flooded the Northeast Wednesday. We are thankful for the more than 100 people who have already been rescued from this city alone—plus the 41 children rescued from a school bus nearby. With over 500 calls made for rescue in Montgomery County, we know volunteers and emergency personnel are still hard at work. Please bless their efforts and protect them. May they reach everyone before dark. Lord, there will be continued rescues and recovery not only in Pennsylvania, but also in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. Please be with the communities of this region as they look ahead to a long recovery. Please be with those who grieve the at least 23 people known to be dead as a result of this storm. Please grant not only housing, but hope, to those who have lost their homes and businesses. Lord, we know you reign--even over the roaring and foaming waters. May people in need turn to you and experience your provision during this time. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/02/weather/ida-northeast-flooding-thursday/index.html

Prayer to find source of Japan's contaminated Moderna vaccines

Lord God, we pray about the contamination issues Japan is having with Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine. Contaminated batches of the vaccine come at a particularly bad time, as Japan deals with a spike in Covid-19 cases and hosts the Paralympics. With millions of doses suspended or eliminated due to contamination, we pray that the source of the problem can be quickly uncovered. We are thankful that Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, came forward with a possible problem that it is investigating. May their investigation be efficient and above reproach. If the problem actually originated elsewhere, may that be quickly uncovered. We also pray that those who received the contaminated doses before the problem was discovered would not have any adverse side effects. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58405210

Praise for record-breaking drug bust in Montenegro

Lord, we are delighted to hear of a large law enforcement victory amid the chaos in today’s world. We celebrate the record-breaking drug bust carried out by police in Montenegro. We are thankful that the 1,000 kilos of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas will not fall into the wrong hands, and, in fact, we pray that it will be entirely, properly disposed of. We pray for the two people who were arrested and charged with unauthorized production, possession and distribution, that they may turn their lives around. We also pray that this huge drug bust will begin a significant disruption to the popular drug-smuggling route to Western Europe. May Montenegro continue to have victory in eliminating drug use and decreasing crime within its nation and region. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Photo courtesy Montenegro Police/Twitter Source: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/08/27/montenegro-cocaine-bust-bananas/6271630079316/

Prayer about terrorist attacks around Kabul airport

Lord God, we grieve the terrorist attacks around Kabul’s airport! We continue to be disgusted by the Islamic State’s violence! Lord, guard the hearts and minds of those who will be receiving the bad news about their loved ones being killed in such a way. May they be surrounded by help and support when they hear the heartbreaking news. Gird their hearts and souls. We pray this for the families and dear friends of the 60 Afghans and 12 US service members who were murdered through these attacks. We pray for the 15 US service members who were injured. Please help them get to safe and excellent medical care as quickly as possible. May they recover from these injuries as well as possible. While we do not know numbers, there are bound to be dozens of Afghan injuries as well. May the injured receive priority evacuation so they can get to safety and good care as well. Lord God, there are still so many people awaiting evacuation--with their fear now exponentially multiplied. We are frustrated by what is happening in Afghanistan. We lay our agony before you and ask: help decision-makers be wise, considerate, humble and effective. May you somehow glorify yourself amid this mess. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. PC: Victor J. Blue/The New York Times/Redux Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/afghanistan-kabul-airport-explosion-11629976397

Prayer for Kabul evacuations

Almighty God, we lift our hearts before you about the Kabul evacuations. With the promised evacuation deadline less than a week away, we are concerned for the thousands who are still trying to flee Afghanistan. Lord, we may pray with only a mustard seed of faith, but we ask that everyone who needs and wants to flee will make it out of the country on time. We pray for obstacles to be removed, safe travel to and out of the airport, exceptional behavior by the increasingly desperate masses, and good leadership. We ask protection for the protectors, who are assisting with this emotionally and physically draining event. Lord, please provide essential food and water for those who wait and for those who assist. Prevent further stampedes. Send a supernatural peace over this place. We particularly pray for your children among these masses to shine brightly, distributing hope along with kindness. Lord, reveal yourself among the chaos in Kabul. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. PC: Senior Airman Brennen Lege/Air Force Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-58279900