“To be an incarnational follower of Christ, there must be a relinquishing of control, a reversal of social order. According to the natural perceptions of this world, it’s an upside-down kingdom. But it’s a kingdom of God-saturated imagination. It’s the way of the Cross.”

― Rich Villodas, The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus

The Quiet Injustice of Menopause

While global conversations about women’s rights often focus on education, safety, or economic opportunity, another injustice receives far less attention: how society and medicine respond to menopausal women.

For centuries, women’s health concerns were dismissed as emotional instability or “hysteria,” a diagnosis historically used to explain a wide range of female symptoms without serious investigation. Although that language has largely disappeared from medicine, the pattern of minimizing women’s symptoms persists. Research shows women’s health complaints are still more likely to be interpreted as psychological rather than physiological conditions.

This bias is especially visible in menopause care. Many women seeking medical help are told their symptoms are simply stress, aging, or lifestyle issues rather than hormonal changes that could be treated or managed.

Addressing this gap is not merely a medical issue but a justice issue. Recognizing menopause as a legitimate health transition affirms the dignity, wellbeing, and full humanity of women in every stage of life. 

God who sees: You see the hidden struggles women carry through the seasons of their bodies and lives. You see when weaker voices are overlooked. Forgive us where we have dismissed pain, minimized voices, or ignored real needs as a matter of convenience. Raise awareness and raise compassion among us.

Tensions in the Middle East

Tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate as Israel claims it has killed senior Iranian leaders, including security chief Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij militia. Iran has not confirmed these reports, leaving uncertainty about the accuracy of the claims and raising questions about what may come next in an already volatile situation. The loss, or reported loss, of such high-ranking figures could mark a significant turning point in the conflict.

The conflict is spreading beyond direct military targets. Videos show explosions near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, highlighting the growing risk to diplomatic sites and the possibility of wider regional involvement.

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, have also intensified, contributing to rising oil prices and increasing concern among international allies.

Communities in Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and beyond are facing ongoing violence, displacement, and uncertainty, as fears grow.

God of justice and peace, we pray for all those affected by this escalating conflict. Protect civilians living in fear, and be near to those who mourn the loss of loved ones. We ask for truth amid uncertainty, restraint in the face of retaliation, and wisdom for leaders whose decisions carry such grave consequences. May pathways toward accountability, reconciliation, and lasting peace emerge even during deepening violence.

Power Outage in Cuba

Millions of people across Cuba were left without power after the country’s national electricity grid collapsed. While electricity is slowly being restored, the outage is part of an ongoing energy crisis driven by aging infrastructure and severe fuel shortages, leaving many residents without reliable access to light, water, or essential services.

For many families, the blackout has intensified already difficult conditions. Without electricity to power water systems or preserve food, daily life has become increasingly unstable. Shortages of food, medicine, and fuel continue to strain communities.

God of provision and justice, we pray for the people of Cuba facing deep uncertainty and daily hardship. Sustain those without access to basic needs, protect those who speak out in vulnerability, and strengthen communities carrying the weight of ongoing crisis. We ask that leaders act with wisdom and compassion, working toward solutions that restore dignity, stability, and hope.

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!