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 Safe and Peaceful Elections
God of peace, you call us to live in harmony with one another and fill us with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. As our nation once again casts its votes, we pray for all who exercise their right at the polls and all who labor to make our elections possible. Protect voters from intimidation and election workers from threats. May every citizen’s voice be heard and counted. Guard us from turning political disagreement into contempt, fear, or violence. Give all candidates and their supporters humility in victory and grace in defeat, that whatever the results, we may move forward together for the common good. Teach us to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being. Send your Holy Spirit among us, that in the days ahead, we may follow the way of Jesus and become people of peace and reconciliation. In his holy name, we pray. Amen.
For Faith Beyond Partisan Politics
Lord Jesus Christ, you call your church to bear witness to your kingdom in every place. Keep us from using your name to sanctify our ambitions, from turning prayer into political spectacle, or from claiming Christ for one party or cause. Give your church courage to engage the places of power without becoming captive to them, to speak truth with both conviction and humility, and to work for justice without surrendering the freedom of the gospel. When partisan loyalties compete with our allegiance to you, remind us that in Christ we belong to one another. By your Holy Spirit, give us wisdom to discern what serves the common good, courage to challenge injustice wherever we find it, and humility to listen across differences. May our public witness point not to ourselves, but to your love, justice, and mercy. With the Father and the Holy Spirit, keep us faithful to your way, now and always. Amen.
For Children Who Attend Immigration Court Alone
Merciful God, whose son welcomed children and placed them in the midst of his disciples, we pray for migrant children who must face immigration proceedings without a parent or guardian beside them. Be near to them, O Lord. Give your angels charge over them and raise up people who will stand beside them, advocate for them, and safeguard their dignity. Give our governing authorities the wisdom to protect the rights and future of migrant children; give those entrusted with our laws and courts wisdom to ensure that children have access to independent counsel and do not have to navigate our legal system alone. Help us to follow in the lead of your son, to welcome the little ones, to protect them, to love them, and uphold their dignity as your beloved children. We ask this in the name of Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
