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 Seeing One Another as Human First
Loving God, creator of all, who made every person in your image, we confess the misuse of our minds and tongues when we speak ill of other people. We confess that we have demeaned others and, even in frustration, have wished harm or forgotten their humanity. Teach us, through Jesus Christ, to love even our enemies and to see your image in every person. We lament a culture of contempt in our common life and discourse. Grant our leaders wisdom and restraint in speech, that they may lead by example. By your Holy Spirit, turn our hearts, and fashion us into a people marked by charity, truth, and mercy. Make your church a witness to reverence for every human life in word and action. Grant this, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
For Migrants in Peril and the Dignity of Their Journey
God of unending care, who shepherded your people through danger in the exodus and whose very Son became a refugee, fleeing violence, we pray for all migrants who face danger as they seek safety and better lives. Be with them in their fear and uncertainty, and shelter them under your protecting mercy. Grant them courage, sustain their hope, and guide them to places of safety. We pray especially for migrants who have perished, disappeared, or whose fates are unknown. Be with their loved ones who are confused and grieving. We pray for all who work to make migration safe and just; grant them strength in these perilous and uncertain times. Restrain those who exploit or harm vulnerable travelers, and grant governments around the world the wisdom to care for the vulnerable. All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, who is love incarnate and our true refuge. Amen.
For Stability and Justice for Farmers
God of the land and source of our life, who entrusted the Earth to humankind to till and keep, we pray for farmers who face increased financial uncertainty, extreme weather conditions, and reduced harvests. God, we give you thanks for all farmers and ask that the governing authorities might be granted wisdom to enact laws that protect wise stewardship of the land and economic justice for all of them. As farm incomes tighten and debt burdens grow, guard those whose livelihoods are at risk. You sustain our common life through the work of those who grow our food. Grant strength and courage to all advocates of a responsible and sustainable agricultural system. Keep us mindful that all we receive comes from your gracious provision, and let us never fail to give thanks. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
