Stephen Harper asks Canadians to pray for military fighting ISIS

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is asking Canadians topray for the country's military personnel as they battle ISIS extremists in Northern Iraq.

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Harper alsocalled Thursday for support of the Canadian Forces as part of hisannual holidayaddress.

Canada has six CF-18 fighter jets in the Middle East as part of an international effort to help Iraq fight an insurgency by IslamicState of Iraq and Syriamilitants.

Until this week, it also had fighter jets in the Baltics in response to Russia's incursions in Ukraine.

Harper also spoke of theeconomy, saying more Canadians havemore opportunities and better jobs than at any time in the country'shistory.

But a big focus of his message was on Canada's role overseas.

Harper says Canadians are doing what they are known for standing up for what is right, defending freedom andprotecting thevulnerable.

The prime minister also urged Canadians to give to the lessfortunate.