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 Still Held in Guantánamo Bay
God of justice, who enjoins the body of Christ to visit the destitute and the imprisoned, we pray for the 15 detainees still held at the American military prison at Guantánamo Bay. As Jan. 11 reminds us of the many years this prison has stood, we bring our lament to you, O God, praying for its closure and for justice and due process for all who remain imprisoned there. Move the hearts and minds of governing authorities everywhere to uphold civil and human rights for the imprisoned. Form us, your church, to be a people who love mercy and strive for justice—a people of repair. Grant this through your Son, our Christ. Amen.
For Peace and Wisdom Amid Geopolitical Tensions
God of peace, whose only Son, our Lord, commanded us to love our enemies and to renounce hatred, we ask that you would guide the nations in the way of peace. Grant wisdom and restraint in the exercise of power to our governing authorities. Safeguard our military leaders from resorting too quickly to force where restraint is possible. Send your Holy Spirit upon them, that they may listen attentively to the counsel of others, seek wisdom through consultation, and act with reasoned and deliberate care. O God, many of us fear the escalation or prolonged continuation of armed conflicts all over the world. Sow seeds of concord, understanding, discernment, and most of all love through the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
For Children’s Health and Faithful Discernment in Public Health Decisions
God of life, whose law and prophets give priority to the most vulnerable, that all might have life abundantly, we lift up our concerns for children’s lives amid changes to the immunization schedule. Protect the health of all children who may be affected, and grant wisdom and peace to parents who feel uncertainty or fear for their children’s safety. Guide public health leaders toward careful, honest, and depoliticized review of immunization practices, so that families may act with confidence in seeking the health and well-being of their little ones. Shine your light where there is confusion or fear through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Amen.
