Justice Prayers - April 8, 2020

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Violence in Colombia

Advocates are calling on the international community to demand that the Colombian Government and local authorities protect the life and integrity of women as political subjects and peacebuilders. According to Amnesty International, the Colombian state must not use measures in response to COVID-19 as a pretext to weaken protections for human rights defenders and social leaders.  The call comes after at least 6 human rights defenders have been killed this week. 

Lord, we condemn violence in all its forms, and we pray for a commitment to fellow humans in all of Colombia’s pandemic response measures.   We pray the humanitarian relief work of those killed would continue and ask for the adoption of exceptional measures, including a global humanitarian ceasefire, to stop the attacks.

Front Line Help at the Urban Indigenous Ministries

The Christian Reformed Church in North America supports three Urban Indigenous Ministry Centres in Canada.  All three remain open as essential services to the homeless and struggling populations they serve.

Lord, we pray for a blessing on the Indigenous Family Centre, Edmonton Native Healing Centre, and Indigenous Christian Fellowship. Give wisdom to the communities and their leaders as they adjust their work to changing needs. Lord, grant your gift of protection from the risks they face and provide them with long-term resources to continue their work in your name.

Disproportionate Impacts for African Americans

Early data from some U.S. states shows African Americans are more likely to die from COVID-19. In Illinois and Michigan, black people account for less than 15% of the state’s population but 30% of COVID-19 cases and 40% of deaths. The data may correlate enduring disparities in access to medical care, however not all states are collecting and reporting demographics on the pandemic making it a difficult issue to examine.  

Lord, we pray for your protection over communities without adequate access to medical care. We pray for wisdom for state, local, and federal leaders, that they would show committed compassion for the needs of all, especially the most vulnerable and under resourced communities.   We ask for your truth to be known regarding enduring disparities and that adequate data can be collected so that steps may be taken to protect the whole of your creation.

For Chaplains

Chaplains are continuing their important work in hospitals and nursing facilities around the world, counseling patients, families and medical staff.  Some now work as never before, behind protective equipment and glass dividers. The isolation of patients and their families, the emotional toll of medical staff, and the increased personal risk to chaplains, all place heightened burden on these front line spiritual workers.

Wonderful Counselor, comfort the comforters, counsel the counselors and heal the healers. We pray that you would fill chaplains with a sense of peace in the chaos, that you would speak to and through them and that you would protect them in the strong name of Jesus. We pray for a blessing on their words and deeds, that they would minister to the hearts of all they encounter in ways that glorify you. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

COVID-19 Blogs and Prayers

We've gathered all of our COVID related content together in one spot.  Be encouraged by our writers and join us in prayer.  Read all of the materials here.

Faith4DACA 

The Supreme Court is deciding on the future of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. If allowed to end, 700,000 recipients - many of whom are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis - would lose their work permits and be vulnerable to deportation. Sign this petition to urge your Senators to support a long-term solution for DACA recipients and other immigrants by passing the American Dream and Promise Act!