“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” - Isaiah 58:10

Iran 

War in the Middle East rages on, with President Trump warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran does not loosen its hold on the Strait of Hormuz. Escalating threats and refusals to yield suggest a troubling disregard for human life, culture, and the natural world. In Sudan, the inhumane treatment of those labeled “enemy” reveals how humans, uniquely, can turn against their own. Yet are these dynamics so different from our playgrounds, boardrooms, and churches, where power and differences of appearance or opinion justify harm? Lord, have mercy, and teach us the way of peace.

Prince of Peace, unless you change our hearts, there is no hope.  We are doomed to repeat cycles of hatred again and again - from infancy to the grave.  Come, Lord Jesus, come.  Come into our hearts, come into our imaginations, and cease all wars as you have promised. 

Journeying to Space 

In a fractured world, four astronauts, American and Canadian, journeyed together, circling the moon as one crew, a quiet witness that unity is still possible. Intended or not, NASA’s exploration continues to echo a deeper truth: the uniqueness of Earth is nothing short of miraculous. If we allow it, this vision can humble us and call us forward in faith and hope. Space travel reminds us that what we’ve been given is a gift beyond our making. It stirs both holy fear and courage to press on toward restoration, healing, and the renewal of all things.

We praise you for our intellect that only allows us to push further into revealing you, Creator God, as the mysterious love force behind everything.  Give us eyes to see and willing hearts and hands to press into the darkness where you are present, waiting, and stirring.  

The Wealth Gap

Success stories are often framed as grit and talent. When someone launches a business, we applaud their aptitude, strategy, and courage. Yet many begin with a safety net: family, wealth, connections, that allow freedom to take risks without fear. Last year, the Washington Post reported that globally, the richest 1% have gained over $33 trillion in new wealth in the past decade. This gap shapes who gets seen as “capable.” Wealth brings confidence, visibility, and trust, which then attracts more clientele, leverage, and opportunity. The adage of “the rich get richer” rings true.  Naming this bias matters if we care about systemic justice. Tax policies and access to capital matters, as well as grass root communities (churches) that practice economic sharing and a measuring of success by God’s standards - Kingdom standards - and not worldly metrics.  

God, it seems impossible to enjoy the goodness of freedom, innovation, and efficiency without a mandated year of jubilee.  Yet, here we live.  Help us do what is required of us, and lead us in the way of Jesus.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Beyond the Headlines: Faith, Community and the Stories that Shape Us

Join a new justice education series from Thrive, World Renew, and the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue. This four-part series explores immigration, food justice, climate justice, and gender justice through a biblical lens—equipping participants to recognize harmful narratives, understand root causes, and take meaningful, faith-informed action. Learn more and register today!