Loving God,
We come before you today knowing that we do not always have the words or even know how to pray when life feels heavy.
For many of us, despite knowing your existence, and your unfailing love and compassion on your people, it’s hard to see your handprints in a world that is chaotic, confused, and crumbled.
We often lament with the Psalmist “Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain?”
This week, we recognized International Day of Peace (September 21st), all the while living in the reality that our world often feels far from peaceful.
Instead, wars, violence, and hostility remain until the days of the New Heavens and New Earth.
We lament and renounce the use of murder and political assassination, while also advocating for free speech, freedom of expression, and compassion towards the most vulnerable.
As controversial figures live and die, help us to discern what is truth.
When we are called to the traps of colonialism, nationalism, and political allegiance, help us to remember that first and foremost our allegiance is to the King of Heaven and that we are citizens both of Heaven and of earth.
Therefore, help us to love and care for our fellow humans and creatures that we share this world with.
Right now, even our natural world is groaning under the weight of oppression and opposition.
And so, today we pray for areas affected by natural disasters.
For Hong Kong, where typhoon Ragasa has disrupted 700 flights and caused massive evacuations, killed 17 people in Taiwan and classed as the ‘King of Storms’ in China. At least 90 have been injured by it in Hong Kong, tens of thousands are evacuated in south west China, Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines with resulting chaos to life and infrastructure throughout S E Asia.
For Namibia which has just lost 90 buffaloes who were chased down a cliff by lions into the Chobe River on the Namibian side of the border with Botswana. As on earlier occasions they were killed in the stampede and drowned.
For Kolkata, India where five people have died from electrocution due to heavy rainfalls which entered homes and halted public transportation and schools.
And we pray for those who deny climate change and are indifferent to its devastating effects on our planet, including the president of the United States.
We lift up our prayers for those who have been harmed by the church. There are many around our world, not only in the West, who have experienced racism, homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny and are just finding their way back to Christ today.
We specifically pray for church members in South Korea who have lost their faith because of the corruption that has happened in the controversial Unification Church.
We pray that in these moments trust may be restored and that God’s will and justice be done.
We pray for women who face sexual violence around the world. Rape and sexual violence against women and girls are ‘normalised’ in war and almost every country. It is under-reported, investigated and perpetrators go unpunished. The rates are far too high and the ongoing trauma far too devastating. Specifically, we name Australia where Glenn Gary Cameron known as the Sydney “Night Stalker” has finally pled guilty and been charged for a string of sexual assaults dating back to the 90s. We pray for women who are still awaiting justice and for those who have never received justice, but continue to live with lifelong impacts. In the UK a current report says that doctors guilty of sexual violence are treated far too leniently and often allowed still to practice medicine thus inflicting further pain and trauma on their victims.
We pray for our world leaders in this season of great tension. For the current tensions in Canada, the USA, Italy and many other countries over recognizing Gaza as a State.
For Ukraine and Moldova as they continue to face threats and systemic torture from Russia. And the provocation of invading airspace by Russia of its neighbours Poland, Estonia and possibly Denmark. Lord, you are the Prince of Peace. May we learn Your ways.
For Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as they turn their back on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and choose to go their own way and seek out their own means of justice.
For Haiti, where at least 8 children and several adults have been killed by drones at an alleged Gang Leader’s birthday party.
And for Egypt, where Alaa Abdel Fattah – a British-Egyptian activist has finally been freed and reunited with his family after 6 years in prison for taking part in an unauthorized protest. We pray for areas of the world where freedom of expression is being limited or discouraged. And we pray that we may peacefully discuss difficult issues with one another.
We pray for those who live in poverty, and we give thanks that Pakistan’s poverty rates have reduced from 64% to 22% from 2001-2019. We know there are many living there who are still living just above the threshold and are vulnerable to economic disruptions. We also know there are many other countries in the world including in the West where homelessness and lack of affordable living is on the rise. We pray that the government may step in and support basic income and human rights for all.
Loving God, our hearts feel heavy this week, but we thank you for hearing our prayers even when they are mingled with tears, sighs, and groans. We know you are Lord both of laughter and of languish. In your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
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