Let us come together in prayer for the Christians in [###] and around the world, especially remembering those who have recently passed away. We stand on the promise in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (WEB), "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Firstly, we pray for the families and loved ones of the Christians who died in [###]. We ask that You, Father, would wrap them in Your loving arms and provide them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Comfort them in their grief and remind them of the promise of eternity with You.
Lord, we also lift up all Christians around the world. We ask for Your protection over us, and that You would reassure us of Your presence in every location of the world. We claim Your promise in Hebrews 13:5-6, " 'I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.' So that with good courage we say, 'The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?' "
We also pray for the broader body of Christ, that You would draw us closer to You and to each other. Help us to live out the words of Jesus in John 17:20-23, "Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me."
Lastly, we pray for the nations, that the governments would strive for peace and justice. We ask that You would give wisdom to the leaders, and that You would guide us as a people to live out our faith boldly, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Father, we ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. It is in His name that we have access to You, and it is by His stripes that we are healed. For there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Thank You for Your endless love and mercy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.