The service, held on January 18, 2026, at FaithWay Baptist Church, participated in the National Sunday of Prayer initiated by Pastor Sean Beliveau in Duncan, British Columbia. The message centred on 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV): “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The pastor explained that while the promise was given directly to Israel, its principles apply to believers (the church) in Canada today. Humility, focused prayer, seeking God’s face, and turning from sin are essential for revival, personal spiritual health, and national blessing. Canada’s true hope rests in Jesus Christ, not political solutions. The service used a handout with five prayer topics and emphasized that genuine prayer requires effort, focus, and dependence on Christ (referencing 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing”).
Praying for Our Spiritual Health
The first focus was personal and corporate spiritual vitality. Prayers asked God to strengthen the inner man of believers, fill them with joy, peace, and hope, and grant awareness of His sovereignty, boldness, power, grace, and a generous spirit for gospel witness (drawing from Acts 4:23–37). The congregation was encouraged to pray for themselves, their families, youth, and the church as a whole, seeking the fruit of the Spirit, victory over fleshly works, and a life that honours God as the true audience of one.
Praying for Our Government
Believers were called to obey Scripture by praying for those in authority, including Prime Minister Carney, federal ministers, Members of Parliament, Premier Ford, and local leaders. Emphasis was placed on praying for their salvation, for God to convict and draw them to Christ, and for believers in politics to have boldness, wisdom, and strength. The congregation was urged to avoid bitterness, recognize that political leaders are souls for whom Christ died, and trust that “the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord.” Prayers also sought continued religious freedoms in Canada and encouragement for churches facing political discouragement.
Praying for Partnering Churches
The service interceded for independent Baptist churches across Canada that participated in the National Day of Prayer. Prayers requested rest, edification, comfort from the Holy Spirit, spiritual and numerical growth, and more gospel labourers. Specific churches and pastors were named (e.g., Anchor Baptist in Burnaby, Bethel Baptist in Duncan, City Baptist in Vancouver, Crosspoint Baptist in Ottawa, and others from British Columbia to Newfoundland and the far north), with requests for health, buildings, encouragement, and perseverance in difficult regions.
Praying for Pastors
Special prayer was offered for pastors serving these churches, many of whom face health challenges, transitions, discouragement, or the reality that a significant number of Canadian independent Baptist churches may lack pastoral leadership in the coming decade. The congregation asked God to raise up, strengthen, and encourage these shepherds and to send more labourers into the harvest field.
Praying for Local Communities
The final focus targeted Canadian cities (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Halifax) and rural/northern areas. Prayers asked God to send forth labourers to plant churches, revitalize existing works, and reach the lost in both urban and remote regions. Acknowledging the high cost and discouragement of city ministry, as well as the vast needs in smaller communities, the congregation sought renewed vision, strengthened servants, and many more gospel workers to fulfil the Great Commission across Canada.
