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 People of Venezuela in the Wake of the Earthquakes
God of the grieving, who stands in solidarity with the widow and the orphan, we pray for those in Venezuela who have been affected by the deadly earthquakes. Shine your light on those who have died, and receive them into your everlasting care. Be with those who mourn the loss of their family members, friends, and homes. Grant them courage and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. O God, sustain and bring hope to those still trapped beneath the rubble in Caracas and surrounding areas. Heal the injured and those in pain. Guide and protect the rescuers and first responders who are trying to find and care for them. Steady damaged structures, and lead those seeking shelter to safety. Bless the whole country and the Episcopal Diocese of Venezuela as they come together in hope and prayer. Grant this through Christ, the true light of the world. Amen.
For Families Losing Protection
God of refuge, whose mercy shelters the stranger and upholds all who live in fear, we lament the Supreme Court decision allowing the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian and Syrians. We grieve for all who now face the loss of work, the threat of deportation, family separation, and return to countries still marked by violence and instability. Be near to our Haitian and Syrian siblings whose lives have been thrown into uncertainty. Protect children, parents, workers, students, and all who call this country home. Move those in power toward mercy and justice. Strengthen communities of care, legal advocates, churches, and all who accompany those at risk. God of refuge, shelter them in the mercy of Jesus Christ, who welcomed the stranger and leads us into your saving love. Amen.
For Leaders Entrusted with the Common Good
God of righteousness, who judges the nations with mercy and calls rulers to serve people with humility, we pray for all who hold public office in this country. In moments when urgent needs are delayed, and the well-being of families is made vulnerable to political leverage, turn the hearts of leaders away from pride, retaliation, and the hunger for power. Give them wisdom to govern for the common good, courage to protect the poor, and restraint when their decisions affect those who wait for shelter, stability, and relief. Guard the vulnerable from becoming bargaining chips in struggles for influence, and teach us all to value people more than victory. Renew in our common life a spirit of truth, accountability, and compassion, so that public service may again be known as service. All this we ask through Jesus Christ, who came among us not to be served but to serve. Amen.
