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 April 25
Prayer for Immigrants from Cameroon and Afghanistan
Loving God, we ask you to be with those immigrants from Cameroon and Afghanistan who have had their Temporary Protected Status rescinded April 7. We lament the fear and sorrow they and their loved ones feel, and the danger many now face if returned to their home countries. Just as our Savior Jesus prayed with and ministered to those not fully embraced by his society, so may your church support and advocate for immigrant populations today. Amen.
Prayer for Government Leadership
Holy God, Three in One, we raise to you our concerns about the consolidation of power in the executive branch of the federal government. We hear and echo the cries of those asking for Congress and the courts to hold fast to the checks and balances that have helped provide for greater safety and equality for the most vulnerable throughout this country’s history. We ask you to grant wisdom and fortitude to state and local leaders, that they may use the authority granted to them justly and in service of those most in need. We fervently pray for the strength and health of our system of government in this pivotal time. Amen.
Prayer for Those Impacted by Environmental Events
Creator God, the Earth and all that is in it is yours. We pray for those in Turkey, in New Jersey, and elsewhere who are impacted by earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters. We pray for those who are harmed by environmental degradation. We lament the ways we have failed to properly care for the Earth, and for the ways climate change makes the lives of so many of our neighbors more challenging. Your Son found solace in a garden on his darkest night; help us to also value the gifts your creation provides and to steward them faithfully. Guide us to maintain the infrastructure, investment, and relationships required to respond to those in need of disaster response and recovery. Amen.
Prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo
Oh, God, in the name of your Son, the Prince of Peace, we offer thanks for the ceasefire between M23 rebels and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We ask for this ceasefire to hold, and then to deepen in line with the Goma call for peace. We lament those who have already suffered death, injury, and loss during the conflict. Blessed are the peacemakers, Lord; guide your church to know how we may play a part in this work. Amen.
Prayer for Nonprofits
God of consolation, we lament the cancellations and delays in government grants which have caused so much pain and uncertainty for nonprofit groups in the U.S. and abroad. We mourn with those impacted by the loss of jobs, and we cry out for and with those who rely on the services provided by nonprofits for health, safety, and peace. Hear our pleas, gracious God, and send your Spirit of compassion upon those in power. Amen.
