When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

• Mark 11:7-10

Myanmar

Myanmar, already suffering under the brutal rule of a military junta now named The State Administration Council, was recently struck by a deadly 7.7 earthquake that killed over 3,500 people. Instead of prioritizing aid and relief, the regime has sought to control and suppress information, delaying and prohibiting support. Forced conscription has also been reported with the military using the crisis to strengthen its numbers. With restricted media and internet access, the full scale of the disaster remains hidden. This situation reflects the deep injustice of a government more committed to preserving its power than protecting its people in their most desperate hour.

God of justice and mercy, we lift up the people of Myanmar in their suffering. Bring comfort to the displaced and hope to the brokenhearted. Expose and curtail oppression and raise up voices of truth and compassion. Protect the people and bring healing to the land.

North Dakota, USA

In March 2025, a North Dakota jury ordered Greenpeace to pay over $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Energy Transfer accused Greenpeace of defamation and inciting protests against DAPL, alleging these actions led to project delays and financial losses. This verdict raises significant justice concerns as it could deter environmental activism and limit free speech by encouraging corporations to use legal action to suppress protests and dissent. Critics view this as an example of a “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation” (SLAPP), that attempts to silence opposition and protests against large-scale industrial projects via legal avenues. 

God of truth and justice, we lift up those who speak out for creation and stand against harm. Strengthen the voices of environmental defenders and protect them from intimidation and silencing. May truth prevail over power, and may your justice roll down like a river. Empower us to care boldly for your earth and each other, with courage and grace.

Pakistan

​Pakistan recently decided to deport millions of Afghan refugees following a March 31 deadline.  Many deportees, including women's rights activists and former language interpreters for U.S. military allies, face severe risks of persecution or death under Taliban rule. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the deportation, referencing violations of international non-refoulement principles which prohibit states from returning or expelling individuals to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Additionally, reports indicate that some refugees in Pakistan have been subjected to arbitrary arrests. This situation underscores the urgent need for international intervention to uphold human rights standards.

God of refuge and mercy, we pray for courage for Afghan refugees once again facing displacement and persecution. Protect the vulnerable, especially women. Raise up and strengthen resistance, Oh Lord.  May all peoples find safety, dignity, and hope in your world. Let your love prevail. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

For a Canada as welcoming as we are

The Canadian Council for Refugees, Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, and Amnesty International Canada, together with the CRCNA in Canada, issued an open letter calling on federal leaders to commit to messaging and platform policies that honour refugees and newcomers.  Read more >>>