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 Everyone Supporting Free, Fair, and Safe Elections
Faithful God, who raises up leaders, prophets, and people of goodwill to guide us on our earthly pilgrimage, we give you thanks for the many people who have volunteered to help others participate in our elections. Protect the poll workers, civic organizations, librarians, and all who help people understand deadlines, requirements, and other important election-related information. As voter registration deadlines approach in many states, we pray that our neighbors across the country may have the opportunity and encouragement to participate in our elections. Be with us as we seek to build communities marked by justice, safety, and respect. Grant this through the steadfast love of Jesus Christ, who works in us through your Spirit. Amen.
For Those Who Have Fled Sudan and Still Seek Safety
God of safety, whose mighty and everlasting presence is with us at each moment, make yourself known to the more than 55,000 refugees who have fled to eastern Chad this year amid continued violence in Sudan. We pray especially for those who have crossed borders and still find no safety. Grant food, shelter, and protection to those who are displaced and vulnerable amid war and economic instability. Make a way out for those in despair. We pray for Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Nile State, and all parts of Sudan where violence threatens lives and drives people from their homes. Bring peace and mercy, we pray, O God, in the name of your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
For Women and Girls in South Africa
God of justice, whose word succors the vulnerable and leads us in the path of righteousness, we pray for the 11 women whose bodies have been found dead in Ekurhuleni since July. Grant them everlasting peace in your glorious presence and be near all who grieve. Protect women throughout South Africa from gender-based violence and femicide. Strengthen civic authorities, community organizations, churches, and all who are working to confront this violence, support survivors, and change conditions that allow it to persist. Give courage and wisdom to those entrusted with this work. Come alongside all women who live in fear and herald a day of just and lasting peace. Through your mighty grace, build communities of peace through our hands and feet. All this we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
