"The spirit of prayer is for all times and occasions; it is a lamp that is to be always burning, a light to be ever shining: everything calls for it; everything is to be done in it and governed by it, because it is and means and wills nothing else but the totality of the soul - not doing this or that, but wholly given up to God to be where and what and how He pleases". - William Law
10,000 deaths from illicit drug toxicity have happened in British Colombia since the public health crisis around drug deaths was declared in 2016. This thorny issue has devastatingly real consequences to families and communities. Lord hear our prayer:
Lord, the premature deaths from illicit drug toxicity is a hard symptom. How should we pray? We pray for compassion, for treatments that work, for measures that reduce the harm. Father, we pray for your healing of hearts, minds and bodies and for mercy on everyone touched by this crisis.
While it does not dominate the front pages, we pray for the people of Afghanistan for whom a one marks the collapse of the Afghan government and of Taliban rule. One year ago Canada promised to resettle 40,000 Afghan refugees but has only brought in around 17.3K people.
We pray that violence in word and deed would not rule. We pray that families could live in peace and stability. We pray for those who have lost loved ones that they would be comforted. And we pray for health of the communities, religious institutions, and that there would be freedom for its people.
We also pray for our refugee system in the US and Canada, that unnecessary delays would be eliminated and anyone wanting a new home would find a welcoming place and people.
The continued unprecedented drought in SW United States with its severe decimation of water reserves will see required water usage cuts across many states that depend on the Colorado River to fill its reservoirs.
Up to 20% cuts in water usage will be required in some states as there is simply not enough water. This effects agriculture, food production, jobs, cities, tribes.
Father, you designed a good system in the water cycle and the ways watershed work. Help us to make the changes in our habits needed to sustain it we want to be your good disciples so give us wisdom. Lord, we need rain but also we need to comprehend the systems we designed that lead us away from sustainability. In your mercy, help us.
It’s a party! The Do Justice podcast has new partners and friends. Joyce Borger and Katie Roelofs with CRCNA Worship Ministries join us to set up the focus for this season: how worship can orient our hearts toward justice. Listen now!
Hearts Exchanged is a learning and action journey designed to equip Reformed Christians to engage with Indigenous people as neighbours and fellow image bearers. Would you like to participate in a cohort this fall? Make sure you let the team know at crcna.org/hearts-exchanged
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