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 Those Without Access to Clean Air and Water
God of life, whose Spirit swept over the face of the waters at the creation of the Earth, we pray for those without access to clean air and water. As we observe Earth Day this week, we lament that environmental protections in many places face uncertainty and rollbacks. We especially grieve with the Indigenous communities and other local residents near the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. We pray for all people who face increased medical burdens, forced migration, and even death due to the degradation of our common home. Make us your hands and feet on the ground as we strive to care for your creation, this fragile Earth, our island home. Grant wisdom and strength to every authority that they may faithfully steward the responsibility you have placed in their hands. All for your glory, and the glory of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
For Victims of Gun Violence in the U.S.
God of peace, whose Son wept at the tomb of Lazarus and by his resurrection has overcome death, we pray for all victims of gun violence. We pray for the repose of the souls of all who have died from mass shootings, suicides, and other forms of gun violence, and we lift up their grieving families to your tender care. We pray for all victims and bystanders of gun violence who have been injured in body, mind, or spirit. Merciful God, bring an end to the violence that afflicts our communities. Help us to not grow numb, but to rise up for the sake of your kingdom, which calls us to be peacemakers and ministers of your compassion. Make us advocates for an end to gun violence and give the governing authorities wisdom and courage to serve the common good and safeguard all people. Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For Girls and Women in Afghanistan
God of freedom and fullness, who shows no partiality and upholds the dignity of all people, we pray for Afghan women and girls, especially those who have been forbidden from accessing education. We know that your vision for our flourishing is for all to grow in wisdom and fullness of life. Help us to model this as we advocate for the just and equitable treatment of women and girls in schools everywhere. We lift up especially the girls in Afghanistan who dream of becoming leaders and serve in their communities and yet are denied the opportunity. We pray for the ruling authorities in Afghanistan and in many other places where women’s futures are restricted. Grant them wisdom and a spirit of justice as they lead; let them bring hope where there is none to be found and justice where oppression reigns. All this we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
