Prayer for newly appointed cardinals

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/04/pope-names-15-new-cardinals-from-14-different-nations-to-reflect-church/

Heavenly Father, today we pray for the 15 new cardinals appointed by Pope Francis. Lord, we pray that you would consume the hearts and souls of these men. May they direct those under their care to you every day of their lives. May every act of service be done with the intent of pointing people to your Son Jesus Christ. We pray with our Catholic brothers that they will accomplish their goal of rooting out corruption within their church. May you be glorified through them, and may your Kingdom be expanded because of them. We humbly ask in Jesus’ name, amen. 

Prayer against ISIS indoctrinating young mothers

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3969322707001/isis-targets-young-mothers-to-groom-jihadi-babies/?playlist_id=922779230001#sp=show-clips

Lord, we are disturbed to hear about the strategy ISIS is using to target young mothers. Father, we first pray against the wicked work of ISIS. We pray for confusion among them, lack of resources, and—most of all—truth to be revealed to individuals so they will recognize the evil they are perpetuating. Next, Lord, we pray specifically against their marketing campaign toward young mothers. May these women not be enticed by the promise of becoming elite or more attractive. May their hearts as nurturers win out over temporal desires. May they clearly understand that raising their children to be jihadists is wrong and destructive. May someone bring them words of LIFE, so they find their satisfaction in you and raise their children to do the same. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen. 

Prayer for those grieving the loss of loved ones on AirAsia Flight 8501

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/12/30/missing-airasia-jet/21037899/

Lord, though AirAsia Flight 8501 was found, our thoughts and prayers are not far from those who grieve. So many lives lost! So many people grieving! Such unimaginable pain! Lord, thank you for seeing them all. Thank you for loving them all. In your Word you promise a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:6,7). Lord, the loved ones left behind need that peace—a peace that guards their hearts and their minds even when it doesn’t make sense. Lord, help them experience that peace in the midst of their despair. Help them to sleep when needed, despite the negative thoughts and images that plague their minds. Grant them special patience as they await closure for their specific loved ones. Bless the searchers with efficiency and tenacity, despite negative conditions. And bring your people as beacons of light in the midst of these crowds and clusters of heartbroken loved ones. We pray in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

Prayer for South Sudan and its coming elections

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/01/south-sudan-government-spokesman-says-country-to-hold-elections-in-coming/

Lord, South Sudan is such a young nation. There has been so much violence in its history—both leading to its creation and since its birth. Lord, we are thankful this nation is moving toward general elections this spring. Thank you that improving stability gives South Sudanese that confidence. We pray that, as the election approaches, the stability and growth would continue, rather than deteriorate. We pray for integrity among all those involved—both as candidates and those managing the actual political process. We pray for the people of South Sudan to choose honorable leaders and begin to develop into a God-fearing, stable nation. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. 

New Year prayer

Lord, as the New Year approaches, may we turn our hearts toward you. All around the world, people are considering resolutions, fresh starts, new ideas. Lord, may your children seek you more intimately this year, more faithfully, more concertedly. May we strive to walk in the abundant life you have for us (John 10:10), embrace the grace you lavish on us (Ephesians 1:4-6, 2 Corinthians 12:9), and both discern and pursue the purposes you intend for us (1 Peter 4:10-11, Jeremiah 29:11). Please humble, forgive, guide, and draw us close to you in 2015. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen. 

Prayer for Billy Graham's continued ministry

http://billygraham.org/story/franklin-graham-requests-prayer-for-his-father/

Lord, today we bring your servant Billy Graham before you. Earlier this month, his son requested prayer for him, and we do not want to quickly forget Billy. Please strengthen him as he continues to write for your glory, even with his advanced age and physical weakness. Bring just the right people at just the right time to assist him. We praise you and thank you for using this simple man to share the Gospel with literally millions of people through the decades. Please continue to use him in this way until his very last day on earth. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. 

Prayer as AirAsia Flight 8501 is likely to have crashed

http://www.tampabay.com/news/world/searchers-suspend-hunt-for-missing-airasia-jet-with-162-aboard-wvideo/2211668

Lord, we do not always receive the news we long for. We do not always receive the answers we hope for. This morning, we pray for the loved ones of those likely lost on AirAsia Flight 8501. As they grieve, comfort their hearts in those deep places reserved for the most painful losses. Help them to learn to trust in you. Lead friends and neighbors to circle around them and meet their needs during this tragic time. And either bring answers or the type of peace that allows them to move forward in the natural grieving process in the healthiest way possible. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.