On Sunday, November 17 we are inviting CBOQ Churches to set aside time to pray for children, whether you have children in your congregation or not. Specifically we invite churches to join in praying for the pressing issues of Canadian children that demand our attention and action. We chose this date to coincide with the United Nation’s Declaration of the Rights of the Child November 20 is National Child Day.

The Raising Canada 2024 report, published by Children First Canada, sheds light on the challenges children face in Canada today, including mental health struggles, abuse, poverty, food insecurity, and bullying. The report underscores that, despite Canada’s prosperity, many children are living in circumstances that hinder their well-being and future potential. As we reflect on these statistics, it becomes clear that prayer, advocacy, and action are essential to address the needs of children in our nation. Following are a few key areas with prayer prompts that we invite you to join us in praying.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being of Children and Youth

The mental health crisis among children and youth has worsened over the past few years, with high levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. These struggles are compounded by adverse childhood experiences such as trauma, poverty, and discrimination.

Prayer Prompts:

Pray for Healing: Heavenly Father, we bring before You the children and youth who are struggling with mental health challenges. Lord, heal their brokenness and give them peace that surpasses all understanding. May they feel Your presence in their darkest moments, and may Your love bring comfort and hope.

Pray for Support Systems: Lord, raise up compassionate individuals, professionals, and communities to provide support for these children. Guide the leaders who can create systems of care that nurture emotional and psychological well-being.

Pray for Prevention and Awareness: Father, help us as a community to be proactive in addressing mental health needs, to build resilience in children, and to remove the stigma around seeking help. Equip the Church and society to advocate for stronger mental health resources.

Protection from Abuse and Maltreatment

Many children, especially those from marginalized groups, continue to suffer from abuse—both physical and sexual. The vulnerability of children with disabilities is also deeply concerning, as they are at a higher risk for abuse.

Prayer Prompts:

Pray for Protection: Lord, we lift up all children who are vulnerable to abuse. Protect them from harm and surround them with a safe community that values and cherishes them. May Your angels guard them and keep them from danger.

Pray for Justice and Restoration: God, we pray for those who have experienced abuse. We ask for Your healing to restore their hearts, minds, and spirits. Bring justice to those who have caused harm, and may Your love break the chains of trauma and abuse.

Pray for Advocacy: Father, we ask You to raise up advocates who will speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. May we be a voice for the voiceless, and may the Church play a key role in protecting children from maltreatment.

Poverty and Food Insecurity

An increasing number of Canadian children are living in low-income households, and food insecurity remains a significant issue. No child should go hungry, but for many, this is a harsh daily reality.

Prayer Prompts:

Pray for Provision: God, we ask for Your provision for the 1.1 million children living in poverty. May You open doors of opportunity for families to find stable employment and for children to have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Pray for Food Security: Father, we pray that no child in Canada would go to bed hungry. May Your hand of provision rest on those struggling with food insecurity. Inspire communities, organizations, and churches to come together to address this issue and feed the hungry.

Pray for Financial Stability for Families: Lord, we ask for You to bless families in need with financial security. Help churches and communities to provide resources and support to ensure that every child has enough to eat and a safe home to grow up in.

Bullying and Social Isolation

Bullying continues to affect around 70% of Canadian youth, contributing to long-lasting emotional scars and contributing to the broader mental health crisis. Children who face bullying often feel isolated, rejected, and unheard.

Prayer Prompts:

Pray for Healing from Bullying: God, we lift up all children who are bullied. Heal the wounds of rejection and loneliness they carry. Help them to know that they are valued and loved by You, and may they find strength in their identity as Your beloved children.

Pray for Safe Spaces: Father, create safe environments in schools, churches, and communities where children can be themselves without fear of bullying. May kindness and respect flourish, and may every child feel like they belong.

Pray for Empathy and Understanding: Lord, we ask that You transform hearts. Help us to recognize the impact of our words and actions. May we as a society be more compassionate, teaching our children to lift each other up rather than tear each other down.

Racial and Cultural Justice for Indigenous and Marginalized Communities

Indigenous children continue to face systemic barriers that affect their well-being. The realities of poverty, abuse, and neglect are disproportionately affecting these communities.

Prayer Prompts:

Pray for Justice and Reconciliation: Lord, we pray for the Indigenous children of Canada, who face injustices and trauma passed down through generations. May You bring healing to communities and work through leaders to establish justice and reconciliation. Guide us as we seek to understand their stories and stand with them in their journey toward healing.

Pray for Equal Opportunities: God, we ask for equal opportunities for Indigenous children, especially in education, health, and community resources. May they receive the support they need to thrive and break free from the cycle of poverty and oppression.

Pray for Restoration: Father, we ask for Your restoration of dignity and hope to Indigenous communities. May the Church be a place of healing and empowerment, walking alongside these children and their families.

A Call to Action for CBOQ Churches:

As a community of believers, we are called to intercede on behalf of the most vulnerable among us—our children. In light of the findings from the Raising Canada report, we invite all CBOQ Churches to dedicate time in worship services to pray for the children of our nation. Use the prayer prompts shared here to guide your prayers for healing, justice, and provision. Let us unite in prayer, trusting that God will hear our cries and lead us to action in addressing the deep needs of Canadian children. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and create a future where all children can thrive, knowing they are loved and valued by their Creator.