Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Breastplate of St Patrick

Prayers

Canada and US

The current climate between Canada and the United States is characterized by heightened tensions and uncertainty. Both nations are actively seeking solutions to protect their economic interests. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has imposed and threatened to impose a 25% tariff on a broad range of Canadian imports, citing various economic and security concerns. In response, Canada has implemented retaliatory tariffs of 25% on U.S. goods. Talks took a serious tone when Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau declared publicly, “What he (Trump) wants is to see a total collapse of the Canadian economy, because that’ll make it easier to annex us.”

Prayer
Lord of justice and peace, we pray for wisdom for the leaders of Canada and the United States, that they may act with integrity and fairness. We pray for governments on both sides of the issue to protect peace and human flourishing for all. Where there is hostility, bring reconciliation. Where there is greed, inspire grace. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Syria

Syria remains in turmoil, with a staggering 16.5 million people in need of aid and 1.1 million displaced due to ongoing conflict. In December 2024, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) formed a transitional government, overthrowing the previous Assad government. The Assad regime had caused immense human suffering and had been condemned for countless human rights violations. However, the newly formed HTS government has been designated a terrorist group by the UN. Syria’s future is uncertain as violent clashes and political instability continue, not to mention insecurity, poverty and trauma affecting millions of people.

Prayer
God, we struggle to comprehend such pain and suffering by the millions. Forgive us for our apathy. Bring healing to the displaced, wisdom to leaders, and peace to the war-torn land of Syria. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Gaza

No consensus exists in regards to how to end war in Gaza. The U.S. wants to govern Gaza and remove residents, Israel seeks a Hamas-free Gaza but disagrees on control, Hamas refuses to disarm and demands concessions, and Arab nations support a Palestinian-led government but reject forced displacement. Tensions are rising as Israel cuts power and halts aid to Gaza. Without a breakthrough, renewed war seems imminent. The cease-fire agreed to in January was technically meant to last just six weeks, a period that elapsed at the start of March. For now, both sides are maintaining an informal truce while they continue negotiations for extension, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

Prayer
Lord, we pray an end to human suffering in Gaza. Bring wisdom to leaders, mercy to the displaced, and hope where despair reigns. Let justice and reconciliation emerge from conflict. Guide all toward true and lasting peace. Amen.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

100 Women | 1 Heart (Canada)

Mark your calendars for April 24, 2025, and be part of an evening of faith, fellowship, and generosity! Together, 100 women will raise $10,000 to support the Indigenous Family Centre. Shannon Perez, Director of the Indigenous Family Centre and a proud Saši Dene woman, will inspire us with her story and the impact of this incredible ministry. Can’t attend in Burlington? You can still participate by donating or sponsoring another woman.

Pastoral Letter Regarding U.S./Canada Relationship

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we lament the brokenness we are experiencing in our cross-border relationship. Read the letter.