“Wisdomkeeper, is it you? Stands on the Rock (Peter) shouted back to him. “If so, tell me now to come to you on the water.” “Come!” he said to him without any hesitation.  With reckless abandon, Stands on the Rock (Peter) climbed over the side of the canoe and began to walk on the water towards him.” - Matthew 14:28-29 (FNV) 

Prayers for the UN General Assembly

Human Rights Watch (HRW) published an article on their website on September 17, urging world leaders attending the upcoming UN General Assembly to pledge concrete and decisive support for human rights and international justice. HRW has called for full funding of the UN, defense of institutions like the International Criminal Court (ICC) against sanctions, and the backing of international legal norms advised by the International Court of Justice. It decries escalating atrocities in Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti and elsewhere, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The article calls world leaders attending the UN General Assembly to take definitive action: to condemn abuses, suspend arms transfers, cut aid to illegal settlements, and protect accountability mechanisms.

May the voices of human rights organizations like HRW rise like a trumpet call, reaching the ears of leaders across the world. May these voices effectively move hearts and minds to protect the vulnerable, uphold justice, and safeguard the lives of millions who have no other voice. We pray for courage and steadfastness for world leaders, that they may act with righteousness and wisdom as part of their God-given authority and make decisions that honour life and justice. Countless lives depend upon these decisions and so we pray, in Jesus name. 

Violence in Haiti

On 11–12 September, gang violence in Labodri, Haiti, killed over forty people and burned dozens of homes. Gang violence in Haiti is complex, rooted in weak state institutions, political instability, economic collapse, and territorial control by armed groups. With police and courts underfunded or infiltrated by corruption, gangs act as parallel authorities.  Gang numbers are growing as poverty drives youth into recruitment. Years without elections have widened the power vacuum. 

We pray for the strengthening and mobilization of the Haitian government to rebuild security and justice systems. We pray that just and righteous leaders be raised up to serve in every branch of government. We pray that every police officer, lawyer, and leader in this nation be guided and compelled by a vision of a just and prosperous future for Haiti. Lord, in your impossible mercy, make it so.

Elections in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is holding a presidential election on October 25, 2025, with President Alassane Ouattara, 83, seeking a fourth term. In 2016, Ouattara amended the constitution to remove presidential term limits, enabling him to run for a third term and now a fourth. He has been in power since 2011. His candidacy faces significant opposition; however, prominent figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, have been disqualified from the race due to legal challenges, such as dual nationality or past convictions. Despite these exclusions, four candidates remain. The political climate is tense, with reports of arrests and intimidation of opposition members. The election outcome will depend on voter turnout, opposition unity, and the integrity and conduct of the electoral process. 

We pray that democracy may prevail in Côte d’Ivoire.  Protect the voices of all citizens and ensure a fair and peaceful election. Strengthen those who uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. And ultimately, may the elected leader safeguard human rights, dignity, justice and equality for every Ivorian.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Join World Renew in calling for global action to halt starvation crisis in Gaza

WRenew, as a global organization with over 60 years of experience in food security and humanitarian response across more than 30 countries, and as a member of ACT Alliance, joins with more than 100 partner organizations to sound the alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We call for immediate and decisive action to prevent mass starvation and further suffering. Read their full statements here (US, Canada), and take action by using their link to contact government officials yourself with a message to stop famine and save lives. 

Online Prayer Vigil Offers Hope

For the first time, the CRCNA led a denomination-wide event in which members of churches across North America could join simultaneously for a time of prayer. The impetus for this prayer vigil was a letter sent on behalf of Consejo Latino (a leadership group for Hispanic CRCs) outlining many of the challenges that immigrant communities in the United States have been experiencing in the past several months. Over 50 individuals or groups were in attendance.