Prayer Points

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). 

This past week, the shofars sounded in the Holy Land and around the world as God’s people celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Now, the 10-day countdown to Yom Kippur has begun—these are the High Holy Days, or Days of Awe. During this sacred time, the celebration of the fresh start that a new year brings gives way to deep introspection and repentance. While many prayers during this time are personal, these sacred days are also an important time to pray for others. 

• As the crisis in Ukraine escalates, food is becoming increasingly scarce for vulnerable families. Attacks on supermarkets and warehouses have disrupted already fragile supply chains, leaving many communities without reliable access to essentials. In remote villages, where food was already hard to come by, survival now depends on the support of humanitarian aid. We pray for our beneficiaries and volunteers, as we tackle this crisis head on. “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God’” (Leviticus 23:22). 

• As tensions continue to stir across the world, we pray for God’s protection over our nations, and wisdom for our leaders that they will find a tangible path to shalom—peace. “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). 

• Ahead of the High Holy Days, IFCJ Canada was confronted with a sobering fact—demand for food assistance in Israel rose to 32% as families struggle with the rising cost of living and groceries. We pray that the hundreds of Israelis we helped provide with food for Rosh Hashanah find nourishment and comfort through these gifts, and that those facing hunger will have enough to eat during this sacred season. “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:11). 

• This week marked 25 years since the September 11 attacks, as people around the world honored the memory of the thousands of lives lost and reflected on the enduring impact felt by survivors, families, and communities more than two decades later. We also recognize with gratitude the courage and compassion of first responders, as well as the many Canadians who stepped forward to offer assistance in the days that followed. While much time has passed, the lessons of hope, resilience, and unity in the face of terror and fear remain as powerful and relevant today as they were 25 years ago.  We pray for the victims, their families,, and all those still affected today. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). 

I’d also like to include this copy in all Prayer Point emails moving forward, as this content has been well received and consistently drives strong engagement. I’d like to test it and see whether the below can become a permanent fixture.  Whether it can create a lift in donations/conversions, let’s make sure we’re tracking the results. 

 Your daily prayers make a difference. 

Every day, we come together in prayer—lifting up those who are struggling, vulnerable, and in need of God’s provision and protection. If these daily prayer points have encouraged your faith, helped you draw closer to God, or given you a meaningful way to pray for others, would you consider putting your prayers and convictions into action? 

Whether your gift is small or large, a gift from the heart helps make it possible for IFCJ Canada to continue providing the prayer resources, services, biblical encouragement, and daily guidance you’ve come to rely on daily—while also helping bring practical support to people facing daily hardship. 

Thank you for praying with us. And if you feel called to give, thank you for helping turn your prayers into compassionate humanitarian action.