“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” - Matthew 14:25-27 (NIV) 

Canadian Election Results: Mark Carney’s Liberals Win 

Prime Minister Mark Carney led the Liberal Party to a narrow victory in Canada’s pivotal election on Monday, securing a fourth term in power for the party and a renewed mandate to protect the nation’s sovereignty. Mr. Carney, a former central banker who was running for office for the first time, struck a combative tone toward the United States during his acceptance speech in the early hours of Tuesday at a Liberal Party event in Ottawa. 

Lord God, we give you thanks that elections were held without violence, intimidation, or voter repression. We pray that Canadians across the country might now move forward in unity and continue to work out differences through spirited debate and when possible, collaboration with political opponents.  We pray that above all your justice will be present in the Canadian legislature.

Palestinian envoy tells UN court Israel is killing Gaza civilians. Israel says it’s being persecuted

A Palestinian diplomat told the United Nations’ top court on Monday that Israel is killing and displacing civilians and targeting aid workers in Gaza, in a case that Israel criticized as part of its “systematic persecution and delegitimization.” Israel denies deliberately targeting civilians and aid staff as part of its war with Hamas and did not attend the hearing at the International Court of Justice. In The Hague, Palestinian Ambassador to the Netherlands Ammar Hijazi accused Israel of breaching international law in the occupied territories. “Israel is starving, killing and displacing Palestinians while also targeting and blocking humanitarian organizations trying to save their lives,” he told the court. The hearings are focused on a request last year from the U.N. General Assembly, which asked the court to weigh in on Israel’s legal responsibilities after the country blocked the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees from operating on its territory.

God of justice and peace, we pray for an end to the violence, the loss of innocent lives, and the displacement of families. We ask for protection for aid workers striving to bring relief and for the opening of pathways for essential humanitarian assistance.  Bring your supernatural peace Lord.

Conclave to Choose New Pope Will Start May 7, Vatican Says

The conclave to elect the next pope will start on May 7, the Vatican said on Monday, setting up a vote that will decide the future of the Roman Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis last week at the age of 88. Now cardinals have little over a week to discuss, campaign, and get to know all the potential contenders — some of whom will likely seek to build on Francis’ emphasis on a pastoral approach, while others would represent a return to a more traditional style. Scores of cardinals have been gathering since the pope’s death to decide on logistical details about the pope’s mourning, but also to discuss major issues facing the church and to pick a date when cardinal-electors will meet in the Sistine Chapel to vote for Francis’ successor. 

We give you thanks and praise, O Lord, for a public leader like Pope Francis who embodied the principles of humility, simplicity, and love. We pray that the process of selecting a new Pope might be one which helps the body of believers move towards servant leadership, a pastoral presence in the Papacy, and a care for the material needs of the church around the world.

Shocked by US peace proposal, Ukrainians say they will not accept any formal surrender of Crimea

A peace proposal by the Trump administration that includes recognizing Russian authority over Crimea shocked Ukrainian officials, who say they will not accept any formal surrender of the peninsula, even though they expect to concede the territory to the Kremlin, at least temporarily. Giving up the land that was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 is also politically and legally impossible, according to experts. It would require a change to the Ukrainian constitution and a nationwide vote, and it could be considered treason. Lawmakers and the public are firmly opposed to the idea. 

We pray for our Ukrainian neighbors. We pray for their sovereignty, their dignity, and their futures. May they live lives of abundance, and may you find a path for them that we currently cannot see.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Finding Hope in Hospitality: A Faith-Based Conversation on Welcoming the Stranger

On May 15, from 7:30–9:00 PM EST, we invite you to a cross-border virtual gathering. In a time when refugee resettlement and immigration spark complex emotions and conversations across North America, Thrive,the Centre for Public Dialogue, Exodus World Service, andWorld Renew’s Canadian Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Team invite you to a different kind of gathering—one rooted in hope, hospitality, and faith. Learn more and register today!

Indigenous Ministry Sunday: Coming up in June

The upcoming Indigenous Ministry Sunday (June 22, 2025) resources highlight ideas to take steps towards reconciliation! Indigenous Ministry Sunday provides an opportunity for everyone in Canada to learn more about Indigenous peoples, their cultures and to celebrate the gifts and richness that Indigenous people bring to life in Canada.  Access prayers, bulletin inserts, litanies and more.