#prayeralert: Ebola — and fear — continue to spreadLaura Gish - 22 Oct 2014

“The world’s deadliest...”

Those words are on the lips of people worldwide. Fear of the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa is spreading as fast — or faster — than the dreaded disease that has already claimed thousands of lives. 

As fear of the virus increases, daily life is affected, as people have to rethink how they live and interact with others. Government officials are strongly discouraging public gatherings and large celebrations.    

Ei al-Adha is a Muslim festival celebrated at this time each year. Government officials have warned individuals not to gather for the event. In Guinea, where the outbreak is severe, 11 million people are Muslim. Public prayer places are deserted. Muslim leaders have encouraged their congregations to avoid bodily contact. At this time of year, some 2 million Muslims take a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Although there are currently no recorded cases among those making the pilgrimage, many fear it’s only a matter of time — the virus will find its way to Mecca.  

As of a fortnight a go, there were 7,500 confirmed cases of infection. Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia contain the most cases. 

Let’s continue to pray against this deadly threat, that the power of prayer will stop it in its tracks!  

• Ask God to give wisdom to national, community, and religious leaders to help encourage citizens to take extra precaution. 
• Pray that during this time of Muslim pilgrimage and celebrations that individuals would adhere to the concerns and encouragement of their governments and religious leaders.  
• Intercede on behalf of those who have contracted the virus. Pray for miraculous recovery and healing. Ask God to protect the medical workers as they lay their own lives on the line to follow their call and help those in need.
• May the Holy Spirit and the Word of God be released in full power in the nations of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. May God use these circumstances and His people to bring glory and honor to His name. May His name be praised throughout these nations as people turn to the living God in this time of crisis. 

All images are used by permission in accordance with commons copyright license terms: Feature image is a derivative of the images 'Liberia: Urban Extents' by SEDACMaps and 'After their time in Mina has passed, pilgrims head back to Mecca.' by Al Jazeera English