Jesus himself, as the gospel story goes on to its dramatic conclusion, lives out the same message of the Sermon on the Mount: he is the light of the world, he is the salt of the earth, he loves his enemies and gives his life for them, he is lifted up on a hill so that the world can see. - N. T. Wright
There have been multiple reports of African and Indian students in Ukraine being kept from crossing the border into Poland, while white Ukrainians have been permitted to pass more quickly.
Lord of every tongue and tribe, we pray against any hierarchy of importance based on race, ethnicity or nationality. We pray that within the fear and chaos of so many leaving their homes and trying to find refuge that your Spirit is at work in border guards and officials, enabling them to see the dignity of each human made in your image.
As we in the west watch images of war, there is a temptation to consume the images or to glorify the cause in unhealthy, un-Christlike ways. We pray for hearts and minds in these times of dehumanizing war making.
Jesus, as we watch and care and want to support and love those going through the worst humanity can do to each other, guard our hearts from the trap of becoming what we hate. Keep us from dehumanizing enemies and from casually consuming images of destruction. Help us to pray for our enemies and to practice your peace-making ways in our daily lives.
The United Nations released a report on the human impacts of climate change this week while simultaneously Health Canada released a report on climate change and mental health.
Both reports highlight that the human cost to climate change will be to our food and water systems, the economic costs of dealing with crisis after crisis as well as the fact that the brunt of the human health cost will be on seniors, children, racialized populations, low-income individuals, individuals with chronic health conditions, and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
As awareness keeps growing, we pray for honest assessment of our collective actions.
Creator,
Quicken us, collectively, to act. Don’t let yet another report go by unnoticed in the chaos of major events and daily rush. Make us aware of the consequences of not acting to curb climate change. Help us to acknowledge the costs. Help us to talk to one another more about climate change realities.
Check out the full schedule for this training that helps leaders counter anti-Muslim discrimination in their communities. We'll share up-to-date research, resources, tools, and messaging to be stronger, strategic, and more effective actors in shaping our nation toward a greater vision - where all people, no matter their religious or cultural background, are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. Register here.
Through this challenge, we want to explore how to practically reduce our personal carbon emissions. Each week, we'll look at different ways to make significant progress in reaching Net Zero living, so as to be faithful stewards and secure a healthy world for future generations. Download this guide for practical suggestions and weekly reflections.
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