Lord, our hearts ache, our questions are so numerous, and our anger and frustrations run deep.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the people in Haiti, we ask for protection. Give divine wisdom to the leaders that results in smart decisions and responses for the people impacted by the devastating earthquake. You who stopped the squalling winds and torrential rains, we ask that you still the ground. Keep boulders and roofs and rocks in place. For the precious children in orphanages, wrap your loving arms around their little hearts and remind them they are not alone, and they are not forgotten. Give those who care for them an extra boost of strength and peace. Give the Haitians courage to move forward and the strength to take each step. We pray for restoration and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the people in Afghanistan, we ask for protection. Where do we even find the words to know how to pray about this? God, protect them physically. For the women and children, Lord, shield them from the harm that is directed at them. You are a God of miracles, and we ask in the name of Jesus that you intervene and protect them. And even in the midst of all this horribleness, we ask that you give them peace. Make your presence known. Protect those who are giving aid. Powerful God, we ask to see miracles in the middle of all of this.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the Christians who are being targeted, protect them, Almighty God. Miraculously remove their names from the lists of the hunted. As they run into the hills and mountains, meet them there. Hide them in the crevices. Make their physical presence hidden from those that want to harm them. Bring your scriptures easily into their minds, reminding them of your promises. Give them strength and peace. Save their lives. For your glory. Wrap them in your arms and may they never stop hearing you whisper in their ear how much you love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the Taliban and anyone who is out to do evil there, we pray for your divine intervention. Paralyze their plans. Cut their lines of communication. Disrupt their intentions. Stop their evil activity. Merciful God, you alone can change the direction of this fight. You are bigger.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the leaders in our government – on all sides of the aisle, Father, we pray that each of them will choose to set aside their political fight and focus on what needs to be done. Give them divine wisdom. Show them how to respond. May they choose to look to you for guidance. Have mercy on our country. Lord God, we need you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, forgive me for my lack of empathy. For turning away from these human injustices and horrific situations because it’s too hard to see. Forgive me for my ignorance. Please show me, Lord, how to see and respond. Thank you for your mercy, and love that has no boundaries – for all of us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.
Amen.
