Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/31/09



Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.

Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD;
the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Midday Devotion 3/31/09



"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Proverbs 31:8


Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from us. Restore us to the joy of thy salvation, and uphold us with thy free Spirit.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Why do we pray? Let’s face it, sometimes these challenges seem a bit overwhelming, it seems like there’s just too much chaos, too much pain, that the struggle is just too great. We wonder why is it that we pray? Why do we pray for the hostages when more of them are taken, or they are still held in captivity? When they are still oppressed? And there we find the words of the Lord: Open thy mouths for the dumb and for the cause of all such as are appointed for destruction. We pray because we know, and we trust in the Lord, we trust in His promises, we understand His righteousness and we know that He will never fail or forsake His children, that He will always stand beside them, that He will walk beside them. As we uplift their cause the Lord hears our prayers and He sees their plight and sees their struggle. He strengthens their hearts in all things, answering all prayers in time, all prayers according to His will and according to His design. Amidst that, ours must always be to look to the plight and look to the suffering and the affliction of those who are held captive, those who are appointed to destruction, those who live amidst chaos and the pain that can be inflicted upon their bodies, those who abide in that slavery of the soul of the unrighteous who would oppress them, that we can look upon them with compassion, love and mercy, so that we can commend their spirits unto the Lord, asking that He heals the broken places within them, in all things and through all things, according to His divine and holy will.

Philippine Military Prepares to Rescue Hostages



Urgent prayers are needed as the Philippine Army prepares to mount a rescue attempt after the deadline set by the captors for beheading one of the hostages has passed. Via AP:
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine troops and tanks advanced toward a jungle stronghold of al-Qaida-linked extremists after a deadline expired Tuesday for the beheading of one of three Red Cross hostages in a critical juncture of the 10-week crisis.

Officials redeployed government forces near the Abu Sayyaf camp in Indanan township on southern Jolo Island and put the predominantly Muslim region under a state of emergency after talks for the safe release of the hostages became bogged down and the militants threatened to behead them by 2 p.m. Tuesday.

There was no immediate indication that any of the Swiss, Italian and Filipino hostages, who have been held since Jan. 15, were killed after the deadline expired.

More than 1,000 marines, police and militiamen, who have surrounded the militants for weeks, pulled back from around the Abu Sayyaf stronghold last week to prod the gunmen to make good on their pledge to free one hostage. But the militants reneged on their promise and insisted that troops withdraw from 15 Jolo villages — a demand rejected by the government.

"We've given them everything but they didn't budge," Jolo Gov. Sakur Tan said. "The troops are returning there."

On Tuesday, tanks and truckloads of marines rolled out of a Jolo camp toward Indanan to try to surround the gunmen in a hilly jungle, Tan said. He refused to say if a military rescue was imminent or if the troops were being brought back to force the militants to resume negotiations.

"We'll make sure that these bandits cannot kidnap again," Tan said.

Please keep Eugenio Vagni, Andreas Notter and Mary-Jean Lacaba in your prayers today. I will post updates as they are available.

Previous:
Philippine Rebels Threaten to Behead Red Cross Hostages
Kidnapped Red Cross Workers Survive Gun Battle in Philippines

Morning Prayer 3/31/09



Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/30/09



O Lord God Almighty, as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.

Midday Devotion 3/30/09



13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
"He won't call me to account"?

14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness
that would not be found out.

Psalm 10:13-15


Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill, to all people. We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory. Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

As we contemplate the righteousness of our Lord, as we contemplate His mercy and compassion unto the world, that love that He has for each and every one of His children, we know that the wicked shall not be left to stand for all time and in all places, that God, with His mighty arm, will break off the arm of those who would use their hands, would use their arms of strength to inflict their torment, their torture, their chaos, upon thee weak or the fragile, upon those who seek the Lord’s hope but find the wickedness and evil of men. It’s a matter of trusting in God, trusting in His time and His plan, knowing that through Him all good things shall come to pass, knowing that through Him unrighteousness shall not dwell on this Earth for all times. He shall protect the poor and the fatherless, the captives and the oppressed, those who are taken hostage by wicked men who seek nothing more than to work evil throughout this world. God hears their cries, He sees their plight, He sees their struggles each and every step of the way, and He guides them and He protects them through all things, His justice never far off. He reaches out and touches the souls of those who feel the most pain, the most anguish in this world. And He works through them, through the power of His Holy Spirit to give them comfort, and He offers unto those who inflict themselves upon others, in such wicked ways, His justice is never far off. His righteousness is never far from us, if we trust in Him, in all things and through all things.

Morning Prayer 3/30/09



Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?

2 My help comes from the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;

5 The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,

6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.

8 The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/29/09



Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayer: 3/29/09



O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/28/09



Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

Pirates Release Hijacked Gas Tanker

Good news from Somalia: The MV Longchamp and its 13 crewmembers, held captive since January, have been released unharmed. Via AP:
The Longchamp was loaded with liquefied petroleum gas when it was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden on Jan. 29. It is registered in the Bahamas and managed by Hamburg-based Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement.

The company said the ship was released at about 0600 GMT (2 a.m. EDT) on Saturday. It had 12 Filipino crew members and an Indonesian second engineer on board.

Bernhard Schulte spokesman Cor Radings declined to comment on how the release was achieved.

A statement from the company said it "would like to thank the many parties, agencies and professionals involved for their outstanding efforts in achieving the safe release of the crew and vessel."

Radings declined to elaborate, and would not say what happened to the pirates.

The ship was en route from Norway to Vietnam when it was hijacked, and the company said it would now head toward its original destination.

Thank God for this deliverance. Please continue to pray for the remaining ships and crews still held hostage.

Morning Prayer: 3/28/09



A Song to the Lamb Dignus es


Splendor and honor and kingly power *
are yours by right, O Lord our God,

For you created everything that is, *
and by your will they were created and have their being;

And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, *
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,

From every family, language, people, and nation, *
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.

And so, to him who sits upon the throne, *
and to Christ the Lamb,

Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, *
for ever and for evermore.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/27/09



Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snare of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

British Hostages May Be Free Soon



Unconfirmed reports claim that the five British hostages held captive in Iraq since May 2007 may be exchanged for a group of Shiite prisoners in US and British custody. Via BBC:
The kidnappers of five Britons held in Iraq for nearly two years claim to have reached a deal over their release, according to an unconfirmed report.

The Guardian claims a statement from the hostage-takers said Britain and the US had agreed to trade one hostage for 10 detained Sadrist militants.

The statement is from a Shia group called Leagues of the Righteous.

The Foreign Office refused to comment on the Guardian's story but said it was doing all it could to release the men.

The Leagues of the Righteous spokesman said one of the hostages would be freed soon, along with up to eight men, all Sadrist loyalists, currently being held by the US army in Iraq, according to the Guardian.

The prime prisoner the kidnappers want released is Qais al-Khazali, believed to be the mastermind behind the 2007 Karbala ambush that killed five American soldiers. It sickens me to think of this monster walking free, but we have to pray that he will not be in any position to do any further harm to our troops.

Please continue to pray that Peter Moore, Alec Maclachlan, Jason, Alan, and Jason, will be free soon from this ordeal that has gone on for so long, and that those in positions of authority will make wise decisions that both provide deliverance for the hostages and protection for our troops.

Previous:
New Video of Kidnapped Britons Sent to Embassy
Hostage News Updates 11/19/08
Kidnappers Offer to Trade Body of Hostage for Iraqi Prisoners
British Hostages Moved, Separated
British Officials Claim They Were Close to Hostage Rescue
British Hostage Has Killed Himself
British Intelligence Blew Chance for Hostage Rescue
Iraqi Official: 5 British Hostages Are Alive
Time to End the Silence
Captors of British Hostages Respond to Families
Former Captive Speaks Out: Silence Won't Release the Hostages
One Year of Captivity for British Hostages
New Push to Rescue British Hostages
New Plea for British Hostages
Iran Denies Holding British Hostages
Five British Hostages Feared to Be in Hands of Revolutionary Guard
British Hostages Believed to be Moved From Iraq to Iran
CBS Journalists Kidnapped in Basra
Arabic TV Shows British Hostage Video
British, Iraqi Prime Ministers Discuss Hostages
We Will Never Forget You
Pray for the Hostages
Families of Kidnapped Britons Hope for Christmas Miracle
British PM Demands Release of Hostages
Families of British Hostages Send Message
Video Released of British Hostages (Updated with Video)
British Hostages to Be Free Soon?
Three Shiites Arrested for Kidnapping Brits
Family of British Hostage Pleads for His Release
Abducted Britons Believed to be Held by "Shiite Zarqawi"
Johnston: my prayers for forgotten hostages
Kidnapped Brits Held by "Iran-Backed" Killers
Britons kidnapped by gunmen in Baghdad
British, German Hostages Seized in Iraq

Morning Prayer: 3/27/09



Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.

Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.

Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.

Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.

Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/26/09



If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light
around me turn to night," darkness is not dark to you, O
Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to
you are both alike. Psalm 139:10-11

Two Chemical Tankers Seized by Somali Pirates

Pirates have hijacked two ships off the Somali coast (via Al-Jazeera):
Pirates have hijacked two chemical tankers near the Somali coast, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has said.

Cyrus Mody, an IMB spokesman, said a Panama-flagged ship, was taken on
Wednesday, and a ship registered in the Bahamas was taken on Thursday.

The US 5th Fleet, which patrols the Gulf of Aden, confirmed both hijackings had taken place within the past 24 hours.

The Panama-flagged vessel is said to be the Greek-owned 9,000-ton Nipayia, manned by 19 crew members. It was attacked 720km off Somalia.

The second vessel is the Norwegian-owned Bow Asir and far larger at 23,000-tonne.

The Bow Asir has 28 crewmembers. Prayers for the crews of both these ships and for all the hostages being held captive by pirates.

Midday Devotion: Isaiah 25:4



Create in us a clean heart, restore in us Your right spirit, shelter us in the shadow of Your wings, that we may be like You in all ways…

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

“For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.”
Isaiah 25:4


The Lord, He is not far off, nor is far distant from the cries and the suffering of His people who longingly seek to be set free. A refugee it is He who offers shelter, it is He that offers a strength and guidance even amidst the trials and tribulation of this world.

The struggles, they, at time, seem a bit overwhelming, a bit overbearing, as if they seem to go on and on without any relief in sight. Perhaps we are even left to wonder where… where is God and His righteousness amidst this world? Where is His justice, that justice that we have been told to have faith and trust in?

Yet God is always faithful, He is always worthy of praise and there we can be assured through everything that happens, through everything that is going on He is there, He hears our prayers and He hears the cries of those who are held captive, those who are held hostage by the forces of wickedness in this world. There His judgment will not be far off nor shall He leave His lambs to the wolves unto a slaughter. He grants strength and offers peace and comfort throughout their ordeal, giving unto their spirits the power to overcome, the power to see their trials and their struggles and find His peace amidst it all.

Trust that the Lord is a refuge from the storm, that He shall give shade from the scorching heat of this world and distress it can cause. He does not fail nor does He forsake the oppressed and captive souls, He hears them, He sees them and, in His time, he frees them.

In that trust always uplift the hostages and the captives knowing that the miracles of God and the judgment of His righteousness are not far off, are not far distant but are at hand to give strength to those in distress. He is the God of the oppressed and He never abandons them, even when the struggle seems to be long and hard and even a bit overwhelming. He is always there to set free.

Morning Prayer: 3/26/09



Benedictus es, Domine

Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.

Glory to you for the radiance of you holy Name; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory to you in the splendor of you temple; *
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.

Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory to you, beholding the depths; *
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.

Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/25/09



Thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity,
whose name is Holy, "I dwell in the high and holy place and
also with the one who has a contrite and humble spirit, to
revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the
contrite." Isaiah 57:15

Midday Devotion: Psalm 35:1-8



1Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
2Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
3Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
4Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
5Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
6Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
7For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.
8Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
Psalm 35:1-8


As we consider the plight of the hostages, as we consider the plight of the captives, we also have to consider the captors, those who would take them for ransom, those men who would work such wickedness and such unrighteousness in the world. And it seems like they are prevalent, it seems like they are strong, after all they do what they do and they get away with it. At times we have to wonder if anything at all is being done to end this,as the names on the list grow longer and higher. And yet what we know is that God is a just God, He is a powerful God, and there He is at work at all times to protect and defend His children; He is there to push back, to confound the unrighteous. He is there with His sword and His shield to protect those who need protecting. He is there to thwart the work of kidnappers, He is there to thwart the work of captors. He is there to set free the captives and to say unto their souls, “Find yourselves at liberty; know my peace, know my comfort through all things.”

We just have to have faith, we have to put our trust in God,, that throughout all these struggles, throughout the pain and the sorrow that is inflicted upon these people, through the trials and the tribulations, that God is present to strengthen and preserve them, each and every step of the way; there to strengthen and preserve those weak places, those broken places, and to chase their enemies far from their presence.

Please join us Monday through Friday at 12:00 Eastern for Pray for the Hostages on Blogtalk Radio

Somali Pirates Hijack Yacht in Seychelles



Moving farther away from the naval patrols guarding the coast of Somalia, pirates today hijacked a yacht near the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, with two crew members on board. Via Reuters:
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Somali pirates have hijacked a yacht from the Seychelles with two men on board, a maritime official said on Wednesday.

The yacht left the Seychelles in February en route to Madagascar but disappeared soon after, Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers Assistance Program said.

He named the two men on board as Gilbert Victor and Andre Conrad, both from the Seychelles.

"The ill-fated yacht is presently under tight security, anchored next to Garacad, Somalia," he said.

Please pray for the protection and rescue of these hostages and all the other victims of piracy.

Morning Prayer: 3/25/09




Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.

All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.

O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Evening Prayer: 3/24/09



O Gracious Light Phos hilaron

O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.

Midday Devotion: Deuteronomy 26:6-9



Give us Your strength, teach us Your truth, give Your hope, teach us Your song, shelter us in the shadow of Your wings.

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, amen.

“And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage: And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression: And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders: And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.”
Deuteronomy 26:6-9


To the poor and the sick, the wounded and the suffering, to the oppressed and the captive soul there is a promise from the Lord and we know that God, He hears the plight of the afflicted, lost amidst a world of trial and tribulation.

A captive nation of slaves living at the end of the task master whip, the children of Israel would cry out to the Lord in their anguish and their pain, feeling the deep and abiding sense of grief and distress. For generations all they would know was the imprisonment of the body, mind and spirit that had now encompassed their lives and they longed to be free of it all. God’s ear would not be far off to their cries nor would His eyes fail to see their plight. He would lead them from the hands of their oppressors, taking them from the wickedness of their Egyptian masters and guiding them to a land they could call their own.

But God’s miracles, they are not far distant stories taken from days of old, no longer at work in this world.

No, unto the afflicted and suffering, unto the oppressed He turns His righteousness, showing compassion, love and mercy to their plight. As it was then, so it is now.

Know therefore that as we uplift the hostages in our prayers, as we raise their names to the Lord, as they cry out amidst their oppression and captivity the Lord hears their cries and He sees the faces of their oppressors and His judgments will not be far off. As He lead the Israelites from the hands of their Egyptian masters so to shall He lead the captives from the hands of their oppressors, that show unto them love, and mercy each and every step of the way. His righteousness it shall stand for all ages, in all things.

Trust in Him and His timing, knowing that through all things He has a plan and all things will work according to it, according to His righteousness.

Please join us Monday through Friday at 12:00 Eastern for Pray for the Hostages on Blogtalk Radio

American Journalists Being Interrogated for Espionage

The two American journalists being held by North Korea are now undergoing "intense interrogation" on suspicions of spying. Via The Telegraph:
The two women are undergoing "intense interrogation" by North Korean investigators, who are looking for signs they were spying on military installations, an unnamed intelligence official told the South Korean JoongAng Ilbo newspaper.

The US, which does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, has confirmed that it is in contact with officials in Pyongyang to try and secure the release of the two reporters.

According to reports, they were arrested on March 17 by North Korean soldiers after they strayed into North Korean territory by crossing the frozen Tumen River, which marks North Korea's border with China.

The narrow river is a frequent escape route for refugees fleeing North Korea, which was the subject of a documentary being filmed by the pair.

The US maintains that the women were on the Chinese side of the border when they were grabbed by North Korean border guards, and subsequently taken to the capitol, Pyongyang.

Please continue to pray for the safety of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, and for their swift release.

Previous:
Kidnapped American Journalists Being Interrogated in N. Korea
American Journalists Held by North Korea

Morning Prayer 3/24/09



Jubilate Psalm 100

Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with song.

Know this: The Lord himself is God; *
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.

For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Evening Prayer: 3/23/09



Song of Simeon Nunc Dimittis

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;

For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:

A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Driver Kidnapped with UN Hostages in Niger Freed

The driver kidnapped along with two UN envoys to Niger by Al-Qaeda in December 2008 has been released unharmed. Via AP:
The two diplomats, including the U.N. special envoy for Niger, are still being held after their abduction in December.

Al-Qaida's North Africa branch, an Algeria-based group, has claimed it is holding the two Canadians, along with four tourists — two Swiss citizens, a German woman and a British man — who were kidnapped in January in the desert near the border in neighboring Mali.

Soumana Mounkaila, who is employed by the U.N. Development Program, was released in Mali's capital, Bamako, over the weekend and has been recounting his experiences in talks with U.N. officials.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement Monday praising the cooperation of local governments and individuals whose negotiations helped Mounkaila gain his freedom.

Ban again called on the kidnappers to free the two remaining U.N. hostages: Ban's U.N. special envoy for Niger, Robert Fowler, and Fowler's aide, Louis Guay.

Al-Qaida in Islamic North Africa has not issued demands for the hostages' release. But in past kidnappings in the Sahara, the world's largest desert, it has obtained ransoms for Western tourists.

Thank God for Mr. Mounkaila's safe return. Please continue to pray for the protection and rescue of Robert Fowler and Louis Guay, and for all the other hostages in Africa and around the world, especially the ones known only to God.

Midday Devotion: Amos 5:24



***This is a new feature, based on Wyatt's Biblical devotions presented on the Pray for the Hostages radio show***

But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!
Amos 5:24


As we pray to the Lord and as we lift up who are captive, those who are held hostage, by men who work wickedness throughout this world, as we try to intercede on behalf of these poor people who have been taken, taken from their homes and their families and their comforts, and held in such mean state, we have to remember that judgment comes from the Lord, and righteousness springs forth from Him. And there we must pray that His judgment and His righteousness will reign supreme on this Earth, so that His Will will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven; so that those who are wicked, those who work such evil in the world will no longer be able to hold those who are in need, or those who are weaker than them or those who they capture by surprise, and then ransom them off, trading flesh as if it were nothing more than something which they can have for a monetary gain; trading flesh for power and the deep sense of abiding slavery which they find themselves bound to.

Trust therefore in the judgment and the righteousness of the Lord, in all things and through all things, knowing that His work and His Will will always bring good, will always bring mercy upon this Earth.

Morning Prayer 3/23/09



O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/22/09



Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Kidnapped American Journalists Being Interrogated in N. Korea

Laura Ling


Euna Lee


The North Korean government confirmed that it is holding two American journalist grabbed at a disputed border crossing last week, and has moved them to the capital Pyongyang for interrogation. Via Fox News:
North Korea said Saturday it was investigating two Americans it detained Tuesday for "illegally intruding" into its territory after crossing the border from China.

A brief dispatch from the North's official Korean Central News Agency gave no other details, but it was apparent confirmation of reported arrests of two female U.S. journalists reporting on North Korean refugees in the border area.

South Korean media and a South Korean missionary identified the two detained Americans as Laura Ling and Euna Lee, reporters for former Vice President Al Gore's San Francisco-based media outlet Current TV.

A U.S. official said Saturday that the U.S. has been in touch with North Korean representatives about the journalists and is awaiting a reply. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing the sensitivity of the issue, said the U.S. doesn't know where the North is holding them.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency said Sunday, in a report from the Chinese city of Yanji, that it is highly likely that they were sent to Pyongyang to be investigated for their alleged border intrusion.

Please continue to pray for the safety of the two journalists and for their swift release.

Previous:
American Journalists Held by North Korea

Morning Prayer 3/22/09



Venite Psalm 95:1-7

Come let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.

Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

New Video of Kidnapped Britons Sent to Embassy

The Iraqi kidnappers of five British men have sent a new video to the British Embassy in Baghdad. Via BBC;
The video shows one hostage, Peter Moore, saying the five are being treated well, Channel 4 News said. He calls for their release.

The video was shot eight days ago and has not been released to the media.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman did not give details but said it was a "significant development".

Peter Moore and his four security guards were kidnapped May 29, 2007, by a group of about 40 men disguised as Iraqi policemen. A video was released in February 2008, in which Moore pleaded with the British government to free nine Iraqi prisoners in exchange for their release. And in June 2008, the kidnappers claimed that one of the security guards, identified only as Jason, had committed suicide after giving hope of ever being freed. This report has never been confirmed, however.

Please pray harder than ever for the protection and rescue of these hostages, as it appears that events are at a critical point and could finally result in their deliverance from their captors.

Previous:
Hostage News Updates 11/19/08
Kidnappers Offer to Trade Body of Hostage for Iraqi Prisoners
British Hostages Moved, Separated
British Officials Claim They Were Close to Hostage Rescue
British Hostage Has Killed Himself
British Intelligence Blew Chance for Hostage Rescue
Iraqi Official: 5 British Hostages Are Alive
Time to End the Silence
Captors of British Hostages Respond to Families
Former Captive Speaks Out: Silence Won't Release the Hostages
One Year of Captivity for British Hostages
New Push to Rescue British Hostages
New Plea for British Hostages
Iran Denies Holding British Hostages
Five British Hostages Feared to Be in Hands of Revolutionary Guard
British Hostages Believed to be Moved From Iraq to Iran
CBS Journalists Kidnapped in Basra
Arabic TV Shows British Hostage Video
British, Iraqi Prime Ministers Discuss Hostages
We Will Never Forget You
Pray for the Hostages
Families of Kidnapped Britons Hope for Christmas Miracle
British PM Demands Release of Hostages
Families of British Hostages Send Message
Video Released of British Hostages (Updated with Video)
British Hostages to Be Free Soon?
Three Shiites Arrested for Kidnapping Brits
Family of British Hostage Pleads for His Release
Abducted Britons Believed to be Held by "Shiite Zarqawi"
Johnston: my prayers for forgotten hostages
Kidnapped Brits Held by "Iran-Backed" Killers
Britons kidnapped by gunmen in Baghdad
British, German Hostages Seized in Iraq

Evening Prayer 3/21/09


The Song of the Redeemed Magna et mirabilia

O ruler of the universe, Lord God,
great deeds are they that you have done,*
surpassing human understanding.

Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth,*
O King of all the ages.

Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,
and sing the praises of your Name?*
for you only are the Holy One.

All nations will draw near and fall down before you,*
because your just and holy works have been revealed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Morning Prayer 3/21/09



Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/20/09



The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus


Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;*
he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,*
born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies,*
from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers*
and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham,*
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear,*
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,*
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation*
by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God*
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,*
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Philippine Rebels Threaten to Behead Red Cross Hostages

The Abu Sayyaf rebels holding three Red Cross workers hostage since January have threatened to behead the captives in retaliation for a raid earlier this week that killed several insurgents, as well as 3 Philippine Marines. Via Soldier of Fortune:
The leader of Abu Sayyaf rebels, Albader Parad, made the threat in a radio interview Wednesday, saying he would harm one of three Red Cross workers being held. He made the comment after clashes that killed at least three soldiers and two militants.

The Red Cross is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Mary Jean Lacaba, Eugenio Vagni, and Andreas Notter, who were taken hostage on January 15. A statement says Red Cross staffers are “extremely worried” about the safety of the hostages.

The head of the local Red Cross, Philippines Senator Richard Gordon, said he spoke with Parad on Wednesday. He said Parad told him the three hostages are alive and unharmed, but very tired.

On Tuesday, a military spokesman, Gaudencio Pangilinan, said troops recovered tents and other equipment belonging to the three captives.

Abu Sayyaf gunmen have asked the Philippines military to withdraw from the area before they would enter into negotiations for the aid workers’ release.

Philippine media said the kidnappers have demanded a $1 million ransom. The government has said it will not pay.

Urgent prayers are needed for the safety of the three hostages, and for the safety of other aid workers in the Philippines and elsewhere.

Greek Cargo Ship Hijacked by Pirates

Despite recent successes by members of a naval task force headed by the U.S. in thwarting hijacking attempts, pirates were able to capture a Greek cargo ship and its crew in the Gulf of Aden. Via AFP:
ATHENS (AFP) — A Greek cargo ship with a 24-man crew has been seized by Somali pirates operating in the Gulf of Aden, the Greek merchant marine ministry said.

The St. Vincent-flagged cargo ship Titan is currently heading for the Somali coast following its capture, the ministry said on Thursday.

It has a cargo of iron and was sailing from the Black Sea to Korea.

Somali pirates have attacked more than 130 merchant ships in the region last year, including several Greek-owned vessels.

Please pray for the protection and rescue of the crewmembers of the Titan, and for the safety of all ships passing through this dangerous region.

Morning Prayer 3/20/09



The Third Song of Isaiah Surge, illuminare

Arise, shine, for your light has come, *
and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.

For behold, darkness covers the land; *
deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.

But over you the Lord will rise, *
and his glory will appear upon you.

Nations will stream to your light, *
and kings to the brightness of your dawning.

Your gates will always be open; *
by day or night they will never be shut.

They will call you, The City of the Lord, *
The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Violence will no more be heard in your land, *
ruin or destruction within your borders.

You will call your walls, Salvation, *
and all your portals, Praise.

The sun will no more be your light by day; *
by night you will not need the brightness of the moon.

The Lord will be your everlasting light, *
and your God will be your glory.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/19/09



Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

American Journalists Held by North Korea

Two American journalists and their Korean guide are being detained by North Korean border guards after filming a portion of a report on human trafficking of N. Korean refugees. Via ABC News:
Two American television journalists have been detained by the North Korean army at the Tumen River area near Yanji, China. The State Department confirmed to ABC News that the pair were in China when they were detained and brought into North Korea.

"We are aware through reliable channels on the morning of March 17, that two American citizens were taken into custody across the Tumen River from China into North Korea by what appeared to be North Korean border guards," said State Department spokeswoman Julie Reside.

"We are working with the Chinese government in the area to get information on the whereabouts and welfare of the Americans in question. We have also been in touch with North Korean authorities to express our deep concern about this situation. We have also been in touch with our protecting power, the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang," she said.

[. . .]

The Rev. Chun Ki-Won, a human rights activist leading the Seoul-based Durihana Mission, told ABC News by telephone from New York that three journalists working for Current TV, a cable television network based in California, were in northern China to do a story on human trafficking of North Korean refugees.

He says he was informed that Laura Ling, a Chinese-American, and Euna Lee, a Korean-American, were detained in North Korea with their guide who is ethnic Korean of Chinese nationality. Current TV journalist Mitch Koss is reportedly safe.

"They came to me and I helped them find a group of North Korean refugees who have been kidnapped, enslaved and traded in the notorious black market in China," said Chun, who has helped thousands of North Korean refugees seek asylum in South Korea and the United States.

Prayers for the safe return of the journalists and for the victims of human trafficking they risked their lives to report on.

Morning Prayer: 3/19/09



The First Song of Isaiah Ecce, Deus


Surely, it is God who saves me; *
I will trust in him and not be afraid.

For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *
and he will be my Savior.

Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *
from the springs of salvation.

And on that day you shall say, *
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;

Make his deeds known among the peoples; *
see that they remember that his Name is exalted.

Sing praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, *
and this is known in all the world.

Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *
for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/18/09



Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, creator of the changes of day and night, giving rest to the weary, renewing the strength of those who are spent, bestowing upon us occasions of song in the evening. As you have protected us in the day that is past, so be with us in the coming night; keep us from every sin, every evil, and every fear; for you are our light and salvation, and the strength of our life. To you be glory for endless ages. Amen.

Kidnapped Red Cross Workers Survive Gun Battle in Philippines

Three Red Cross workers kidnapped by Abu-Sayyaf rebels more than two months ago are reportedly unharmed after two days of fighting between Philippine Marines and their captors. Via GMA News:
MANILA, Philippines — Officials said Wednesday that three Red Cross hostages survived two days of fierce jungle clashes that killed three Marines and up to seven al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf captors in the southern Philippines.

Police Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani said the Italian, Swiss and Filipino aid workers, their hands tied, were seen running with their captors toward a mountain after the militants fought with marines near Indanan on southern Jolo Island.

Sen. Richard Gordon, who heads the local Red Cross, said he spoke with Abu Sayyaf commander Albader Parad by mobile phone and was told the hostages, who have been held for more than two months, were unharmed.

Please pray for the comfort of the families of the three Marines who were killed, and for the protection and rescue of hostages Eugenio Vagni, Andreas Notter, and Mary-Jean Lacaba.

UN Aid Workers Freed in Somalia

Good news from Somalia: four UN employees of the World Food Program were released after being kidnapped Monday. Via AFP:
MOGADISHU (AFP) — Three foreign aid workers and a Somali employed by the United Nations were freed Monday, hours after being kidnapped by local militiamen in southern Somalia, elders and UN staff said.

The four were snatched from their car by armed men on their way to an airstrip in Wajid, a food aid hub 340 kilometres (210 miles) south of the capital Mogadishu, early in the morning.

"Efforts to secure their release were conducted by local elders and officials from the Shebab movement. These efforts have finally succeeded and the hostages are free," a local UN employee said on condition of anonymity.

Thank God for this swift and successful resolution to the abduction. Please continue to pray for the many others still held captive in Somalia, including Danka Panchova and her colleagues from Action Against Hunger, who were kidnapped last November; journalists Amanda Lindhout and Nigel Brennan, who were abducted in August 2008; Murray Watson and Patrick Amukhuma, who were kidnapped in April 2008; and for the hundreds of crewmembers of ships hijacked by Somali pirates.

Kidnapped Aid Workers Still Held in Sudan

Despite reports that four aid workers from Doctors Without Borders had been freed yesterday, it appears that they are still in the hands of their captors. Via The Vancouver Sun:
Four kidnapped aid workers - a Canadian nurse, an Italian doctor, a French field worker and a Sudanese staff member - are still being held in Sudan despite earlier reports that the team had been freed, a Sudanese Foreign Ministry official said on Saturday.

"They are still not released, the government is making its utmost efforts and is coordinating with the concerned authorities," said Ali Youssef Ahmed, head of protocol at Sudan's Foreign Ministry. "I can assure you that they are well, everybody is safe and sound. We're expecting their release in the next few hours."

Doctors Without Borders - the organization under which the four were working in the African country - said in a statement Friday that it had been informed of the team's possible release. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed such reports.

``We have not yet seen our colleagues, nor have we had a chance to speak with them since we heard that they were being released,'' said the statement.

It is hard to imagine a much more wretched place than Sudan, and it is about to get even worse. Sudan's President, Omar al-Bashir expelled 13 humanitarian groups from the country last week and has ordered all remaining organizations out by the end of the year. This is in retaliation for his indictment on war crimes charges stemming from Sudan's genocidal campaign against Darfur.

Please continue to pray for Laura Archer, Raphael Meonier, Mauro D’ascanio, and their unnamed Sudanese colleague, and for the safety of the remaining aid workers who still labor to bring food, water, and hope to the millions of Sudanese people who rely on their help.

Morning Prayer: 3/18/09



O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Evening Prayer 3/17/09



Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.