Gentle shepherd come and lead us
For we need You to help us find our way
In the day when our ears are bombarded by beckoning voices
And our world is polluted with sound
Lord, let us hear you
Hundreds of people have died in Spain’s floods and with flooding continuing around the region and more spaces to search, the death toll is rising. Spain’s leader has received negative reception by the public due to his handling of the disaster prevention and relief efforts.
Lord the heavens and earth, provide respite and care for those still searching. Welcome those who have died into your embrace and remain close to those who grieve. May the uncertainty and anger that this extreme weather event brings not cause more pain. May the grieving grieve with peace, honesty and a sense of your presence.
Pollution in Lahore Pakistan is so untenable that schools closed this week for children. Pollution levels have risen to more than 3 times the limit set as “dangerous” by IQAir. Pakistan has also called for “climate diplomacy” with India due to much of the smog being blown from India to the region by the wind.
God, our discoveries and inventions have created unlivable places. While we know that people may have no choice for fuel to cook or heat, we still have children not able to leave their houses to learn because of human activity. How will this be solved O God? We need your Spirit to blow fresh air in minds, hearts and through this precious region, cleansing the air needed to survive.
UN leaders have described the crisis in northern Gaza as "apocalyptic," warning that the entire population faces imminent risks of death from disease, starvation, and violence. In a joint statement, the UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee called for an immediate end to hostilities and emphasized that Gaza has been under siege for nearly a month, with essential aid blocked and constant bombardment killing hundreds, primarily women and children. The statement urged all parties, including Israel, to protect civilians and allow unimpeded humanitarian access. The UN also highlighted the regional impact of the conflict, calling for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
God who sees, So much death of a trapped people. There seems to be no end to the violence. You see the anger, the fear and you see the causes, tracing every bitter knot in the region. Only you can speak to hearts. Only you can comfort the deep souls. We believe you love all your Creation, every people group, every culture. God stop this violence in the name of your self-sacrificing son Jesus who loves across every line.
The Manitoba legislature honoured Murray Sinclair, a prominent Indigenous leader, former judge, and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), who passed away at 73. Premier Wab Kinew, who knew Sinclair personally, highlighted his legacy as a "key architect" of reconciliation efforts. Sinclair, a member of Peguis First Nation and the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba, co-chaired inquiries into justice and led the TRC, which documented the cultural genocide of residential schools and issued 94 Calls to Action. His work profoundly shaped Canada’s approach to Indigenous rights and reconciliation, leaving a lasting legacy.
Creator, we give thanks for Murray Sinclair, who walked the path of truth, justice, and reconciliation with courage and grace. May his legacy inspire us to continue the work he began, to honour his memory by seeking healing for all. Guide us in unity, respect, and love as we strive to build a brighter future together. Amen.
This edition of Justice Prayers was written before the results of the US election are known. We pray for the election and transition of power along with those serving in the role of poll worker.
The Moving Forward in Faith Conference invites members and leaders of Christian Reformed Churches in Eastern Canada and beyond for an inspiring and not-to-be-missed event. To be held at Compass Point Church in Burlington, Ontario on November 15 and 16, 2024, the conference will begin with a Friday night keynote, worship and social time.
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