And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” - Luke 18:7–8

Iran

The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Iran has called on Iranian authorities to halt the execution of ten men who participated in protests in Isfahan earlier this year. The appeal follows the July 19 execution of two other men who were sentenced to death in the same case.

The UN Human Rights Council's experts have expressed serious concern about the use of the death penalty against individuals connected to protests. They are raising questions about due process, fair trials, and the suppression of peaceful dissent. 

God, when violence is used to silence voices, we are compelled to ask why. Fill those in positions of authority with love and a desire to pursue peace rather than violence. Comfort those who mourn, and provide courage to those who continue to seek justice. May your peace prevail.

Mental Health and Healthy Communities

One in seven people worldwide live with a mental health condition, according to the World Health Organization's Mental Disorder Fact Sheet (2025). Yet mental health is often treated solely as a personal issue, overlooking the social conditions that shape well-being. Poverty, unstable housing, loneliness, trauma, discrimination, and limited access to care all increase the risk of mental illness. 

Many of these challenges can be reduced through flourishing communities that intentionally foster belonging, strengthen neighbourhood relationships, expand access to stable housing and support, and ensure that no one is left to struggle alone. While counselling and treatment remain essential, justice also asks how we can prevent suffering by building healthier communities. 

Lord, thank you for the Church. We pray that you would mark your churches as communities of hospitality and connection that can help reduce isolation and nurture hope for those who are struggling. Make us a channel of your peace, we pray. 

Wildfires in Europe and Canada

Europe and Canada are battling another devastating wildfire season, with governments spending billions fighting fires and evacuating communities. Yet as far back as 2022, a GRID-Arendal report called for a "radical change" in spending priorities from emergency response to prevention via greater investments in Indigenous fire stewardship, ecosystem restoration, community planning, and adaptive land management.

Prevention is one of the hardest investments to measure because its greatest successes are the disasters that never happen–a wildfire that never starts, and a community that never needs to evacuate. These invisible outcomes rarely receive the same attention as emergency response, making prevention a more difficult political priority. Yet investing in prevention can spare lives, protect communities, and reduce suffering before it begins. 

God, creation groans. Forgive us our trespasses. Raise up voices to champion fire prevention, wise land stewardship, and creation care, and grant political leaders the vision to invest in protecting communities before disaster strikes. Give us courage to vote and work for long-term change. 

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!