Protection for Women in Haiti

Key Scripture: Psalm 23:4-5 (NIV)

⁴ Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death, 
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me. 
⁵ You prepare a table before me
       in the presence of my enemies.
       You anoint my head with oil;
       my cup overflows.

General Prayer Focus: Haiti

Specific Prayer Focus: Protection for Women

Tidbit of Information: A CNN.com report shares how violence against women is a cultural problem in Haiti, but there is an increase of fear among women who have lost their homes to the recent earthquake.  “Women can be easily preyed upon when their four walls consist only of bed sheets or thin tents…Steps are being taken to safeguard women in the camps now. Solar flashlights are being handed out, proximity to bathrooms and lighting are being worked on, and security patrols increased.” (Source)

Prayer: Father, I lift up the women in Haiti who are afraid and feeling vulnerable right now.  For every woman in a temporary or makeshift home that offers little protection from predators, I ask that they would be surrounded by Your presence.  I pray that they would turn to You in their time of need and find their refuge in You.  May they experience the safety and security found in You even in the midst of their enemies.  Though they may feel like they are in a deep, dark valley, I pray that they would know that You are always near and that You are there to comfort and protect them.  For those in the government and the agencies who are there to help, I ask that You would provide them with the wisdom and resources necessary to protect the women who are vulnerable and to keep them safe in this time of uncertainty.  Father, bring redemption and restoration to the culture in Haiti by the power of Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen!

Sources/Links: Women fear violence in Haitian camps (CNN.com)

Children in Haiti

Key Scripture: Psalm 27:5 (NIV)

5 For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. 

General Prayer Focus: Children in Haiti

Specific Prayer Focus: Protection from exploitation

Tidbit of Information: “We thank the Lord for his promise of protection and help and ask for this protection for children in Haiti who are at a greater risk for exposure to violence and exploitation due to the recent earthquake in their country.” (Compassion International Prayer of the Day Email for March 10, 2010)

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You love the children in Haiti and that You care deeply for this nation in its time of great need.  For the children who are truly experiencing a day of trouble, I ask that You would keep them safe and hide them in Your shelter.  I pray that they would find refuge in You and that they would turn to You to be their safe place, their rock of strength that they can depend on.  I ask that You would keep them from the evil one and protect them from those who would seek to exploit them and take advantage of them in their weakness.  Lord, would You provide for their every need in the aftermath of this earthquake and draw them into Your loving arms, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Links: Compassion Canada