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.

January 2025: Regular Size; Large Print
December 2024: Regular Size; Large Print
 

Sunday December 1
from: Resonate Global Mission: Advent begins

As we enter this season of Advent, let us give thanks that Jesus came to live incarnationally among us. Please pray for Resonate missionaries, church planters, and campus ministers who aim to live incarnationally in the communities they serve throughout the world. Ask God to guide them as they share the good news of Jesus, our Prince of Peace.

Monday December 2
from: Thrive: Advent

Please pray for your congregation's worship leaders and planners. Advent is an exceptionally busy time of preparing to celebrate Christmas in worship. May God fill these leaders and planners with energy, joy in their work, and plenty of rest.

Tuesday December 3
from: Communications: Giving Tuesday

Please pray for the financial health of the CRCNA’s denominational ministries that help to support local churches in their work of ministry. May the funds raised on this day help the church to be a light across North America.

Wednesday December 4
from: ReFrame Ministries: Japan

Pray for Yuki, who reached out to ReFrame’s partners in Japan to share that he recently began praying again and entrusting his life to God. Yuki asks for prayers for peace of mind, strength, and daily joy in God’s presence. Pray that Yuki feels God’s guidance each day, growing in faith and confidence.

Thursday December 5
from: Resonate: Mexico

As a nurse serving in end-of-life care in Mexico, Resonate missionary Barbarita Lee has a lot of opportunities to share the light of Christ with her patients. Please pray for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance in her gentle work caring for patients who are terminally ill.

Friday December 6
from: World Renew: Mozambique

People in Mozambique have experienced chaos and unrest following the country’s presidential election in October. Please pray for stability and lasting peace in Mozambique as the country grapples with this crisis. Ask God with us for protection for our staff and partners in Mozambique as well as in other areas experiencing violence and conflict.

Saturday December 7
from: ThereforeGo Ministries: SERVE

Give thanks with us for all that God is doing in students' lives through SERVE. We praise him for all who have already registered for SERVE 2025 as well as for those yet to sign up. May the Lord prepare their hearts and minds to engage with our theme for the summer: “Broken and Beautiful.”

Sunday December 8
from: Thrive: Chaplains

Several of our chaplains work in care centers for people with various disabilities. This work requires chaplains to be creative and compassionate as they care for residents with unique needs and gifts. Please pray for chaplains who walk with individuals and families in these settings while seeking to provide them with the peace and love of God.

Monday December 9
from: Resonate: Arizona

Pray for Justin as he discerns a call to church planting and participating in a church-planting residency through Resonate and Mission Church in Arizona. May he gain hands-on experience in leading a church plant while learning about Reformed theology and missiology.

Tuesday December 10
from: ReFrame: Burkina Faso

Pray for Pastor Jean and Ernest, friends of our ministry partners in Burkina Faso. Ask the Lord to provide guidance and strength. Please pray for healing and spiritual protection for these two French Ministry radio listeners.

Wednesday December 11
from: Dordt University: Students

Please pray for students as they head into exams this week, that their stress may be limited and they may be able accurately to reflect what they have learned. Pray also that students, faculty, and staff may enjoy a meaningful and restful Christmas break.

Thursday December 12
from: World Renew: Food security

Globally, nearly a billion people are experiencing food insecurity due to conflict, climate change, and economic downturn. But in Christ there is hope! Through World Renew programs, people in poverty can increase food production and income to help improve their daily living. Pray that these solutions may continue to help families and communities break the cycle of poverty.

Friday December 13
from: Resonate: Michigan

Give thanks for God’s work in the life of Coach Parker at Ferris State University, where Resonate partner campus minister Mike Wissink serves. Not only has Coach Parker become a follower of Jesus, but several of the young men on his team have come to faith in Christ as well!

Saturday December 14
from: Thrive: Healing

Lord, heal our hearts during this season of Advent. Help us to love more fully. To forgive more generously. To wait more patiently for Christmas, embracing each day and hour knowing the joy that awaits.

Sunday December 15
from: Candidacy Committee: Leadership development

Please ask the Lord to guide the Classis Ministerial Leadership Teams of our classes as they seek God's will for leadership development within their contexts. Ask God to give them vision and creative strategies for raising up leaders.

Monday December 16
from: ReFrame: Indonesia

Pray for Yakobus, a member of a listener community led by our ministry partners. Through the listener-community discussions and reflections, Yakobus says he finds humility and renewed insight in God’s Word. Pray for continued spiritual growth and unity for Yakobus and his family.

Tuesday December 17
from: Resonate: Japan

“Pray that Japanese people who are facing severe effects of stress put their faith in Christ and receive God’s grace and peace,” ask Resonate missionaries Ken and Jeannie Lee. The Lees serve in Japan, where less than one percent of the population identify as Christ-followers.

Wednesday December 18
from: World Renew: Maternal and child health

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are the most important, yet 15,000 children under age 5 die every day from malnutrition and preventable illnesses. Please pray for healing and hope as we work to deliver life-saving care to young children through maternal and child health initiatives. Together we can give children a healthy start.

Thursday December 19
from: Thrive: Serving with grace

Please pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength for pastors, leaders, and volunteers in congregations across the United States and Canada as they live out God’s call for renewal in their churches and communities.

Friday December 20
from: Calvin Theological Seminary: Christmas break

Many of our students, especially international students, are not able to travel home to be with family for the holidays. Pray for those who travel as well as those who are apart from family during this season, that tidings of comfort and joy may overflow in their homes this year.

Saturday December 21
from: Edmonton Native Healing Centre: Encouragement

We give thanks for our days and pray that we may walk humbly with our Creator. We seek strength and encouragement for staff. Creator, bless the marginalized in our society with peace, joy, happiness, and a roof over their heads. Create paths of reconciliation, and may we give you praise for all that you give daily. Amen.

Sunday December 22
from: Resonate: Uganda

Pray for Anastaze Nzabonimpa’s work with Rescue Mission for Street Life in Uganda. The ministry provides a home for children who would otherwise be living on the streets in Kampala and supplies them with food, clothes, love, and care. Anastaze builds relationships with the children and teaches the Bible to them.

Monday December 23
from: World Renew: Christmas season

We are grateful for opportunities to help share joy and restore hope in communities around the globe. We ask the Lord of mercy and justice to be with people experiencing disaster, conflict, poverty, and other challenges. May God’s perfect peace bring comfort and joy now and in the days, months, and years to come.

Tuesday December 24
from: ReFrame: North America

Pray for a Today devotional reader who shared, “My mother has dementia, and my son has leukemia. My wife struggles with drugs. I ask that you pray for my family and for the Lord to walk with me in these hard times.”

Wednesday December 25
from: Communications: Christmas

Today we celebrate again the birth of Jesus and marvel at his love. He came, lived among us to bring the good news of the kingdom of God, died, and rose again to redeem us and give new life to all who believe. Praise be to God!

Thursday December 26
from: Resonate: Ontario

Resonate missionaries Nasser and Sylvie Charliekaram minister with Farsi speakers—both in person in Toronto and online throughout the world. “Pray that the gospel will continue to spread throughout Iran and the Middle East, despite many challenges,” they ask. “Ask God to empower believers with boldness and courage, raising up more witnesses to share the hope and love of Christ.”

Friday December 27
from: World Renew: New staff

We praise God for our growing ministry as we welcome new staff members, including Bernad Ojwang, our new chief operations officer, and Brittani Anthony, our new chief people and culture officer. We thank God for the gifts and strengths they bring to these leadership positions, and we pray for smooth transitions for all new staff at World Renew.

Saturday December 28
from: ReFrame: India

Lift up Bipin, who watches our Hindi ministry programs online. May God continue to bless him with strength and joy. “I found amazing peace in my heart,” he shared. “May God bless you and your ministry.”

Sunday December 29
from: Resonate: Europe

Resonate missionaries Sarah and George de Vuyst give thanks for “the growth of Healing Hearts Transforming Nations in work with diaspora and refugee ministry in Europe.” Ask God to continue using this ministry to heal people and reconcile communities.

Monday December 30
from: CRCNA Leadership: All nations

The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that God has chosen his “holy catholic church” from out of “the entire human race” (Q&A 54). Pray that CRC congregations and classes will welcome and embrace people from all nations and languages into the life, ministry, and leadership of our denomination.

Tuesday December 31
from: Thrive: New Year

God, we pray for a peaceful and safe new year. We ask for your protection over our congregations and the communities in which they minister. You are our refuge and strength, and we trust in your unfailing love to keep us secure. May your peace guard our hearts and minds as we navigate through whatever may come our way.

Wednesday January 1
from: Thrive: New season

Pray for a gentle and smoothly executed start to January programming across congregational ministries. Pray for joy in new beginnings and for excitement for what God has in store for each ministry in the new year.

Thursday January 2
from: World Renew: Peace and justice

In November we participated in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The World Health Organization estimates that at least one in three girls and women globally experience abuse because of their gender. Praise God for the men and women partnering with World Renew who strive to bring an end to this injustice.

Friday January 3
from: Resonate Global Mission: California

Eric Sarwar, a Resonate partner church planter, asks you to pray for three church plants among the Indo-Pak communities in California: Artesia City Church, Fresno Punjab Fellowship, and Redlands Indo-Pak Worship Community.

Saturday January 4
from: ReFrame Ministries: Japan

Pray for Hiroshi, who listens to ReFrame’s Japanese ministry radio programs and enjoys the sense of community he feels knowing that other Christians are listening to the same episodes at the same time. Pray that he may continue to grow in faith and experience deep joy and that God will continue to use this ministry to connect believers across Japan and beyond.

Sunday January 5
from: Resonate: East Asia

Please pray for two people who recently started attending a church led by a Resonate missionary in East Asia who guided them through a six-week course so that they could learn more about Christianity. Both are eager to learn more about God and the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to continue drawing these two seekers nearer to Christ!

Monday January 6
from: Communications: Epiphany

Today much of the worldwide church celebrates Epiphany, when we reflect on the revelation of Christ as the Redeemer for all peoples. Pray today that people around the world will welcome Jesus as their Savior.

Tuesday January 7
from: World Renew: Syria

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Syria. As the political landscape shifts, there is a sense of uncertainty, and many in the global community fear what the future holds for the region. We ask for your prayers during this tumultuous time, that God may intervene and guide Syria toward lasting peace and stability.

Wednesday January 8
from: ReFrame: Ukraine

Lift up Rev. Sergei Sosedkin and other members of our Russian-language ministry team. Ask God to bless their new radio programs, comforting women affected by war. May he grant listeners wisdom and strength as they share testimonies and offer hope amid uncertainty.

Thursday January 9
from: Resonate: Seattle

Church on the Ave., a Resonate partner church plant in Seattle, recently celebrated the baptisms of three young adults! Please pray for these new believers, asking the Holy Spirit to guide their steps as they continue to follow Jesus.

Friday January 10
from: Thrive: Gather

Pray for the Gather events taking place in Orlando (Jan. 13-15) and San Diego (Jan. 29-31). At each event several Christian Reformed classes are coming together to bear witness to what has been happening in their local contexts and to discern where God may be leading them into renewed ministry and mission.

Saturday January 11
from: Calvin Theological Seminary: Classes and students

Please pray for January Term classes, for Doctor of Ministry students coming to campus for classes, for other students who are traveling, and especially for new students preparing to begin their studies in the spring semester. Pray for health and safety for all.

Sunday January 12
from: ReFrame: English ministry

Pray for Ashley, who contacted our English-language ministry, as she discerns how to share her faith with her son, Adam, who is not a Christian. Pray for God’s guidance, asking that her son’s heart may soften toward coming to faith. Ask God to grant Ashley wisdom and patience as she encourages Adam's spiritual journey.

Monday January 13
from: Resonate: Worldwide

God is calling believers worldwide to step into new ways of sharing Christ’s love with people who wouldn’t normally set foot in a church building. “Pray for the members of historic churches to encourage new believers in Jesus who may act or think somewhat differently than traditional churchgoers do,” asked Steve Holtrop, Resonate’s regional mission leader for Central America.

Tuesday January 14
from: World Renew: Disaster Response Services (DRS)

We recently bid farewell to one of our longest serving staff members, Bob Laarman, as he retired from the role of leading our DRS team. Pray for Bob in this time of transition, and ask God to continue guiding the DRS ministry team as they rebuild homes and hope in people’s lives in the wake of disasters.

Wednesday January 15
from: ThereforeGo Ministries: SERVE 2025

We are excitedly preparing for SERVE 2025 and the impact it will have in the lives of over 1,000 participants across the U.S. and Canada. As the new year begins, please join us in praying for all who will consider hosting SERVE in 2026 as we work to expand the locations and congregations we are able to reach through SERVE.

Thursday January 16
from: Justice Ministries: Intercultural Ministry

Sebastian Maldonado and Jeremiah Bašurić have been hired as co-senior leaders for Intercultural Ministry in Canada. Please pray for them as they start this role and work. May the church benefit from their insights into creating spaces where many different voices are valued and empowered.

Friday January 17
from: Resonate: Philippines

“We are praying to distribute Bibles to every child, which means Bibles for entire families,” write missionaries Charles and Hensel Oh in the Philippines. Early this year they expect also to receive copies of Manga Messiah, an animated retelling of Jesus’ story for distribution in schools nationwide. May God see this plan through and work through it!

Saturday January 18
from: World Renew: Economic opportunities

Even in the best of times, our global neighbors earn barely enough to get by. World Renew offers training so that people can diversify their livelihoods. Pray for community members who seize these opportunities and who often become trainers themselves. May they be encouraged as they help others in their communities learn skills like beekeeping, sewing, and fish farming.

Sunday January 19
from: Thrive: Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

Lord, grant wisdom and compassion to all who face hard choices about ending pregnancies. Grant them courage to choose life, and inspire us to be nurturing and enduring communities of support. Guide us also to be allies, advocates, and friends of people with disabilities and of people near the end of life, advocating for compassionate care and offering support and love.

Monday January 20
from: Thrive: Justice

Holy Spirit, help us to remember that justice is mission work. We thank you for being the Prince of Peace, tearing down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. Lord, we ask that you replace any hostility in the world with the peace of Christ and any hate with the unconditional love of Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday January 21
from: Resonate: Uganda

Please pray for missionary Anastaze Nzabonimpa’s work with refugees in Uganda. Ask God to work through him as he encourages refugees, works to help meet their needs, and shares the hope of Christ with them.

Wednesday January 22
from: World Renew: Leadership

Join us in gratitude for all who take on the mantle of leadership at World Renew! We are also grateful for the board members who volunteer their time to direct the work of this organization with wisdom and faithfulness to the mission of justice and mercy.

Thursday January 23
from: Trinity Christian College: Community

Pray that students, faculty, and staff will continue to build into and enjoy a strong sense of community. Pray that good learning may take place and that academic and spiritual growth may continue as students prepare to follow their calling.

Friday January 24
from: ReFrame: Burkina Faso

Pray for protection and strength for a woman who listens to our French-ministry broadcasts. “I live in a Muslim family,” she shared, “and I'm not allowed to go to church, but through your radio broadcasts I listen to biblical teachings.”

Saturday January 25
from: Resonate: Ontario

Give thanks for Redeemer University students who led a workshop on the spiritual formation of young adults at our recent Moving Forward in Faith conference. Beth Fellinger, who coached the students, shared that ministry leaders appreciated learning from them. Pray for these students as they graduate this year and transition into the next season of their lives.

Sunday January 26
from: Cadets: Cadets and counselors

Our "Lead the Way" theme, inspired by 1 Timothy 4:12, encourages cadets and counselors to become leaders in their clubs, churches, and communities. We ask for your prayers for counselors as they guide boys to grow in Christ, and for cadets to boldly live out their motto: “Living for Jesus.” Let’s prayerfully support the next generation of Christ-centered leaders!

Monday January 27
from: Thrive: Chaplains

When events like floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes strike communities, active and retired chaplains from across North America are often called upon to provide emergency support, critical incident debriefing, and spiritual care. Some also assist police and fire departments in the wake of car accidents, suicides, and shootings. Please pray for chaplains providing such support in communities that are suffering.

Tuesday January 28
from: Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee: Fellowship

Thank God for the members willing to serve on this committee. May he grant wisdom and insight as they interact with churches from many denominations worldwide. Ask God to use this committee to encourage and strengthen bonds with these churches on behalf of the CRC, that together we may learn from each other how best to serve our living Lord.

Wednesday January 29
from: Resonate: Berlin

Pray for the WillkommensGemeinde, a church that missionaries David Kromminga and Mary Buteyn have planted with and for refugees in Berlin. Not only are newcomers to the city finding faith and a supportive community through this church, but local Germans are too.

Thursday January 30
from: GEMS Girls' Clubs: Welcome

Please pray for unchurched girls in GEMS who may be hearing about Jesus for the first time. May they all feel welcome in their local club and experience God’s love for them. Pray that they may receive Jesus as their Savior, develop godly friendships, and experience positive discipleship relationships with their GEMS leaders.

Friday January 31
from: ReFrame: Indonesia

ReFrame’s Indonesian ministry team’ just launched two programs for young people on YouTube, Dongeng Anak (“Children’s Stories”) and Film Anak (“Children’s Movies”). Pray that these new videos will reach young families and their loved ones in Indonesia.