Interfaith Prayers

Here are some interfaith, international prayers for the week.

Sri Lanka has seen a wave of communal violence following a recent rally by hardline Buddhist nationalist monks, whose group is called Bodu Bala Sena (Buddhist Power Force). The violence has upset the peaceful relationship between Buddhists and Muslims that has enduring for many years, not only in Sri Lanka but also in Myanmar.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/19/world/asia/sri-lanka-muslim-aluthgama/index.html "Violence" and "hardline" are not often used in connection with Buddhists and Buddhism!

VIolence has been increasing in Iraq in recent days. The Islamic extremist group ISIS is a terrible threat in the Middle East and is causing death and suffering among on Shi‘ite Muslims, Christians and the Yazidis. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-isis-more-dangerous-now-than-al-qaeda-was-pre-911/
http://time.com/3093732/isis-iraq-yazidis-and-christians/
http://www.benningtonbanner.com/columnists/ci_26303777/writing-religion-religious-persecution-perhaps-genocide-iraq?source=rss_viewed

Missionaries were recently jailed in North Korea. http://news.yahoo.com/north-korea-church-renovated-missionaries-jailed-211401245.html;_ylt=A0LEVzLX..pTDF0AkmNXNyoA

We continue remember the situation in Israel and Gaza. We also remember the persons affected by the upsurge of Ebola cases in Liberia, and the families of those who have already died. We also continue to remember the situation with Russia and the Ukraine. Also, I've not heard any news about the kidnapped Nigerian girls for quite a while.

I live in the St. Louis area, and we keep in hearts, minds, and prayers the family of the young man shot by police in Ferguson, MO, the officer himself, the investigators, and those who seek justice for the community.

And… in the aftermath of Robin Williams death (which was devastating news), we uphold persons who are struggling with depression and/or addictions.