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 the Children of Gaza and the West Bank
God of life and light, whose son Jesus Christ conquered death that we might have life and life abundantly, we pray for the children of Gaza and the West Bank: those who have died, those without a home, and those who have been displaced. Oh God, we weep for the dead, while knowing that they rest in your mercy and care. We cry out amid the injustice of violence, displacement, and the loss of homes and security, while knowing you will right all wrongs. Make us instruments of your peace and justice. Protect and strengthen all people who provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and help us continue advocating for their rights. Bring an end to suffering in those lands, and cause us to look forward to a new day when the lives of the displaced and the grieving are restored through your transforming grace. We ask this in the name of the giver of that grace, Jesus Christ. Amen.
For Victims of Gang Violence
God of love, who declares us free through the peace inaugurated by Jesus Christ, we pray for all who are threatened, coerced, displaced, or harmed by gang violence and organized criminal activity. We pray especially for the people in Haiti who have fled their homes amid ongoing violence and instability. Violence breeds fear and suffering, and we cry out to you, Lord, in pain, pleading for peace. Protect victims of gang activity everywhere, especially those subjected to sexual violence and abuse, and bring peace where there is conflict. Shield children and young people from coercion and from all pressures to participate in violence. Grant safe passage to everyone who has fled their homes, and aid all those on the ground who are working to ensure that the displaced can return safely and with dignity. Bring an end to the violence, and grant hope to those who even now are huddled in fear. Grant this through your life-giving Spirit and through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
For Fairness in Elections and Representation
God our governor, whose gifts to us spring from infinite love, we pray for elections and systems of representation that safeguard justice, participation, and the enfranchisement of all citizens. Help us to work for fair elections, and help us ensure that everyone can engage equally in the civic life of this nation, particularly Black Americans. Grant wisdom and integrity to lawmakers, guard against practices that unfairly marginalize the voices of voters and communities, and guide us all toward truth and reliable information, especially as we approach future elections and debates over representation. We know that our common life is based on our mutual responsibility towards one another. Let love for our neighbors guide our advocacy in the public square and shape our engagement with elections. We give you thanks that our ultimate hope rests not in earthly powers, but in your eternal Kingdom. Let this hope free us from despair and guide us as we seek the good of all. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.
