Prayer Group 2010-11 Archives
Updated: December 28, 2011 6:39 PM EST
PREVIOUS TOPICS FROM THE EARTH CLINIC PRAYER GROUP
NOVEMBER, 2011
PRAYERS FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
This month, Earth Clinic asks its members worldwide to pray that the global economy see a return to stability. While the US continues its slow recovery from what some have termed a recession, other countries around the globe continue to face their own serious economic crises. The ripple effect from these downturns is extensive, with the loss of jobs and homes tearing many families apart as a result. In our prayers let us ask that countries around the world see a return to financial stability that brings equitable opportunity for all people.
OCTOBER, 2011
GRATITUDE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Around the world, wherever they are needed, medical and rescue professionals are the first to arrive at the scene of an accident, a terrorist incident, or in a theater of war. People like firefighters, police officers, ambulance personnel, medics, nurses, and doctors are there when you need them most. To say the conditions under which they are often required to work are quite stressful is an understatement.
Still, they persevere, even in the face of what must seem like endless carnage in places of conflict where they sometimes become targets themselves. God has given them the special ability to help their fellow human beings in times of great need, and to their credit they do not distinguish between who is the "enemy" and who is not. They simply care for us.
First responders are there when we need them, and they often go far beyond the call of duty. They deserve our utmost respect and support and especially our prayers for their continued well-being and safety. Let us ask that they continue to be provided with the skills they require and the strength to prevail under often very difficult circumstances.
** Many thanks to Brian from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada who suggested this fantastic prayer topic for October.
Prayers to Break the Extreme Drought Conditions in the South
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We would also like to request our members to send on a daily basis if possible, prayers for gentle but persistent rainfall in Texas. Please refer to this drought monitor map for critical drought areas in South Central US: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/
SEPTEMBER, 2011
PRAYERS FOR THE INNOCENTS
This month Earth Clinic asks its members around the globe to extend their prayers in protection of all those who often represent the most helpless and innocent of beings -- children and animals. Both can become the subject of exploitation and abuse at the hands of their care givers. Children become enslaved in illegal labor operations, sex trade rings, or recruited into violence and unwanted animals are abused or discarded and left to fend for themselves. In many instances there are ready alternatives such as adoption programs for children and humane no-kill shelters for abandoned animals.
In our prayers let us ask that all of these innocents worldwide be kept safe from harm and come under the protection of groups or benefactors who will provide the care and compassion they deserve. Additionally, let us pray for those who work in programs to assist children or animals that they may be sustained in their efforts and be given the resources needed to carry out their vital tasks.
Hurricane Irene Victims
We would also like to request that our members send heartfelt prayers for all who were affected by Hurricane Irene.
AUGUST, 2011
FOR ENLIGHTENED LEADERSHIP
A recent New York Times article reported a poll in which the US Congress received its highest disapproval rating in history from the national populace. A record 82% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with how our elected officials are doing their job. From Syria and Egypt to Thailand and China, citizens around the world are similarly voicing disapproval of their governmental leaders. Some, unfortunately, resort to violence to try and make their message be heard. Instead of allowing frustration to build to such a point we can use the power of our prayers to help make a peaceful shift for positive change.
This Sunday, at the suggestion of one of our Earth Clinic members, we ask you to meditate, pray, and send light for the leaders of our world so they can truly lead from their heart and not from ego. Let us ask to create a better world with enlightened leadership around the globe.
JULY, 2011
PRAYERS FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL TRAVELERS
JUNE, 2011
A HEALTHY RESPONSE TO CHANGE AROUND THE WORLD
Change is an inevitable consequence of living, yet the human response to change is often filled with stress and anxiety. In looking around the globe there are numerous changes, some sudden and immediate and some that build gradually over time. The impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, for instance, brought instantaneous change to that region. In the Middle East there are more gradual shifts occurring with a change in leadership in countries such as Egypt and the evolving transition of control in Iraq and Afghanistan from NATO military forces to local authorities. More globally everyone is experiencing the impact of climate and ecological changes that are affecting our weather patterns, seasonal median temperatures, air quality, the purity and availability of water, etc.
This month we ask our members around the world to please pray that all nations and peoples find a means to accept change that allows these shifts to occur smoothly and efficiently. In learning how to better adapt to change we hope to subsequently reduce the levels of stress that may otherwise erupt in less healthy ways around the globe.
MAY, 2011
PRAYERS FOR SYRIA
It has been over a month since the outbreak of violent disturbances in Syria, reportedly caused by the arrests of individuals for creating anti-government graffiti. Whatever the motivation for these actions, we want to remain in a place of objectivity and ask that peace and calm descend upon all people in Syria. May all those who live there, civilians and government workers alike, each grow a burning desire for peace that consumes their thoughts, words, and actions. May this desire for peace help quickly lead to a restoration of normalcy, calm, and security throughout the country so that people can resume their lives and exist without fear.
SOUTHEAST US REGION IMPACTED BY TORNADOESAdditionally, we ask our Earth Clinic members to please keep in your prayers the people throughout the many states in the southeastern region of the US who were recently impacted by devastating tornadoes and severe storms that caused destruction, injury, and death. In some instances entire towns were wiped out and will require assistance and perseverance to rebuild. May all those trying to restore their lives find the support they need and may those coming to their aid be sustained in the important work they are doing to help in the rebuilding efforts.
APRIL, 2011
PRAYERS FOR JAPAN
The world continues to watch as Japan works to recover from the earthquake and tsunami that struck the island nation last month. So many news reports tend to focus on fear-mongering and sensationalism, showing over and over again the destructive wall of water that swept over portions of the northeast coast of Japan or continually updating the situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plants. While there is no question about the damage that has been done, the people of Japan are clearly responding in a calm, organized, and purposeful fashion. They have tremendous strength of character and resolve to deal with the situation.
This Sunday, we ask our prayer members around the globe to embrace the nation and people of Japan with prayers of love, of calm, and of the strength that comes from a deep feeling of peace. May they speedily continue their efforts to recover fully from this event and may those who are assisting them be likewise sustained with the energy needed to safely perform their duties.
MARCH, 2011
PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Unrest and turmoil continue to trouble the complicated region of the Middle East, and this week we ask our members around the world to focus their prayers on bringing peace and stability to this complex part of the world, especially to Libya. We want to ask that any change or transformation that may be taking place occur peacefully so that the residents, pets, and wildlife be protected from violence and harm.
May those who are chosen to lead the countries in this region be given strength, clear direction, and the courage to see their nation through any difficulties with minimal disruption. And especially we ask that the peace that comes to this part of the world be deeply embraced and reside there for an eternity.
FEBRUARY, 2011
RESTORATION OF CALM AND PEACE IN EGYPT
February 2, 2011: Given the current situation in Cairo, we are circulating our February prayer topic earlier than usual in order to more quickly bring light and the assistance of prayer to focus on the
problem. As all nations have watched this week, numerous violent protests have broken out in Cairo, Egypt, demonstrating either for the removal or support of President Hosni Mubarak. We seek not to wade through the innumerable complexities of this historic and critical sector of the Middle East but rather ask that prayers be focused there.
Let us ask that calm be restored to the country and the violence and anger be dissipated. Additionally, we pray
that those in power not abuse their authority and
come to recognize the importance of leading the
country to eventual adoption of a more democratic
process of rule. May any transition bring about
a meaningful improvement in the regard for human
rights, and may extremists be prevented from
using this unrest to establish a stronger foothold in the region.
Also, please keep in your prayers the flood-ravaged area of Queensland, Australia which is being impacted by a Category 5 cyclone.
JANUARY, 2011
PEACE AROUND THE WORLD
As we begin this new year of 2011 why not aim high in our prayer requests? There are so many worthwhile causes to choose from -- the continuing struggle in Haiti to recover from the earthquake, the floods in Queensland, Australia, and potential civil unrest in the Ivory Coast and Bolivia are just a few examples -- but at the heart of so many of our global conflicts is a need for a deeper desire for peace among the world's citizens. If we can spread the longing for peace from each of us to all other points around the globe it will help to ease and even prevent so many of the problems that seem to want to erupt.
This Sunday, Earth Clinic asks its 5,352 members around the world to please pray that a deep and sincere desire for peace proliferate from person to person, country to country, around the entire globe and make 2011 a year in which we move toward universal harmony and understanding.
DECEMBER, 2010
CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR HAITI
It has been almost a year since this past January's devastating earthquake rocked Haiti. In its wake of destruction there are many lingering effects, including an ongoing struggle with cholera. This past week the small country tried to hold national elections, but the process was marked by controversy with numerous allegations of voting fraud and subsequent calls to annul the election. As a result, the country remains poised on the brink of more destruction by a new threat of rioting. It is critical for Haiti's recovery that they find a way to restore peace, establish confidence in their elected officials, and work together to bring an end to the difficult living conditions that continue to challenge the health and well-being of all residents.
We ask our members around the globe to continue to send light and prayers to the people of Haiti to help them through this ordeal. Please pray that their living conditions be made safe and sanitary and that the cholera epidemic come to an end. Also please pray that their government officials set aside ego and politics and be moved to act in a manner that will help bring calm and security to the nation.
NOVEMBER, 2010
FOR THE NEWLY-ELECTED OFFICIALS
The mid-term election cycle in the U.S. has recently drawn to a close and was unfortunately characterized by an unprecedented level of negative campaign ads. This occurred on both sides of the political aisle and was often targeted at perpetuating falsehoods about opposing candidates. As those newly-elected officials now take office we ask that such tactics be left behind and that they instead be guided by divine wisdom, demonstrate integrity in their actions and express respect in their communications. Through the power of our prayers we can increase the manifestation of more ethical conduct by elected officials not only across the U.S. but ultimately throughout the world.
Additionally, we ask our Earth Clinic members around the globe to continue to send prayers to the people of Haiti and also St. Lucia. Both countries face the threat of more damage from hurricanes and a rising cholera epidemic that is occurring in the wake of these storms.
OCTOBER, 2010
ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN PEACE
In September 2010 after an 18-month break in talks, the Israelis and Palestinians finally agreed to resume discussions in search of a lasting peace in their troubled region. Unfortunately, those talks are now jeopardized due to the expiration of a moratorium on Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank. The resulting building activity threatens to halt the talks and will stand in the way of any progress and the chance to potentially alter the future course of this historic land.
This month, Earth Clinic asks its 5,375 members around the world to please pray that a way be found for the people of Israel and Palestine to be willing to continue their critical peace negotiations. Additionally, we ask that you include a petition for assistance that the talks ultimately lead to a successful conclusion and offer an acceptable solution for all who live there.
SEPTEMBER, 2010
PAKISTAN FLOODS
More than 17 million Pakistanis have been impacted by the devastating floods resulting from unprecedented heavy monsoon rains that began in July. It is now considered to be one of Pakistan's worst humanitarian catastrophes and continues to affect people daily. Recently an additional 1 million people were forced to relocate as new threats of flooding from weakened levees threatened to burst. That's the equivalent of taking the entire city of Dallas or San Francisco and forcing everyone to leave and find shelter elsewhere. One aid worker characterized the overwhelming devastation as ten times worse than Hurricane Katrina. Most importantly, it is impacting the very poorest of the poor -- those without resources to move or more significantly re-establish themselves elsewhere and begin to once again find work to support their families. Fields with crops of food that could feed the hungry have been wiped out, bridges and roads needed to transport medical supplies, drinking water, and food to the refugees have been washed out or are under water. The greatest concern is now the spread of disease under such conditions.
In our prayers this month we ask that our members around the world focus on sending love and light to this region that the flooding and devastation be brought to a swift end and that they be given the means to quickly and safely restore healthy living conditions for everyone there.
AUGUST, 2010
THOSE WHO HAVE NO ONE ELSE TO PRAYER FOR THEM
From the abandoned, the homeless, the orphaned, the suffering, those in prisons, those in slavery, the forgotten members of society cut off from families, friends and those who might care for them, there are people all across the globe who live a life filled with hardship, sorrow, and most significantly, emptiness.
This month we received numerous suggestions for prayer requests and believe this topic will help fulfill many of them. Mother Teresa is quoted as having said, "The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved."
This month we ask our multitude of members around the world to take a moment in prayer to think about the isolated members of society -- the neglected street children, those who lose all their family members through disaster, violence, or disease, the forgotten elderly in nursing homes, the convicted whom everyone else has given up on, and countless others. Let us join together to help these lonely ones by offering prayer for those who have no one else in their lives to pray for them.
JULY, 2010
PROTECTION OF THE GULF COAST (CONTINUED)
Please join us this Sunday as we pray for the continued protection of the Gulf Coast region.
As news reports of the unfolding tragedy in the Gulf Coast continue to worsen, it appears we are seeing the potential for unprecedented devastation as a result of the oil spill. Our thoughts continue to be focused on this region, and it appears many of you similarly remain concerned about this issue. In acknowledgement of the many requests we received for a continued focus on this region, we are asking our 5,072 prayer members to once more pray that the damages from the oil spill be contained, that wildlife in the region be protected, and that those whose livelihoods are being disrupted receive the assistance needed to help support themselves and their families.
In addition, as we enter into the annual hurricane season with the appearance of Hurricane Alex, we ask through prayer that the region be spared from further weather-related devastation and that the oil spill cleanup efforts be able to continue unhampered and be ultimately successful in restoring the area's health.
JUNE, 2010
PROTECTION OF THE GULF COAST
Please join us this Sunday as we pray for the protection of the Gulf Coast.
The beleaguered Gulf Coast once again faces a crisis as the massive oil spill from the off-shore BP drilling rig slowly moves toward shore. Its path creates an insidious threat to the survival of birds, fish, and other wildlife that live in the region. In addition, there are numerous hard-working individuals whose livelihood depends on this region - fishermen, shrimpers, tour boat operators, and many others. Some may still be recovering from the impact of past hurricanes and are struggling to deal with another interruption to the only way they know how to make a living. This month we ask that you focus your prayers on a quick resolution to the problem so that the oil that is spewing into the ocean be stopped and the slick be contained and prevented from reaching shore. Please pray that no further harm come to the wildlife in the region. In addition, please ask for the protection and safety of all personnel who are responding to this crisis.
Finally, we ask that all members pray that this incident bring a positive result by motivating people around the world to become less dependent on biofuels.
MAY, 2010
PRAYERS FOR MOTHER EARTH
Please join us this month as we pray for greater respect for and nurturing of Mother Earth.
Recent geological and climatological events remind us that the earth is not a static form but is living and constantly changing. While events such as volcanos do cause significant problems, they are the natural consequence of existing on an earth that is alive and changing. In our prayer this week we want to take a lesson from indigenous peoples and re-establish their connection with the Earth. Ultimately, our prayers will reduce the illness and destruction caused by pollution of the air, water and soil; maintain the health of all species of animals and plants; and restore our own vibrancy through a connection to the Mother Earth beneath our feet.
A second urgent request to our members is to pray that the oil spill off the Gulf Coast be quickly contained and that wildlife and natural resources in its wake be protected.
APRIL, 2010
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
Please join us this month as we pray for the global protection of children.
Children are the innocent of innocents, yet unfortunately there are too many people who would take advantage of them through abuse and mistreatment. Some children are forced into manual labor or prostitution, while in other parts of the world they are stolen away from their families to be "recruited" into child armies and a life of violence. Many more are the often silent victims of abuse by adults who use their positions of power to foist sexual abuse on children. While the clergy has prominently been in the news with regard to the latter they are not the only segment of society who mistreats children in this way. Statistics show that before the age of 18 one in four girls and one in six boys is sexually abused. The perpetrators are predominantly people familiar to the child such as a relative, a trusted adult outside the family or an older child whom they know. Over 30% never report this abuse to anyone which suggests the actual incidence of abuse is worse than the statistics would indicate.
We ask therefore that the members of this group focus the power of their prayers on helping to protect children from all such harm around the world. May the physical, emotional, and spiritual harm from the abuse of children come to an end, and may those who would seek to mistreat children be prevented from carrying out such acts.
MARCH, 2010
CHILE
Please join us this weekend as we pray for all the victims of Saturday's devastating earthquake in Chile.
Please send prayers of support and healing for the injured and all the families in their time of loss. For those who remain trapped in the rubble please send prayers that encircle them in light so that they may be found alive. Please pray that the rescuers and aid workers trying to bring relief to the area be given the stamina to carry on and also that they be protected from harm in their difficult and hazardous working conditions.
At the same time, Haiti remains in our hearts and on our minds, and we ask that you continue to send prayers to the people of Haiti as they work to rebuild their country following January's earthquake.
FEBRUARY, 2010
WHALE AND DOLPHIN HUNTING
Many thanks to Rae from Bellevue, Washington, USA who suggested this week's topic on the hunting of whales and dolphins. This is a world-wide problem in which these beautiful and graceful animals are senselessly slaughtered, often in inhumane ways. We ask our members to pray that these animals be protected from harm and that those who seek to harvest them for mere monetary gain find other means to sustain themselves financially.
We also ask that members continue to remember the people of Haiti in their prayers and to ask that their hardship be relieved as they work to restore their country.
