The Lord will keep you from all harm—

    he will watch over your life;

 the Lord will watch over your coming and going

    both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8

Famine in Gaza

Immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access is crucial to the Gaza strip.  While President Trump has made statements to the press urging Israel to permit food into Gaza, there is no evidence of policy change. The Israeli government continues to restrict humanitarian aid, citing security concerns and the need to prevent Hamas from diverting aid. The reality is that the world is witnessing (and must live with) its moral failure to protect the people of Gaza from violence and starvation; a failure that exposes the cost of religious conflict, political calculation, and the protections offered to the powerful while the vulnerable pay the price. 

Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy. Forgive us and unleash your justice.  Open the gates for food and water we pray, and restore our souls. 

Refuge and Asylum in Modern Times

A recent New York Times article reveals how exile today blurs the meaning of refuge and asylum. Refugees fleeing authoritarian regimes often discover that borders and “asylum” does not guarantee safety: dictators reach across boundaries with surveillance, harassment, and violent threats against family left behind. This makes exile and asylum not only a humanitarian crisis but a justice issue. Democracies must strengthen protections for political refugees, extend safeguards to their loved ones at home, and coordinate internationally against transnational repression. Without such action, authoritarian power will continue to threaten those in exile, eroding any possibility of asylum.  

Father God, your designation of cities of asylum in Scripture reveals Your protection for the innocent. You ensured justice by preventing unchecked retaliation and offered sanctuary and a path to restored life. This mirrors Christ’s role as a refuge for all who seek Him for salvation. May the hearts of those who wield power and control in the world somehow hear echoes of Your justice and mercy. May their decisions safeguard the vulnerable and uphold righteousness for all.

Voting Rights and the US Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to hear Louisiana v. Callais, a pivotal case on the legality of majority-minority congressional districts. Following the 2020 Census, Louisiana drew a congressional map with only one majority-Black district out of six, though about one-third of the state’s population is Black. Black voters challenged this in Robinson v. Ardoin, arguing the map violated the Voting Rights Act (VRA) by diluting their voting power. A federal court agreed and ordered Louisiana to create a second majority-Black district, resulting in the passing of Senate Bill 8 (S.B. 8). A group of white/non-Black voters have now sued (Callais v. Landry, now Louisiana v. Callais), claiming S.B. 8 itself violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court’s ruling on this case could significantly reshape voting rights. If these districts are struck down, communities of colour risk losing hard-won representation and trust in democratic institutions.

God, we pray for defenders of justice in an institution that strives for equity, but is in a system corrupted by violent history and racist attitudes. Move us forward, we pray.  We pray for decisions that give voice and protection to the least powerful. May courts uphold the dignity of every voter and permit shalom and right relationships to flourish.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Churches

The Christian Reformed Church is inviting all congregations and members to join a virtual prayer vigil on Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. EST. This will be a time to hear stories and prayer requests directly from members of CRC congregations who are experiencing challenges as a result of the increased immigration enforcement activities taking place across the United States. Churches are also encouraged to set aside a special time of prayer during worship on Sunday, September 7—lifting up affected communities and praying for justice, love, and compassionate care. Learn more and download a congregational prayer based on Psalm 13 here.