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 All Impacted by War in the Middle East
God of peace, who in Jesus came among us to free the world from death, we pray for those who have been wounded and killed during war in the Middle East. We pray for all whose bodies and souls are rattled as bombs strike. We pray for a swift end to this and all conflicts. Great God, your Son Jesus was crucified on Good Friday in the Holy Land now marked by conflict. Sanctify Good Friday Offerings for your glory and strengthen their impact for those who pray under the scourge of war in the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East. As we observe Good Friday this year, we see the suffering Christ in wounded civilians, displaced families, and those who mourn without safety. Grant them and all of us hope, through the grace of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
For the Safety and Dignity of Transgender People
God of love, whose infinite creativity and boundless love form us and sustain us, we lift up all transgender and nonbinary people as we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility this week. We pray that you would pour out your love and protection on all transgender people. We earnestly desire that all people would join in celebrating the lives and dignity of our transgender and nonbinary siblings. Be with those who have influence over the rights and well-being of gender minorities; grant them the wisdom to ensure that transgender people flourish and enjoy equal rights and protections. Help your church to celebrate and care for everyone, as you have first loved us. Grant these things, O God, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
For the Protection of Air and Water
God of all creation, who entrusts this earthly home to our care, as we look ahead to Earth Day, we are grieved by changes to environmental protections that help keep our air breathable and our waters clean. As we watch the removal of policies meant to safeguard our planet, we cry out to you. We know that the most vulnerable are disproportionately impacted by decisions that harm the earth. Protect them, we pray, O God, and protect us all as we pursue faithful stewardship of our shared home, your wondrous creation. Prick the consciences of ruling authorities that they might exercise just and responsible leadership. As creation groans, be with us. May your Holy Spirit guide, protect, and sanctify the whole world as we work to build your kingdom. All this we ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
