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 on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 as we revisit the top weekly prayer posts of the year, determined by reader engagement.
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 Living in Continued Fear of Immigration Raids
God of justice and peace, whose heart is moved by the suffering of the vulnerable, we lift up all immigrants and undocumented people who live with the daily fear of arrest and detention. Uphold and protect those who feel unsafe in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Strengthen them with your comfort in this time of uncertainty. We pray also for all who serve in immigration enforcement, that they may honor the dignity of every person they encounter and act with fairness, restraint, and compassion. Bring an end, O Lord, to violence, unjust detention, and every violation of human dignity in this land and throughout the world, through the reconciling power of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
For U.S. Cities Living Under the Fear of Increased Enforcement
O God of every city and town, we pray for Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago, and all places where the presence or threat of increased federal forces has sown fear among your people. Uphold the vulnerable and strengthen the weary. Stir the hearts of leaders in our federal government, that they may deal justly with local authorities, seeking not control but peace. Guard communities from violence and nurture in them the patience of your Spirit. May your wisdom guide us toward reconciliation, living as citizens of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Prince of Peace, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
For Afghans Who Lost Their Temporary Protected Status in the United States
God of radical love, you have commanded us to welcome strangers. Teach us to embody this radical grace as your people. We grieve the end of the Temporary Protected Status of Afghans in the United States. We pray for those who fear deportation and could no longer work legally in this country due to this action. May your Spirit be with all those who advocate for the just treatment of migrants by the U.S. government, and charge all governing authorities to enact policies that honor the dignity and protect the safety of the vulnerable. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
