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)
We invite you to join us as we share new prayers each week for the vulnerable among us facing challenges, fears, and threats. We will name many of the harms unfolding around us and acknowledge what is being erased, lost, and threatened.
Please join us in prayer and share these prayers with your dioceses and parishes.
We are one church united in prayer, naming reality in the face of lies, creating space for grief in the face of denial, and freeing space in our souls for hope. We gather to be the body of Christ for one another—bearing one another’s burdens—and pointing the world to the cross and its redemptive power already at work through our witness (even when it may not feel like it).
These prayers are not a replacement for action; they offer grounding and space to discern what actions each of us feel compelled to take. We may feel called to meet with or contact our elected officials, participate in community organizing, provide services to those in our communities, or join in protests or acts of civil disobedience.
As a church, our advocacy continues, and we invite you to join us. The Episcopal Public Policy Network has weekly action alerts, resources, webinars, and trainings. Learn more here.
Prayers for the week of August 29
For Peace with Creation
Creator God, in this Season of Creation renew in us delight for the Earth and resolve to care for all that you have made. We lament the rolling back of climate protections, the assault on public lands, and the neglect of efforts to heal our wounded planet. Transform our grief into faithful action, that your living creation—singing your praise even as it groans for redemption—may yet flourish. Uphold all who labor and advocate for the care of our common home. Through Christ, in whom all things were created and redeemed. Amen.
For Civil Hearts and Listening Ears
God of compassion, your Son Jesus spoke peace to the anxious and gave rest to the weary. In our own nation, public life is often spoiled by anger, division, and reckless words. Raise up leaders who shape their conduct after Jesus, and transform our discourse so that the public square may be marked by civility, fairness, and love. Teach us to use our words for the sake of the suffering, and renew in us the Spirit promised by Jesus—the Spirit who tames our tongues and prepares our minds for the good work you call us to do. Through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen.
For Those Suffering from Famine in the World
God of healing and wholeness, we remember before you all who suffer from famine, especially those who are starving in Gaza and Sudan. Where any child of yours goes hungry, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is present among them, crying to be fed. Give your church courage to offer bread to the hungry and strength to plead for justice where we cannot. Soften the hearts of the powerful, that greed and violence may cease, and that your will—not ours—be done on earth as it is in heaven. Through Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
For Truth in Public Health
Almighty God, giver of life and fountain of wisdom, you inspire knowledge for the healing of nations. Bless those who labor to preserve health through life-saving vaccines and public care. Strengthen all who serve with integrity and courage, and guide our leaders to honor truth for the protection of the vulnerable; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
