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 Peace Amid Escalation in the Iran War
God of reconciliation, who in Jesus Christ broke down the walls of hostility, we lament the continued escalation in the Iran war which is bringing fear to civilians, grief to families, and growing instability to the region. Guard us from dangers of escalation, for we know that each act of retaliation can deepen suffering and that a single miscalculation may bring devastating consequences for countless people. As your Son, Jesus Christ, calmed the storm, bring peace to troubled hearts and to a troubled world. We ask this through his holy name. Amen.
For a Creation Consumed by Fire
God of creation, who entrusted the Earth to our faithful care, we grieve that the recent wildfires in Canada are but one sign of a creation burdened by changing climate and the consequences of human choices. We pray for all who suffer from extreme heat, drought, storms, rising seas, fire, and the loss of homes, livelihoods, and habitats. Strengthen those who protect lives and restore the land, and grant wisdom and courage to leaders, communities, and each of us to pursue the changes needed to safeguard your creation. Where we have failed in our stewardship, we pray, O Lord, that you would help us amend our ways, repair what we have damaged, and under the guidance of your Holy Spirit, work with you for the healing of the Earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Young Workers in Need of Protection
God of the kingdom of heaven, who in Jesus Christ welcomed children and taught us to honor the little ones, we are grieved by efforts in at least 13 states to weaken child labor protections in the United States. Keep all youth from harm and help us to protect every child and teen from exploitation in the workplace. Grant wisdom to state governments, that child labor standards may remain steadfast in all places, so that children everywhere may flourish as they grow in love for you and for their neighbors. Help us to invest in young people, knowing their world will be marked by the one we are building now. Cover those children who are vulnerable, especially migrant children, with your grace, so that their upbringing might be free of exploitation, fear, and unjust pressures. Grant this through the love of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
