If the Lord had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, “My foot is slipping,”
your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:17-19)
Join us each week as we share new prayers for the vulnerable among us facing challenges, fears, and threats. We will name many of the harms unfolding and acknowledge what is being erased, lost, and threatened.
These prayers are not a replacement for action; they are meant to offer space for grounding and discernment as we seek to bear one another’s burdens in the love and way of Christ.
Join by Zoom each Monday at 11:45 a.m. ET to hear the prayers aloud, in the context of a simple liturgy, prayed by members of the Community of Francis and Clare.
For Those Fearful of War and Violence
God of steadfast presence, who tells us not to be afraid and who strengthens us for the work of peace, we bring to you all who are fearful of escalation and violence amid threats of war. We ask that you would send your Holy Spirit to guide the global community in their response. Help those who engage in talks to negotiate with compassion and understanding through constructive diplomacy, so that restraint may prevail over retaliation and dialogue over destruction. Protect all who bear the cost of conflict—families, children, elders, and those already burdened by economic hardship and repression. Through the Prince of Peace, who breaks down dividing walls and calls us blessed when we make peace, we pray. Amen.
For Peace and Protection in the West Bank
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose promise embraces many peoples, we mourn that descendants of a common story now live in conflict. We grieve especially the ongoing violence and attacks in the West Bank, as well as the destruction of homes and the displacement of Palestinians. Amid worsening conditions on the ground and our feeling of helplessness, we ask that you protect and comfort families suffering these injustices. Send your Holy Spirit upon earthly leaders and authorities so that they may act with compassion and allow humanitarian groups to assist the vulnerable. As Ramadan moves from dawn to sunset, be near those who fast in fear and hope. Let each sunrise kindle restraint and each evening soften hearts. Guard the displaced, sustain the weary, and lead this wounded land toward justice and a peace shaped by your mercy. Amen.
For Peace and Security in Mexico
God of peace, whose kingdom is the promise of peace and the healing of what is broken, we pray for the people of Mexico, especially those states that have experienced the greatest impact from the recent violence and destruction. Comfort those who grieve, and bring healing to all communities where violence has disrupted daily life and caused fear, fire, and damage in some towns. We join with our siblings in the Anglican Church of Mexico; O God, grant them strength and courage to care for those in need and witness to your work of reconciliation, justice, and healing. Lord, keep the people of Mexico under your care as you make your presence known to the brokenhearted. Grant this through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
