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 June 20
For Trans Youth Seeking Healing and Wholeness
Gracious God, you created all people in your image, diverse and united in dignity, reflecting your boundless creativity and unwavering love. In light of the recent Supreme Court decision that allows states to prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, we pray for the youth who feel afraid and will no longer be able to access the care they need. We pray for the parents and family members who must now seek new ways to care for and protect their children. Grant us wisdom and courage so that we may offer support rooted in truth and compassion. May we, like Jesus, who welcomed the marginalized and restored the vulnerable, bear witness to your mercy and grace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Those Affected by Gun Violence
God of peace, you invite your people to beat their swords into plowshares. As we observe Gun Violence Awareness Month, we mourn with those whose loved ones have died from gun violence. Your Spirit, O God, enjoins us to be a people of peace. Your Son has revealed to us a path towards peace, a world where you will wipe every tear from our eyes. Help us live into this promise now on Earth. Amen.
For Solidarity with Refugees
Holy God, you have revealed your Good News through your Son, Jesus Christ, who was an outcast and a refugee. We echo the call of the United Nations on World Refugee Day to “shine a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of those forced to flee.” Strengthen us, as we live out our baptismal calling, to actively seek solidarity with the oppressed. Reveal the plight of all refugees to the world and remind all refugees that they are not alone. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
For Yemen
God of mercy and peace, we lift before you the people of Yemen. In this land torn by war and hunger, bring healing where there is pain, hope where there is despair, and peace where there is conflict. Strengthen those delivering aid, protect the vulnerable, and comfort the bereaved. Grant wisdom to leaders and diplomats, soften hearts, and open ears to cries for justice. Stir your church and nations to act, remembering that all are made in your image. Let your peace reign and your justice prevail. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
For Peace Between Israel and Iran
Merciful God, we lament the conflict escalation between the nations of Israel and Iran. In a world torn by hatred and war, help us sow seeds of peace. Grant leaders wisdom, courage, and compassion. Protect the innocent, heal the wounded, and comfort the grieving. Break the chains of violence and lead both nations to reconciliation. Jesus, transform fear into hope. May justice and mercy flow like a river through the Middle East. In Jesus’ holy name, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.
