Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us. We can use it to further our relationship with God, discern his will for the future, present our petitions, lament and confess our transgressions, and praise him for all that he does for us. 

The CRCNA has several resources to help you in your prayer life, the ministries of the CRCNA also covet your prayers in support of ongoing work. 

Join others in praying for synod each year. There is a 40 days of prayer guide in the lead up to synod, as well as opportunities to pray during the event itself. 

The CRC Prayer Guide offers another way to pray for our shared ministry as a denomination, with specific prayer requests for each day of the year. View these prayer requests below, download printer-friendly versions, or get them delivered to your email inbox (choose to receive them daily, weekly, or once a month).

You may also be interested in the prayer section of The Network and the CRC News weekly email.

December 2023: Regular Size; Large Print
November 2023: Regular Size; Large Print

Friday December 1
from: Decolonization and Antiracism Collective: Inclusion

Lord, grant us strength to foster a community where all share their gifts, feel loved, and see the light of Christ in the people we serve. Help us to remember that each of us is loved, willed, and essential. May we balance mercy and justice to achieve equity, access, and belonging for all your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Saturday December 2
from: ReFrame Ministries: Egypt

ReFrame’s partners in Egypt are attending a Christian film festival this week. Pray that they will make good connections with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are skilled in media ministry. Pray that these connections will allow them to further their witness and grow their newly formed team.

Sunday December 3
from: Calvin University: Faith

Give thanks with us for vibrant Christian faith and practice taking place on Calvin’s campus. Pray for faculty members as they seek to integrate the good news of Jesus into all they do. Pray for students, especially those new to faith, struggling in faith, or doubting their faith or the church. May God’s love and grace be revealed to them.

Monday December 4
from: Resonate Global Mission: Alberta

Pray for Sara, a student who connected with Christy Harper, a campus minister at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Sara has deep roots in the Sikh religion, but she’s interested in the gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to continue drawing Sara into a relationship with Jesus.

Tuesday December 5
from: World Renew: Staffing

We praise God that our ministry continues to grow, creating more opportunities to serve. As we ask for prayer that people with the talent and heart for God's work will step forward into new roles, we also pray for staff who have stepped up in times of transition, who are recruiting and interviewing, and who are enfolding new team members.

Wednesday December 6
from: ReFrame: Advent

Many of our ministry teams around the world are providing songs, devotions, and other content for local churches to use in their Christmas services. Pray for partner churches as they prepare Christmas messages and times of fellowship.

Thursday December 7
from: Thrive: Faith Formation: God's leading

Pray for all who will hear the gospel through Christmas programs and other special worship services this month. Whether they are hearing the good news of Jesus for the first time or after a lifetime of attending services, may the message lead them to or strengthen them in faith and trust in God.

Friday December 8
from: Resonate: Philippines

Sung Ho Jung and Hye Sung Park, Resonate missionaries in the Philippines, ask you to pray for a student with whom Sung Ho has been meeting to study the Bible. “Pray for him to accept Jesus as his personal Savior,” they ask.

Saturday December 9
from: World Renew: Child health

In vulnerable areas where we serve, many infants and young children do not have access to safe water or appropriate nutrition. Please pray for them and for the work our partners are doing in rural communities to educate and support families with small children during their first 1,000 days of life (pregnancy through age 2).

Sunday December 10
from: ReFrame: India

A woman named Anu recently met with fellow Christians for the first time in years. She attended a writer’s workshop with our partners and is contributing her God-given talents to writing audio scripts for their work in ministry. Pray that she’ll continue to combat isolation while remaining safe from local violence against Christians.

Monday December 11
from: Thrive: Disability and Accessibility: Advocates

We thank God for four new regional advocates and seven new church advocates in CRC churches in 2023. May God give them wisdom as they advocate, and may church leaders be receptive to their work.

Tuesday December 12
from: Resonate: Ukraine

“Please continue to pray for peace and justice in Ukraine—and in all of the countries where LCC students come from. The future of the political situation in the region remains uncertain, and your prayers are vital,” share Resonate missionaries Tricia and Benjamin Groenewold Van Dyk, who serve at LCC International University in Lithuania.

Wednesday December 13
from: Thrive: Safe Church: Healing

In this Advent and Christmas season many people will spend time celebrating with family. Please pray for people who find it difficult to be with family because of the harm they experience there, and for people who choose to be alone to avoid harm. May God bring them comfort and healing in this season of peace and hope.

Thursday December 14
from: World Renew: Food security

Nearly a billion people worldwide are experiencing food insecurity due to conflict, climate change, and economic downturn. But in Christ there is hope! Through training, people in poverty can increase food production and incomes. May these solutions continue to help communities break the cycle of poverty and turn hunger into hope.

Friday December 15
from: ThereforeGo Ministries: SERVE 2024

We are excitedly preparing for SERVE 2024! This year we have a capacity of over 1,300 participants across 14 different states and provinces. Registration opened Nov. 1, and spots are filling up quickly. Please pray for churches and individuals as they register for SERVE 2024.

Saturday December 16
from: Resonate: Church plants

Many people who don’t normally attend church might do so during this time of year. Please pray for Resonate partner church plants as they plan for and host outreach events, worship services, and more this Christmas season. Ask God for wisdom, guidance, and open doors.

Sunday December 17
from: Thrive: Chaplains: Care centers

Several of our chaplains work in care centers for people with various disabilities. This work calls for creativity and compassion as chaplains care for residents with unique needs and gifts. Please pray for all our chaplains who walk with individuals and families in these settings, seeking to bring the peace and love of God.

Monday December 18
from: ReFrame: Recovery

A Today devotional reader named Gail asks for prayers for patience and trust. “My son has been in recovery from addiction,” she said; “I do not doubt that our heavenly Father is with him. Pray that God's grace and peace will be with him always.”

Tuesday December 19
from: World Renew: Refugees

As of May 2023, more than 110 million individuals were forcibly displaced worldwide. As the year comes to a close, we pray for the many millions of refugees who have fled their countries, seeking opportunity, safety, and freedom. Pray that they may find strong advocates for their most basic human rights, bringing them hospitality and hope for the future.

Wednesday December 20
from: Resonate: Uganda

Resonate missionaries Josh and Mandy Shaarda led a “New Life” gathering for former inmates in Uganda. They read the Bible together, prayed together, shared testimonies, and participated in an outreach event. Pray that the seeds planted at this gathering will grow.

Thursday December 21
from: Edmonton Native Healing Centre: Seasons

As seasons change, so does our community. This fall, we lost three younger people to drug overdoses. Our staff members need prayers for peace and courage as they carry on their work in difficult situations. Please pray for peace and joy as we move into the season of winter rest. We’re thankful that seasonal changes show the Creator’s faithfulness and abundance. Hiy, Hiy!

Friday December 22
from: Calvin Theological Seminary: Christmas season

Many of our students, especially international students, are not able to travel home to be with family members for the holidays. Pray for all who will travel as well as for all who are apart from family during this season, that tidings of comfort and joy may overflow in their homes as they celebrate Christ’s coming.

Saturday December 23
from: Resonate: Cohort

Pray for young adults who are volunteering with Resonate through Cohort programs in Central America, Detroit, Europe, and the Middle East. Ask God to work in and through them as they serve with a ministry, living in community and engaging in deep spiritual formation.

Sunday December 24
from: Communications: Christmas Eve

Thousands of Christians will gather in churches this evening and tomorrow to celebrate the birth of Christ. As we come together, may God fill us with wonder at his plan for salvation, and with love for the people of this world he came to save.

Monday December 25
from: World Renew: Christmas Day

We give thanks to God for the opportunity to love and serve our brothers and sisters around the world this holiday season. May the Lord be at the center of all our activities as we celebrate the birth of the Savior. We ask God for mercy and justice for all who are experiencing disaster, conflict, poverty, and other challenges.

Tuesday December 26
from: Candidacy Committee: Harvest workers

There are more CRCNA churches searching for a pastor than there are available candidates and ministers. Please join the Candidacy Committee in prayer for the Lord to send laborers into the harvest field!

Wednesday December 27
from: Resonate: Central Asia

Pray for Resonate missionaries preparing to leave for Central Asia, where they will be working in church planting. Ask God to continue to develop a strong support network for them, for comfort as they move away from family and friends, and for open doors as they begin ministry on the field.

Thursday December 28
from: Educational Care: Eastern Africa

December through February are busy times for Educational Care in Eastern Africa. Pray for open hearts among participants and for strength and resilience for our facilitators, some of whom will be away from their families for a month as they work with different groups each week. May the light of God bring growth for everyone involved.

Friday December 29
from: ReFrame: Japan

“Mr. O” has been using our podcast episodes to share his faith with Muslim believers in his area. Pray for him and others who listen to these audio programs, and may the episodes help them grow in faith and strengthen them to share the love and good news of Christ with others.

Saturday December 30
from: Resonate: Florida

Many people who have left Haiti have found a home in Florida—and a faith community through one of several Christian Reformed church plants. Pray for strong partnerships between Resonate, classes, church planters, and established congregations as they seek to serve the Haitian community.

Sunday December 31
from: CRCNA Leadership: New Year's Eve

At the end of 2023, please give thanks for God’s faithful work among our churches as they share God’s love in their local communities and through global connections. Pray that in 2024 the Holy Spirit will raise up pastors, chaplains, elders, deacons, and missionaries to shepherd God’s people and encourage them in works of service and evangelism.

Wednesday November 1
from: ReFrame Ministries: Chinese ministry

ReFrame’s Chinese ministry partners recently launched a new book, Still Speaking: Faith That Can't Be Locked Down. Pray that this book, along with other resources from the ministry team, will serve as an important resource for Chinese speakers affected by new laws in China that limit Christian messages.

Thursday November 2
from: Diaconal Ministries Canada: Courage

As Christians, we often face spiritual battles. Deacons have discovered this when pursuing new ministry in their local communities. Ask our heavenly Father to strengthen the faith of all deacons and grant them his wisdom and discernment as they follow him courageously into their neighborhoods and cities (Eph. 6:12).

Friday November 3
from: Resonate Global Mission: Germany

Pray for Yaran, a refugee living in Germany. He connected with Resonate missionaries David Kromminga and Mary Buteyn through the language cafe they run at their church. Yaran heard the gospel for the first time and is interested in learning more about Christianity. Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to draw Yaran closer to Jesus.

Saturday November 4
from: Calvin Theological Seminary: Diversity

Our students represent 28 countries, with 40 percent coming from outside North America. Thirty percent of our students are women. It is a blessing to hear diverse stories of the church as we learn together. Rejoice and pray for the beautiful diversity of our seminary community.

Sunday November 5
from: World Renew: World Hunger Sunday

Over 1 billion people in the world do not have enough to eat. In a world of plenty we often ask why the injustice of hunger exists. But, as people of God, we know that justice will prevail—often through the actions of God’s people. On this World Hunger Sunday, may God’s people open their hearts to give generously, pray continually, and advocate fearlessly for the world’s most vulnerable people.

Monday November 6
from: Calvinist Cadet Corps: Reflecting

Our theme "Rooted and Grounded," based on Ephesians 3:17-18, reminds the boys and men involved in Cadets of the great love of Christ. We pray that cadets and counselors will reflect that love as they continue living for Jesus.

Tuesday November 7
from: ReFrame: Japan

Pray for Kanako, who reads our Japanese ministry devotions and recently shared them with her friend’s granddaughter. Pray that she may continue to find Christian resources that answer her questions about faith in Christ.

Wednesday November 8
from: Resonate: Massachusetts

Pray for Spring Rain Church, a Resonate partner church plant in Massachusetts that reaches Chinese immigrants and their families. Ask God to continue drawing people into this faith community and that they may come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Thursday November 9
from: Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee: Faithfulness

Creator God, you have been so faithful to us, and we are grateful and filled with praise for you. We pray that in your faithfulness you will pour out your blessings on your church, uniting us in our love and praise for you. May we be known as Christ-followers by our love.

Friday November 10
from: World Renew: Disaster Response Services (DRS)

When our DRS volunteers first dispatch to new locations, they are often met with suspicion. But as they proceed to serve, doing what they say they are going to do, a sense of trust and respect for the church and for Christians grows. Ask the Spirit to continue to move in our volunteers to display Christ’s love in very tangible ways in vulnerable communities.

Saturday November 11
from: Communications: Remembrance Day/Veterans Day

Today we acknowledge the service and sacrifices of men and women who have served our nations in various ways. Pray for the families and loved ones of people who have died in military service, for all who are serving now, and for all whose lives are affected by conflict and war.

Sunday November 12
from: ReFrame: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Pray for Wani, a radio program producer who is part of our Hindi ministry team and has faced a lot of social pressure because of his outspoken Christian faith. “Pray that God will protect the family and give them his peace and strength,” shared our Hindi ministry leader. Pray also for the many Christians affected by mob violence in India lately.

Monday November 13
from: Resonate: Ontario

Last month Classis Huron celebrated the 50th anniversary of Resonate partner campus ministries at the University of Guelph, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University. Give thanks for the many students and faculty whom these ministries have served over the years. Please pray also for their ongoing effective ministry in the future.

Tuesday November 14
from: Timothy Leadership Training: India

Timothy Leadership Training has been planning a retreat for facilitators in India that will include participants from multiple bordering countries and North America. Recently the team decided to postpone the event because of visa delays. Pray for the planning team and participants, asking for discernment and for an opportunity to reschedule in early 2024.

Wednesday November 15
from: World Renew: Senegal

Senegal has elections planned for Feb. 25, 2024, and several periods of violent protest have occurred there this year already. Please pray for a peaceful election period, fair elections, and a smooth transfer of power to a new president. Pray also for peace and stability for many other areas experiencing violence and insecurity across Africa.

Thursday November 16
from: Thrive: Safer Churches: Domestic violence awareness

Dear God, as the seasons change, may we remember your steadfast love and faithfulness. You are with us at all times, in all seasons, caring for us. As we observe domestic violence awareness month in Canada, after doing so last month in the U.S., we continue to pray for people living in spaces of harm. Guide us to find ways to actively work together as the church to end domestic violence. Amen.

Friday November 17
from: Resonate: Japan

Resonate missionaries Ken and Jeannie Lee share that some people in Japan have negative views of Christianity. “Pray that the negative image of Christianity will be changed through positive interactions with Christians,” ask the Lees.

Saturday November 18
from: Thrive: Disability and Accessibility: Togetherness

We thank God for the model that Disability Concerns has shown in demonstrating that the CRC and the RCA can work together and bless each other. We pray for wisdom and discernment as we navigate what our work together can become amid significant changes in both the RCA and the CRC.

Sunday November 19
from: Thrive: Chaplains: Chaplain Sunday

Please pray today for chaplains, who dedicate their lives to being with others, often in times of crisis—in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice settings, workplaces, and military installations. May they have the “peace that transcends all understanding” in order to be the presence of Christ for others. Pray also for persons who are discerning becoming chaplains.

Monday November 20
from: ReFrame: Wisdom, direction

A prayer team member named Tammy recently shared that she has a strained relationship with her daughter and son-in-law. “My son-in-law has introduced my daughter to drug use, and I don’t know how to fix this situation,” she shared. “I ask for God's wisdom and direction in this matter.”

Tuesday November 21
from: Resonate: Mexico

Pray for Resonate missionary James Lee in his work with university students in Mexico. Ask that God will raise up student leaders to help share the love of Christ in their campus communities, where Christ-followers are few.

Wednesday November 22
from: Thrive: Pastor and Church Support: Searching

Pray for churches who are searching for a pastor. Pastor searches require a significant commitment of time and perseverance. As these churches also prepare for a busy holiday season without a pastor, they face an increased need for volunteers. Ask the Lord to raise up people willing to serve, using the talents and skills he has entrusted to them.

Thursday November 23
from: World Renew: Thanksgiving Day (U.S.)

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:12-13). In all things may we be thankful to God for the gifts he has given us, and may we use our gifts to help our neighbors.

Friday November 24
from: Kuyper College: Academic year

Give thanks with us for an excellent start to this new school year. We enrolled the largest incoming class of new students in several years, and we launched a new athletic program. Please pray also for our growing impact as a work college as we equip students with opportunities to learn, work, and serve.

Saturday November 25
from: Resonate: Dominican Republic

Resonate partners with COCREF Christian schools in the Dominican Republic. Resonate missionaries Stephen and Sandra Brauning ask for prayer for a student who hasn’t been able to attend school this year due to his family’s situation and finances. Ask God to provide a way for this student to return to school.

Sunday November 26
from: Thrive: Worship: Advent and Christmas

Churches are beginning to prepare for the busy Christmas season. Pray for leaders, asking that they might find joy in their work, peace in their souls, and rest for their bodies and minds.

Monday November 27
from: World Renew: Giving Tuesday

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, an international day of charitable giving. Over 1 billion people face food insecurity around the world due to conflict, climate change, and economic downturn. Please ask God with us to bring hope to these people, that they may be able to grow food sustainably and save up their resources for times of crisis.

Tuesday November 28
from: Indigenous Ministry: Giving Tuesday

There are many unglamorous needs that the Urban Indigenous Ministry Centres are called to address in Regina, Sask., Winnipeg, Man., and Edmonton, Alta. On this Giving Tuesday please pray for success in fundraising for these needs, including insurance, pest control, and accessible washrooms.

Wednesday November 29
from: Resonate: Uganda

“We thank God that our door is always revolving with visitors who come for Bible study, advice, tutoring, babysitting, a meal, or a rest,” shared Resonate missionaries Karen and Moses Lubbers-Odel in Uganda. Give thanks for these relationships and for opportunities to disciple believers and share the gospel with people who do not yet know Christ.

Thursday November 30
from: ReFrame: Burkina Faso

Pray for a woman named Neema, who listens to our French audio programs. She has asked our partners in Burkina Faso for prayers for wisdom as her family wants to give her in marriage to a Muslim man. As the only Christian in her family, she feels especially trapped by this situation.