It is relatively easy to meet God in moments of joy or bliss. In these situations we correctly count ourselves blessed by God.  The challenge is to believe that this is also true - and to know God’s presence - in the midst of doubt, depression, anxiety, conflict, or failure. But the God who is Immanuel is equally in those moments we would never choose as in those we would gladly choose. - David Benner

Ukraine Air Defenses Fail Amid Shortages

A series of massive Russian air strikes consisting of 68 missiles and over 350 drones recently struck the Kyiv region, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens more. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that a severe shortage of interceptor missiles meant none of the 23 ballistic missiles fired at the capital were shot down, leading to the partial collapse of several residential apartment buildings.

The dangerous escalation coincided with the NATO summit in Ankara. This prompted urgent appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for international allies to immediately supply critical air defense systems to protect civilian lives.

God of refuge, our hearts ache for the people of Ukraine enduring yet another wave of terror and grief. We pray for families mourning the loss of loved ones and for rescue teams working through the rubble of collapsed homes. Give wisdom to global leaders, moving their hearts to prioritize the protection of vulnerable lives and open pathways toward a just peace. Amen.

Europe’s Heatwave

A historic June heatwave has shattered temperature records across Europe, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40°C in multiple countries. A new report by the World Weather Attribution group concluded that the extreme temperatures—which have claimed dozens of lives and strained infrastructure—would have been "virtually impossible" half a century ago without human-caused climate change.

Scientists found that intense heat episodes are escalating rapidly, making events of this scale hundreds of times more likely than just a few decades ago. 

God of creation, we stand in awe of the world you made, yet our hearts heavy as we witness the escalating toll of extreme heat. We pray for families grieving sudden loss, for communities facing power outages, and for vulnerable populations struggling to find relief. Grant people the courage and conviction to move away from fossil fuels and protect our planet and neighbours. Amen.

Global Leaders Convene for NATO Summit

World leaders have gathered at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey, for the annual NATO summit. Coming together at a time of severe strain within the transatlantic alliance, the high-level meeting positions leaders face-to-face amid challenges to the Euro-Atlantic security order, including regional instabilities and deep divisions over the direction of global defense spending.

God of peace, as world leaders gather, we pray for your spirit of wisdom to fill their deliberations. Guide these leaders to move toward the shared humanity of those affected by their decisions. Move them to pursue diplomacy over destruction and to build a world rooted in safety and cooperation. Amen.

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!