As we look ahead to Synod 2023, all members of the Christian Reformed Church in North America are invited to join other members in 40 days of prayer.
Each day, readers will receive a Bible text, a prayer, and some suggested questions for reflection or conversation. All of the prayers are intended to reflect the theme of Synod 2023, which is based on Philippians 2:1-11 and summarized by verse 5: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
“The 40 days of prayer are written by CRC members, missionaries, pastors, and staff,” explained Jon Hoekema, the denomination’s prayer shepherd. “They are written by young and old, in many languages, with English translations for all, reflecting the beautiful diversity of the CRCNA.”
The youngest prayer writer is 9, and the oldest is in their late 80s. Writers include pastors, chaplains, missionaries, seminary students, high school students, young adults, and people with disabilities.
“What each of these writers have in common is a hope that you will find in the prayers a perspective of grace, generosity, love, and longing, which can encourage us all to have a Christlike mindset in our relationships with one another,” Hoekema said.
The 40 days of prayer will begin April 30 and will conclude when Synod 2023 begins June 8. During Synod, an emphasis on prayer will continue with focused times of prayer by delegates, morning prayers with anyone who wishes to participate, volunteer prayer champions who aren’t at synod but commit to praying during specific times, and prayers that will be offered via Facebook.
To learn more about how you can participate in prayer for synod, or to receive the free 40 days of prayer as a weekly PDF download or as daily emails, visit crcna.org/pray.
About the Author
Kristen deRoo VanderBerg was part of the World Renew Communications team from 1999-2016. She now serves as director of Communications & Marketing for the Christian Reformed Church.
