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Justice Prayers - December 8, 2021

 "Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited." - Thomas Merton


Biden administration to restart a Trump-era remain-in-Mexico policy for asylum seekers.

After a federal court ordered that the remain in Mexico policy be re-instated, the administration asked for humanitarian improvements to be made including health care in camps and that disabled and elderly asylum seekers not have to stay in Mexico.  There is high levels of violence in the camps waiting for immigration court hearings.  

We pray for the ramifications of these policies. 

Lord we pray for those who are looking for refuge but have to wait.  Comfort and sustain them. Protect them from violence and harm.  May there be places of peace and dignity for those who wait in these spaces.  And create clarity in the policies so those who wait can know what to expect.  


Mississippi 15 week abortion law before the U.S Supreme Court

While a decision on the constitutionality of the states’ law will not come until likely next year, we pray for the decision makers tasked with this decision. 

Lord your law is love and your gospel is peace.  Even as this supercharged issue reaches the highest levels of lawmaking in the US, we pray for the decision makers to weigh everything in accordance with your law of love.  We pray that your Spirit would work in policy makers around the country to bring freedom, justness, and the social conditions for high quality of life from womb to tomb.  


Saskatchewan First Nation faces suicide crisis brought on by pandemic.

Lac La Ronge Indian Band councillor Devin Bernatchez travelled from Northern Saskatchewan to Regina and the Provincial legislature to call the government to work with the community as it faces deep healthcare resource shortages including resources of psychiatrists and counsellors.   While the mental health crisis after Covid is real in every part of our countries, we know in remote and under-resourced communities, it is acute.  For these communities we pray:

Healing God, we pray for the mental health crisis in remote and under-resourced communities that is leading to death.  We pray for clarity on diagnosis and for money to pay for help.  We pray for integrated cooperation of local and provincial resources so that communities are equipped to help one another and to bring true hope.  


Gendered Violence Awareness

Dec. 6 marks the 32nd anniversary of the massacre at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, QC where a gunman separated men and women in an engineering class and opened fire on the women, murdering 14 of them and injuring more.  On this anniversary we remember the women whose lives were stopped short and also pray for the levels of violence against women and femicide in Canada during the 2021 pandemic year.  

Father of us all, we pray for greater understanding of the causes of gender-based violence so that we may begin healing at the root as a society.   We pray for insight into the best ways to support women and children leaving violent homes.  Help us to talk about these issues more so that there is no stigma for those most affected.  And protect those at risk today in the Name of Jesus.  


Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Support Continued Safety for Afghan Evacuees

Afghan evacuees deserve continued safety in the United States, beyond the year or two humanitarian parole allows them. An Afghan Adjustment Act would ensure a path to legal permanent residence for Afghan evacuees, acknowledging their unique circumstances and the safety they deserve. Urge your Members of Congress to pass an Afghan Adjustment Act today!

Inspiring Gifts 

The past year and a half have been hard ones for many of us. We’ve had to adapt how we work, worship, and interact with each other.  Yet, through it all, God has continued to use you, your congregation, and the ministries of the Christian Reformed Church for his kingdom work. Watch some inspiring examples of the types of ministry that has remained possible throughout COVID-19 thanks to ministry shares and the covenant relationship we have as a CRCNA denomination. As you watch them, consider being an inspiration to others by giving an additional gift that can extend these ministries even further. Thank you.

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