World In Prayer

It was my week this week to write the World In Prayer prayers. And here they are:

World In Prayer, December 2, 2010

O God, as we pray to you, may we see the world with the eyes of the prophets who proclaimed your coming. Through our words and thoughts and deeds, help us to prepare the way for you, O Lord, this Advent.

We pray for the work of diplomacy throughout the world as the reactions to the Wikileaks documents strain relations between nations.

We pray for Egypt as they have their second round of voting this Sunday after a first round marked by violence and suspicion of fraud.

We pray for Iran and the European Union as they meet this week in Switzerland for talks about Iran’s nuclear program.

We pray for North Korea and South Korea as tensions continue after North Korea’s attack last week and South Korea’s ongoing military drills.

We pray for Sudan as it prepares for a referendum on Southern Sudan’s independence.

Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace

We pray for the Corvallis Mosque in Oregon (U.S.) after its offices were burned in an apparent arson soon after the arrest of a thwarted bomber who attended services there.

We pray for the families and friends of the 29 miners who died in the Pike River Mine in New Zealand as they mourn.

We pray for the U.S. Congress as it debates whether or not to repeal the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that would allow openly gay soldiers to serve in the U.S. military; and the DREAM act that would allow those who arrived in the U.S. illegally as minors to gain permanent residency.

We pray for the Ivory Coast which has sealed its borders in response to confusion and disarray after last week’s presidential run-off election.

Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace.

We pray for those who are unemployed. We pray for those struggling to make ends meet. We pray for those mired in debts they cannot pay.

We pray for charities whose work depends on the donations they receive this month. We pray for businesses hoping to end the year in the black.

As we mark World AIDS day, we pray for those who suffer from this disease; those who are orphaned by it; those who search for its prevention or cure.

We pray for those who are cold or hungry. We pray for those who are sick. We pray for those in prison. We pray for all those in need. We pray that we may be among those who care for them and who find you in them. We pray that we may be ready for your arrival.

Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace. Amen.