ANTI-RACISM PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
In the Episcopal Church, we have a section of our worship service called “the Prayers of the People.” Any church, community, or individual may use these prayers, in part or in whole.
In these anti-racism prayers of the people, we invite you to remember and lift up those who have worked to end racism and those who have led the way of God’s peace. We invite you to say the names and remember those who have been injured or killed from racist violence. We ask God to end racism, to move all of us to action, and to comfort those who have lost loved ones as a result of racism.
Rest in Power, George Floyd
Written by Pastor Jane Jeuland
Start timer for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
Voice One: One year ago on May 25th then officer Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd by pinning him down for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This morning we will take 8 minutes and 46 seconds to offer our prayers both silently and aloud.
At minute 1
Voice 2: We pray for churches across America and the world. God, bring an end to the sin of racism in the church. Move the hearts and minds of Christians everywhere to love and serve the Lord and seek justice and the dignity of all human person.
Help us O Lord.
At minute 2:15
Voice 3: We pray for our nation, this United States and for all leaders in America. God, bring an end to the sin of racism in our nation. Transform our nation into a model of equality, peace, and true freedom for all peoples.
Help us O Lord.
At minute 3:30
Voice 4: We pray for the world. God, bring an end to the sin of racism in our world. Break down structures that support racism and build up structures that value each child of God.
Help us O Lord.
At minute 4:45
Voice 5: We pray for our local community. God, bring an end to the sin of racism in our local community. Bring us together to love and serve one another in the midst of difficult conversation and differing opinions.
Help us O Lord.
At minute 6
Voice 2: We pray for all who suffer in body mind and spirit as a result of racism. Pause. We pray for all who suffer for any reason especially ……
At minute 7:15
Voice 2: We pray for all those who have been killed by a violent act of racism especially George Floyd and all those killed this past year. God be with their families and all those who still wait for justice to be served. Pause. We pray for all those who have died, especially….
At 8 minutes 46 seconds
Voice 1: Here ends the 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
Voice One: One year ago on May 25th then officer Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd by pinning him down for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This morning we will take 8 minutes and 46 seconds to offer our prayers both silently and aloud.
At minute 1
Voice 2: We pray for churches across America and the world. God, bring an end to the sin of racism in the church. Move the hearts and minds of Christians everywhere to love and serve the Lord and seek justice and the dignity of all human person.
Help us O Lord.
At minute 2:15
Voice 3: We pray for our nation, this United States and for all leaders in America. God, bring an end to the sin of racism in our nation. Transform our nation into a model of equality, peace, and true freedom for all peoples.
Help us O Lord.
At minute 3:30
Voice 4: We pray for the world. God, bring an end to the sin of racism in our world. Break down structures that support racism and build up structures that value each child of God.
Help us O Lord.
At minute 4:45
Voice 5: We pray for our local community. God, bring an end to the sin of racism in our local community. Bring us together to love and serve one another in the midst of difficult conversation and differing opinions.
Help us O Lord.
At minute 6
Voice 2: We pray for all who suffer in body mind and spirit as a result of racism. Pause. We pray for all who suffer for any reason especially ……
At minute 7:15
Voice 2: We pray for all those who have been killed by a violent act of racism especially George Floyd and all those killed this past year. God be with their families and all those who still wait for justice to be served. Pause. We pray for all those who have died, especially….
At 8 minutes 46 seconds
Voice 1: Here ends the 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
Environmental Justice
Written by Jenna Van Donselaar
Creator God, giver and sustainer of life, we thank you for the gift of creation.
We confess that all too often, we have failed to see the world around us as a gift, and have destroyed the world around us in the interest of profit, progress, and convenience.
In our quest for profit and ease, we have not advocated for all people to have the right to breathe clean air, to drink clean water, and to have a liveable future.
We have narrowed the vision of our flourishing world to include some, not all. We pray now that you will guide us as we advocate for a world that will allow all people and creatures to flourish, both now and in the future. We pray that you will give us the courage to see the ways in which our world is not liveable for all, and the courage to act to make a difference.
We pray for our leaders, for those who have the power to extract resources, and for those responsible for the majority of carbon emissions. We pray that those with the power to make change will begin to put people over profits.
We pray for those who are employed by the fossil fuel industry, who are fearful of a transition to a different energy system. We pray that any transition will be just-- keeping frontline communities in mind, and ensuring that those who currently work in the energy sector don’t get left behind.
We pray for those who live in coastal communities, those who live near factories, those who do not have drinkable water. We pray for all those who already are feeling the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. We pray that these communities are centered as we move towards climate justice.
We know that you love your creation, and we ask that you teach us how to be better stewards of that which you have created. We pray that we will begin to see ourselves as divinely created, in solidarity and interdependence with all of humanity and creation. We pray that you will teach us to love you, love creation, and love our neighbors better. Teach us to honor one another, and honor the gift of life.
Amen.
We confess that all too often, we have failed to see the world around us as a gift, and have destroyed the world around us in the interest of profit, progress, and convenience.
In our quest for profit and ease, we have not advocated for all people to have the right to breathe clean air, to drink clean water, and to have a liveable future.
We have narrowed the vision of our flourishing world to include some, not all. We pray now that you will guide us as we advocate for a world that will allow all people and creatures to flourish, both now and in the future. We pray that you will give us the courage to see the ways in which our world is not liveable for all, and the courage to act to make a difference.
We pray for our leaders, for those who have the power to extract resources, and for those responsible for the majority of carbon emissions. We pray that those with the power to make change will begin to put people over profits.
We pray for those who are employed by the fossil fuel industry, who are fearful of a transition to a different energy system. We pray that any transition will be just-- keeping frontline communities in mind, and ensuring that those who currently work in the energy sector don’t get left behind.
We pray for those who live in coastal communities, those who live near factories, those who do not have drinkable water. We pray for all those who already are feeling the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. We pray that these communities are centered as we move towards climate justice.
We know that you love your creation, and we ask that you teach us how to be better stewards of that which you have created. We pray that we will begin to see ourselves as divinely created, in solidarity and interdependence with all of humanity and creation. We pray that you will teach us to love you, love creation, and love our neighbors better. Teach us to honor one another, and honor the gift of life.
Amen.
Mass Incarceration in the U.S.
Written by Pastor Jane Jeuland
Dear God, who leads us out of sin, into new life and true joy, we thank you for the freedom given to us each day.
We confess that we too often fail to accept this gift and forget to see ourselves as you see us, Your very children.
We confess that we have failed to defend the freedom and dignity of people throughout the world and in our own country.
We pray especially now for our American correctional systems. All too often, we as Americans put out of mind the people that our criminal justice system has put out of our sight.
God help us to remember all the male and female and gender nonconforming individuals behind bars. God help us to remember their families, especially their children, whose hearts ache to see them again. Remind us continually of ugly truths we would rather forget so that we may work for real justice and lasting peace.
We pray for those whom we employ to work behind bars, correctional officers, counselors, healthcare workers, teachers, chaplains and administrators. We pray that they would be so filled with your love that their minds may be conformed to your Holy will, not warped by the outsized power they are given over other humans.
We pray for peace in our prisons, that servants of dignity and love would overcome inhumane systems of power. We pray for wisdom where there is so much fear, anger, and hate. We pray for all US correctional departments to be transformed and radically remade to serve the greater good by effectively correcting criminal behavior, rather than simply punishing it. We pray for an end to all the violence.
We pray for all victims of violence, selfishness, and ignorance. We ask God that you would set the captives free. Heal the afflicted. Redeem what has been lost. Help us to truly honor and bless one another as you bless us and heal us. God, continually remake us by your Holy Spirit, fill us with your power, and set us free to bless others in Your Name.
Amen.
We confess that we too often fail to accept this gift and forget to see ourselves as you see us, Your very children.
We confess that we have failed to defend the freedom and dignity of people throughout the world and in our own country.
We pray especially now for our American correctional systems. All too often, we as Americans put out of mind the people that our criminal justice system has put out of our sight.
God help us to remember all the male and female and gender nonconforming individuals behind bars. God help us to remember their families, especially their children, whose hearts ache to see them again. Remind us continually of ugly truths we would rather forget so that we may work for real justice and lasting peace.
We pray for those whom we employ to work behind bars, correctional officers, counselors, healthcare workers, teachers, chaplains and administrators. We pray that they would be so filled with your love that their minds may be conformed to your Holy will, not warped by the outsized power they are given over other humans.
We pray for peace in our prisons, that servants of dignity and love would overcome inhumane systems of power. We pray for wisdom where there is so much fear, anger, and hate. We pray for all US correctional departments to be transformed and radically remade to serve the greater good by effectively correcting criminal behavior, rather than simply punishing it. We pray for an end to all the violence.
We pray for all victims of violence, selfishness, and ignorance. We ask God that you would set the captives free. Heal the afflicted. Redeem what has been lost. Help us to truly honor and bless one another as you bless us and heal us. God, continually remake us by your Holy Spirit, fill us with your power, and set us free to bless others in Your Name.
Amen.
Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19
Written by Pastor Jane Jeuland
We estimate that every 35 seconds someone in the United States dies of COVID. At times like these, we do not know how to pray, but we know that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness with sighs too deep for words.
Let us take 35 seconds right now to pray for all those who have died and are dying from COVID 19.
35 seconds of silence.
We know that people of color have been disproportionately impacted by COVID 19. At one point, in Milwaukee African Americans made up 70% of deaths due to the coronavirus, but just 26% of the county’s population.
God of wisdom, power, and love, help us to see and understand the brokenness in our systems that have caused this devastating inequality.
Powerfully intervene with our leaders to move resources to fix these broken places and Heavenly Father send your Holy Angels to surround and protect people of color from COVID 19.
35 seconds of silence.
God you have spread your saving word throughout our nation. Empower and equip leaders in all the churches that dot our city streets, our country lanes, and our suburban sprawl. Help us learn how to act and fill us with your fire to decrease health inequities caused by racism in our communities.
35 seconds of silence.
We thank you God for all the frontline medical professionals who stand up against racism in our healthcare system when they see it. We thank you for all the public health officials, social justice advocates, social workers and people on the ground who are working to combat healthcare disparities.
35 seconds of silence.
Heal all those who suffer from COVID 19 right now, and God please end this virus.
35 seconds of silence.
In the name of our one and only Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Let us take 35 seconds right now to pray for all those who have died and are dying from COVID 19.
35 seconds of silence.
We know that people of color have been disproportionately impacted by COVID 19. At one point, in Milwaukee African Americans made up 70% of deaths due to the coronavirus, but just 26% of the county’s population.
God of wisdom, power, and love, help us to see and understand the brokenness in our systems that have caused this devastating inequality.
Powerfully intervene with our leaders to move resources to fix these broken places and Heavenly Father send your Holy Angels to surround and protect people of color from COVID 19.
35 seconds of silence.
God you have spread your saving word throughout our nation. Empower and equip leaders in all the churches that dot our city streets, our country lanes, and our suburban sprawl. Help us learn how to act and fill us with your fire to decrease health inequities caused by racism in our communities.
35 seconds of silence.
We thank you God for all the frontline medical professionals who stand up against racism in our healthcare system when they see it. We thank you for all the public health officials, social justice advocates, social workers and people on the ground who are working to combat healthcare disparities.
35 seconds of silence.
Heal all those who suffer from COVID 19 right now, and God please end this virus.
35 seconds of silence.
In the name of our one and only Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
International Police Brutality
Written by Pastor Jane Jeuland
In Rio De Janeiro, police were responsible for 35% of all killings most of which were Black men. In the Netherlands, Tomy Holton was pinned down by up to six officers, and within 90 minutes of the arrival of an ambulance, he passed away. In Nigeria the Special Anti-Robbery Squad known as SARS was created to decrease lawlessness but has led to police acting with impunity. Violence against West Native Papuan has led to the #PapuanLivesMatter movement. In India police brutality has become so severe that it is common referred to as “third degree interrogation”. In Australia there have been at least 441 Aboriginal individuals killed in custody since 1991, and in New Zealand, the native Māori and Pacific communities have been subjected to continuous police violence.
We know that police brutality and racism have no geographical limit, so let us pray now for an end to racism and police brutality throughout the world.
Loving God, we pray that you would heal those who have been harmed in mind, body, and spirit by the sin of racism and police brutality across the globe. Help them to see themselves the way that you do Lord. Give them strength and courage. Surround them with love and support. Protect them from further harm.
God of compassion, comfort all those who mourn the loss of a loved one killed as a result of racism. Surround them with love, encouragement, and support.
God of might, move the hearts and minds of Christians to stand alongside Jesus on the side of the oppressed and kindle a fire in the church to fight for the freedom that Jesus gave to all who believe.
Awesome and powerful God, Empower and equip our nation and all who are in authority to continue moving toward real, sustainable change here and throughout our world.
Heavenly God, bless our community as we seek to take our part locally to fight a sin that permeates every community. Help us, God, to continue to run and not grow weary, help us to walk and not grow faint, make us to soar on wings like eagles, because every step is one step closer to your freedom and justice.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
We know that police brutality and racism have no geographical limit, so let us pray now for an end to racism and police brutality throughout the world.
Loving God, we pray that you would heal those who have been harmed in mind, body, and spirit by the sin of racism and police brutality across the globe. Help them to see themselves the way that you do Lord. Give them strength and courage. Surround them with love and support. Protect them from further harm.
God of compassion, comfort all those who mourn the loss of a loved one killed as a result of racism. Surround them with love, encouragement, and support.
God of might, move the hearts and minds of Christians to stand alongside Jesus on the side of the oppressed and kindle a fire in the church to fight for the freedom that Jesus gave to all who believe.
Awesome and powerful God, Empower and equip our nation and all who are in authority to continue moving toward real, sustainable change here and throughout our world.
Heavenly God, bless our community as we seek to take our part locally to fight a sin that permeates every community. Help us, God, to continue to run and not grow weary, help us to walk and not grow faint, make us to soar on wings like eagles, because every step is one step closer to your freedom and justice.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Sex Trafficking
Written by Pastor Jane Jeuland
A Collect for Addressing Sex Trafficking:
Beloved God whose son took children into his arms and blessed them, we ask that you protect your children, particularly those who are Black and brown, from sex trafficking and bring about healing for the deep wounds of racism in our country’s psyche. Help us to understand that in Your eternal kingdom, your children live in perfect freedom and no one can be bought or sold; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Beloved God whose son took children into his arms and blessed them, we ask that you protect your children, particularly those who are Black and brown, from sex trafficking and bring about healing for the deep wounds of racism in our country’s psyche. Help us to understand that in Your eternal kingdom, your children live in perfect freedom and no one can be bought or sold; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Transgender & Non-Binary Justice
Written by Pastor Jane Jeuland
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer all in the Church who recognize the significance of gender justice for all people. Loving God fill all believers with your compassion and care so that we may have the capacity to listen, learn, and grow not only in our awareness but also in our willingness to act. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer all in our nation, who recognize the significance of gender justice for all people. We pray for teachers, social workers, lawyers, and all people in authority who heed the call to support trans liberation, trans leadership, and trans visibility. May they ultimately lean into the Light of truth and justice, offering hope to Trans and gender nonconforming youth and adults. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer all transgendered and non-binary persons who have honored their truest selves and helped others honor transgendered persons. We pray for the dawn of a new day when the very humanity of trans people is no longer called into question or ignored. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer all transgender people, so many of whom live under the weight of violence, fear, and intolerance. We especially lift up all those transgender and non-binary persons who face additional discrimination and violence based on the color of their skin. We pray that physical, emotional, and spiritual violence will come to an end. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer the loved ones of all transgender and non-binary people who have been killed especially those killed in 2020: Dustin Parker, Neulisa Luciano Ruiz, Yampi Mendez Arocho, Monika, Diamond, Lexi, Johanna Metzger, Serena Angelique Velazquez Ramos, Layla Pelaez Sanchez, Penelope Diaz Ramirez, Nina Pop, Helle Jae O’Regan, Tony McDade , Dominique "Rem'mie" Fells, Riah Milton, Jayne Thompson, Selena Reyes-Hernandez, Brian "Egypt" Powers, Brayla Stone, Merci Mack, Shaki Peters, Bree Black, Summer Taylor, Marilyn Cazares, Dior H Ova, Queasha D Hardy, Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears, Kee Sam, Aerrion Burnett, Mia Green, Michelle Michellyn Ramos Vargas, Felycya Harris, Brooklyn Deshuna, Sara Blackwood. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Good and gracious God, help us commit and recommit to creating a world where people of all genders know peace, love, and justice. Help us commit and recommit to living lives of compassion and care for all of humanity. Help us commit and recommit to the healing work of relationship-building that will let every person know, no matter their gender or sexuality or race, that they are loved and valued. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
People: Hear our prayer.
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer all in our nation, who recognize the significance of gender justice for all people. We pray for teachers, social workers, lawyers, and all people in authority who heed the call to support trans liberation, trans leadership, and trans visibility. May they ultimately lean into the Light of truth and justice, offering hope to Trans and gender nonconforming youth and adults. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer all transgendered and non-binary persons who have honored their truest selves and helped others honor transgendered persons. We pray for the dawn of a new day when the very humanity of trans people is no longer called into question or ignored. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer all transgender people, so many of whom live under the weight of violence, fear, and intolerance. We especially lift up all those transgender and non-binary persons who face additional discrimination and violence based on the color of their skin. We pray that physical, emotional, and spiritual violence will come to an end. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Prayer Leader: We hold in love and prayer the loved ones of all transgender and non-binary people who have been killed especially those killed in 2020: Dustin Parker, Neulisa Luciano Ruiz, Yampi Mendez Arocho, Monika, Diamond, Lexi, Johanna Metzger, Serena Angelique Velazquez Ramos, Layla Pelaez Sanchez, Penelope Diaz Ramirez, Nina Pop, Helle Jae O’Regan, Tony McDade , Dominique "Rem'mie" Fells, Riah Milton, Jayne Thompson, Selena Reyes-Hernandez, Brian "Egypt" Powers, Brayla Stone, Merci Mack, Shaki Peters, Bree Black, Summer Taylor, Marilyn Cazares, Dior H Ova, Queasha D Hardy, Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears, Kee Sam, Aerrion Burnett, Mia Green, Michelle Michellyn Ramos Vargas, Felycya Harris, Brooklyn Deshuna, Sara Blackwood. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Good and gracious God, help us commit and recommit to creating a world where people of all genders know peace, love, and justice. Help us commit and recommit to living lives of compassion and care for all of humanity. Help us commit and recommit to the healing work of relationship-building that will let every person know, no matter their gender or sexuality or race, that they are loved and valued. Lord in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Police Brutality
Written by Pastor Jane Jeuland
Prayer Leader: “For Freedom, Christ has set us free.” God of freedom, we ask that you would set free all believers and all police officers from the sin of racism. God of Freedom,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: Jesus said, “My peace I give.” God of peace, we thank you for all those who work for peace in our nation. We especially thank you for all police officers who run toward difficult, tense, and violent situations to bring about peace. We ask that you would move the hearts and minds of all police officers so that they may work to end racism and bring about your peace. God of peace,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: Jesus said, “Judge not.” God of justice, we pray for all those facing injustice in the world. We especially pray for those who have faced prejudice and racism at the hands of those who are meant to work for God’s justice. Be present with those who have suffered injustice and restore justice in our world. God of Justice,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will protect him.” God of our protection, we especially pray today for all those who are in harms way. We ask that you would send them police officers, who would protect them from all violence. God of our protection,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: God promised, “I will heal my people.” God of our healing, we ask that you would heal all those who are sick or injured. We especially ask that you would heal and comfort all those who have been injured by police officers, especially, Justin Howell, a 20 year old young black man whose eye and brain were critically injured when police shot a rubber bullet at him while he was peacefully protesting in May. God of our healing,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: In God’s Heavenly Kingdom, “God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” God of compassion, we pray for all those African Americans who have been killed by police officers. Espcially send your comfort and peace to all those who grieve the loss of Kathryn Johnston, a 92 year old woman, who was killed by police in her home during a no-knock raid based on false claims that she was selling drugs (2006), Tamir Rice, a 12-year old boy who was killed by police while playing with a plastic gun in a playground (2015), Philando Castile, a 28-year old man who was killed by police while sitting in his car during a traffic stop (2016), Sean Monterrosa, a 22-year old young man, who was killed by police while kneeling with his hands up at a protest (2020). God of compassion,
All: Hear our prayer.
Prayer/Worship Leader: Hear our prayers, Holy God. Breathe your Spirit over us and all the earth, that your freedom, peace, justice, protection, healing, and compassion would reside in all our hearts and especially the hearts and minds of our police officers. Unite us with one another in the bonds of your love, that the whole earth may live in peace. We pray all this through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
All: Amen.
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: Jesus said, “My peace I give.” God of peace, we thank you for all those who work for peace in our nation. We especially thank you for all police officers who run toward difficult, tense, and violent situations to bring about peace. We ask that you would move the hearts and minds of all police officers so that they may work to end racism and bring about your peace. God of peace,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: Jesus said, “Judge not.” God of justice, we pray for all those facing injustice in the world. We especially pray for those who have faced prejudice and racism at the hands of those who are meant to work for God’s justice. Be present with those who have suffered injustice and restore justice in our world. God of Justice,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will protect him.” God of our protection, we especially pray today for all those who are in harms way. We ask that you would send them police officers, who would protect them from all violence. God of our protection,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: God promised, “I will heal my people.” God of our healing, we ask that you would heal all those who are sick or injured. We especially ask that you would heal and comfort all those who have been injured by police officers, especially, Justin Howell, a 20 year old young black man whose eye and brain were critically injured when police shot a rubber bullet at him while he was peacefully protesting in May. God of our healing,
All: Hear our Prayer.
Prayer Leader: In God’s Heavenly Kingdom, “God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” God of compassion, we pray for all those African Americans who have been killed by police officers. Espcially send your comfort and peace to all those who grieve the loss of Kathryn Johnston, a 92 year old woman, who was killed by police in her home during a no-knock raid based on false claims that she was selling drugs (2006), Tamir Rice, a 12-year old boy who was killed by police while playing with a plastic gun in a playground (2015), Philando Castile, a 28-year old man who was killed by police while sitting in his car during a traffic stop (2016), Sean Monterrosa, a 22-year old young man, who was killed by police while kneeling with his hands up at a protest (2020). God of compassion,
All: Hear our prayer.
Prayer/Worship Leader: Hear our prayers, Holy God. Breathe your Spirit over us and all the earth, that your freedom, peace, justice, protection, healing, and compassion would reside in all our hearts and especially the hearts and minds of our police officers. Unite us with one another in the bonds of your love, that the whole earth may live in peace. We pray all this through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
All: Amen.
