Prayer for London

Father,

I ask right now in this moment that there will be peace in the midst of London, England and all surrounding areas affected by these riots and violence. In the name of Jesus, lavish your peace over that place in abundance! I pray that you give the police wisdom as to how to handle those participating in the looting and vandalism/destruction of people’s homes, cars, businesses. I ask that you be with each and every one of the offenders – that your spirit would convict and compel them to stop what they are doing. I pray that they will know they are loved and wanted by you, Jesus. That might be part of the reason they are doing this – they have nothing to lose because they’re deprived physically and spiritually. They feel unloved and forgotten. It’s no excuse for their actions. Have mercy on them Father, but also bring justice. Be with the people of London – calm their hearts and drive out any fear they may be experiencing. Give them strength as they come together to clean up their city, as they rebuild what has been broken. I pray that the people of London/England will unite, and that their spirits will be encouraged. Let their morale build and remain strong.

Something like this can only be devastating and unbelievable, but Father I ask that who you are is revealed in all this mess. I know it’s easy for people who don’t know you or who deny you to question why this is happening. I know that people often place blame on YOU for the chaos. I pray that understanding will come to many – that it is the brokenness inside each and every one of us as to why things like this happen. I know that people don’t want to hear that truth and refuse to believe it – but I pray that your Holy Spirit will convict and open the eyes of the hearts of desperate people.  They will say that you don’t care – but how far from the truth that is. Let them know you care.

Meet the basic needs of families right now. Provide a roof over the heads of those who have lost their homes. Provide clothing and food. I ask that you will bring full restoration in one way or another of all the material things that people’s lives depended on for daily living – but more importantly I pray for emotional healing and restoration, as well as spiritual renewal in the lives of all those affected and even those involved.

In the name of Jesus I pray all these things.

Amen.